Do you start feeling more lethargic and under the weather as the day gets shorter and it starts getting darker sooner? Trust us, you are not alone. We all feel a bit blue when autumn is in full swing, and the winter months are starting to approach us. The urge to stay curled up in bed on a chilly, gloomy day surely increases and productivity suffers. Seasonal changes can really affect people and their mental health and as a matter of fact, there is a clinical term for it – seasonal affective disorder (SAD). While only a small part of the population is truly affected by the disorder, the majority of people are likely to experience the milder form of it, the winter blues.
Here at House Sales Direct, we have gathered ways for you to beat the lethargic state you might be in by anything from exercising to changing your diet. There are plenty of things you can do to put your mind and body in a more positive and energetic state, putting summer back in your footsteps.
Stock Up on Vitamins
As winter days are shorter and generally produce less light than normal, it is only reasonable to make sure your body is prepared for it. Since our main source of vitamin D comes from sunlight, it is only normal for our body to be lacking it during the winter months. Vitamin D plays a vital role in boosting the immune system, regulating moods and blood sugar levels. Another supplement which could help with your winter blues is fish oil such as Omega-3 because it helps improve the functionality of the cells in the brain and blood. Taking these two vitamins during winter months can lead to sharper thinking and better emotional health.
Regular Exercise
One of the best ways to fight winter blues is simply to try and stay active. Exercising has the ability tocontrol a person’s moods and sometimes serves as an antidepressant. Whether you go for a walk, practice indoor sports or hit the gym, increasing your dopamine levels will benefit you in many ways, keeping you energised and in a much better mood. Surely, it sounds easier said than done, especially when it’s dark and cold outside. However, it shouldn’t stop you from doing it in the comfort of your own home. There are now plenty of home workouts, yoga practices which can be easily done from your living room so you have got no excuses not to do it.
Change Your Diet
The food we consume has a massive impact on how we feel so it is something to be mindful of when we are trying to maintain better health. Complex carbohydrates are the ideal choice for winter months as they don’t provide sudden spikes in blood sugar, keeping your mood regulated. While refined carbohydrates such as garlic bread, pizza and pasta can give you short-term satisfaction, they tend to make you feel much more lethargic as opposed to complex carbohydrates like broccoli, sweet potatoes and beans.
Do Something for Your Soul
Taking care of not only your physical health but your mental one as well is vital here. As much as winter has an effect on our bodies, so does on our mental state as well. It is really important that you take time to do something for yourself, something which inspires you and keeps your spirits positive. Whether that is curling up with a good book at home, painting or doing any hobbies you might have. It will certainly improve your mood and nurture your soul.
Stay Social
Normally people tend to close themselves at home when the weather worsens outside, making them become much less social. Human connections are necessary for people to function to their optimal level so do not let the cold and gloomy weather stop your social life. You could plan sleepovers with friends, gather at home to cook meals together, play board games and do movie marathons with the people you love the most. Keeping in touch with family and friends during the winter months is essential for keeping your spirit high and staying positive.
Try New Things
Winter can sometimes feel as if everything has stopped for a while and nothing exciting seems to be happening except Christmas holidays and Halloween. If you are in a bit of a rut this cold season, fighting your winter blues, you might want to try doing something new. Cooking a different meal and experimenting in the kitchen is a great way to stay in your warm home but you may choose to pick a different activity. Is there something you have always wanted to try but never got the guts to? Or are there any exciting activities happening in your area which you could attend? Surely, there are plenty of things you could do as long as you have the motivation to do it.
Winter blues really are an annoying state you can be in, and they could easily snowball, creating even more problems for you which is why it is important to acknowledge them firstand then start to work towards beating them slowly but surely.
This article was written by an online estate agent House Sales Direct. If you wish to sell house fast and for free, then head over to the House Sales Direct website for more property related information and enquiries.