The cold winter months in Canada may mean gloomy days, where you’re tired or depressed, or both. This “blah” feeling is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or the “winter blues”. With long Canadian winters, it may seem like there’s no end in sight to your blues, but here are four tips to help you get over your winter blues and feel happy again, even in the harsh weather. Get over winter blues now!
Get outside
Sure it’s freezing outside, but getting fresh air and the winter sun can still be beneficial in warding off the blues. Bundle up and take a short walk to enjoy natural sunlight. The change in scenery, especially if you work indoors all day, could definitely help change your mood.
Take your vitamins
Taking vitamin supplements helps boost your immune system, which is crucial in cold and flu season this winter. Pay importance to vitamin D supplements especially, since your intake of vitamin D from the sun is limited. Vitamin D improves your immune system and can help in your defense against winter depression or blues.
Get moving
Sitting on the couch feeling blue is not going to do anything for your mood. Besides the physical health benefits, studies show that exercise helps ward off depression since physical activity increases endorphins in your body, the hormone that boosts feelings of happiness. So get moving and fight off the winter blues.
Eat healthy
You might enjoy comfort foods while you’re not feeling great, but you should consider whether it’ll make your waist feel good too. If you’ve got SAD, avoid sugary and starchy foods, which increase your blood sugar levels and may affect your mood. Instead, opt for healthy foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, as a balanced diet keeps you healthy and may improve your mood.
Start talking
Staying silent about your feelings is definitely not a good idea. Talk to a close friend about how you feel. They may be able to give your advice or perspective to help you see past your mood. If your winter blues become severe, seek professional help. Your doctor may recommend antidepressants or therapy. Remember that talking to someone about how you feel is important and you are not in this alone.
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