Got the Winter Blues ?
Here are some Winter Pick Me Ups that might help you.
Are you feeling down, lonely, sad, depresses, have no energy, just plain blah? You are not alone at all. Over 25 million Americans suffer from what is known as the Winter Blues. I, happen to be among those people and know it sucks!!
There are many things a person can do to give themselves a winter pick me up feeling.
When winter rolls around we tend to crave foods like candy, and white bread because they help to boost the production of that feel good chemical in our brains called serotonin. But, those foods are just a short term pick me up and cause us to crash not long after eating them. Instead, choose things with whole grain like oatmeal or whole grain breads. Or food like eggs, fruit, greek yogurt, brown rice and veggies. And, drink plenty of water every day. Water with a lemon slice is a great way to kick start your morning. Follow with a hot cup of tea, like a licorice tea. Licorice can help aid in digestion which will help your body get the most nutrients out of the healthy foods you are eating.
Sun is such an important part of ones mood. I know for me when I wake up and it is gloomy, dark, overcast, or rainy my mood isn’t the same as if the sun is beaming down thru my windows. So, when it is sunny take advantage of it. Go outside, even if it’s cold and take a walk, play with the kids or pets, do some yard work, or just soak in all the world around you has to offer. 30 minutes a day of an outside activity when sunny will give you a good pick me up feel. Not into going outside, then grab your tea (or coffee) and sit by a bright window while looking out the window and taking some you time helps also.
Exercising right away in the morning also helps boost your mood for the day. You get your body moving and let your brain release those feel good chemicals to help you thru your day. If you tend to feel a bit down half way thru the day, stop what you are doing, put on some music and just dance. Music and movement make just about anyone smile and seems to melt away the bad mood vibes.
Sometimes life is so busy and when we add how busy we are, the winter days that have more dark than light, the cold weather, higher bills due to heating season, and all else that comes with this time of year we tend to put off things that we need, like taking time for ourselves. So, maybe plan a girls shopping day, or a spa day, or a night out of the house with friends for dinner, dancing, drinks, etc. When you have things like this on your calendar you will have something to look forward too and it will help you accomplish those weekly/daily tasks you need to do because there is a reward at the end.
And, a very important one that many of us don’t do enough ~ RELAX! Read a book, watch a movie, snuggle with your spouse, take a nap with the kids, take a yoga class, or learn to meditate at home. It is easier said than done sometimes but a lot of the winter blahs are brought on by our business and sometimes we all need to just learn to RELAX!
If the symptoms you are experiencing don’t go away with any of the above suggestion or other things you have tried then you will need to see a doctor. Don’t let life pass you by when there is help available for you.
About Sheila Thomas
