How To Avoid The Winter Blues
The temperatures are low and so may be your spirits. Are you missing those sunny days? You may be tempted to fake it by visiting your closest tanning salon – but DON’T!
We understand it’s hard to avoid the winter blues when the days are short and the weather's cold but we have 6 tips to help you snap out of it without damaging your skin and health.
Exercise. I know it sounds cliché but physical activity has been proven to reduce depression, anxiety, stress, sharpen your memory, improve your sleep, and boosts your overall well being. If your motivation is lacking find a workout partner. This will hold you accountable, inspire you and you'll have a great time together!
Get Some Fresh Air. Even if the temperatures are freezing bundle up and get outside. The fresh air will energize you and may actually boost your immune system.
Eat Mood Boosting Foods. If you’re experiencing the winter blues you may have a tendency to reach for simple carbohydrates like breads, pastas and sweets. While consuming these foods may seem satisfying at the time you will pay for it later in the form of a sugar crash. You could also be increasing those feelings of anxiety and depression. Depending on your region you may be lacking Vitamin D. If you’re feeling sluggish, tired or depressed this essential vitamin may be able to help. Try adding Vitamin D into your daily diet with foods such as: fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, trout), cod liver oil, fortified milk and egg yolks (to name just a few).
Dance Party! Music is scientifically proven to boost your mood. So turn up the beat and show off your moves. Make a playlist of all your favorite songs and play it whenever you start to feel the blues coming on.
Brighten Up Your Environment. You can improve your mood by simply making the space around you brighter. Try opening all of your blinds to let the natural sun light in. If it’s a cloudy day add an additional lamp to the room or swap old lights with full spectrum bulbs.
Plan a Vacation. Give yourself something to look forward to, create your own light at the end of the tunnel. Just the simple act of planning can improve your overall mood. Check out some of the most breathtaking places around the world to help jump start your planning. Just don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and sun protective clothing!
Try applying these 6 easy tips to your daily routine. You’ll be so happy you won’t know if it’s winter or summer. Plus, you'll have no need to visit the tanning salon again! Your future self will thank you.
Have any specific tips that help get you through the winter blues? Let us know in the comments below.
