Choose Happy: How to beat the winter blues
During the winter months, the short, darker days and the lack of sun light can affect even the best of us. If you find yourself suffering from that common, seasonal health complaint, you are among 2 million people who experience it every year in Britain.
The condition, described by some as a mild depression, is usually characterized by feeling a little down, lacking motivation and energy, increased fatigue and in some cases, greater appetite.
The good news is that there are some simple steps that you can take in order to improve your mental wellbeing. By doing so you may feel happier and more positive every day.
Adjusting your diet
Paying attention to your diet and making some healthy choices can positively affect your mood and energy levels. Try to keep those carb cravings at bay by maintaining your blood sugar levels, it will help you to feel more energetic. Reduce the intake of sweets and simple carbs because eating them will lead to sudden peaks and troughs in the amount of glucose in your blood. This in turn, results in irritability, poor concentration, dizziness, crying spells or fatigue.
You should monitor your caffeine intake too. High levels of caffeine in your daily diet can lead to agitation and nervousness. Various studies shown that cutting down on caffeine can lift effects of depression.
Getting a portion of exercise
As shown by many studies people who exercise regularly experience positive boost to their moods and therefore lower rates of depression. This is because exercising relieves the build-up of stress hormones in the body and promotes overall relaxation of the nervous system. It also releases happy chemicals called endorphins.
Incorporating regular fitness routine into your life doesn’t require buying expensive gym membership. It is enough to just add little activity into your daily schedule.
According to University of Bristol, as little as 20 mins of exercising a day is enough to boost your happiness levels.
Investing time in your social life
Studies shown that socializing has a positive effect on one’s mental health. However, during the winter months we often tend to spend more time in the warmth of our homes, limiting our time with others. Keeping in touch with people who care about us is considered one of the best mood boosters out there. So if you are feeling low, instead of dwelling on it, pick up a phone and call a good friend, spend more time with your family or join a club in your local area to meet new people.
Getting outside
Lack of sunlight can make the winter blues worse. Spending time outdoors, as little as 15 minutes a day, can reduce stress levels and boost your mood. If your work requires long hours spent indoors, try to sit near to the window whenever you can.
Developing hobbies and interests
Cold winter months may push us to spend more time indors, but that doesn’t mean that our free time should be spent entirely in front of TV. Try to proactively research options for indoor hobbies, some of the most popular include baking, painting, reading, writing or learning a new language.
Article by Mary Mcilroy Counselling Services.
