It’s no secrete that most peoples favourite season is Summer. The warm weather, longer days, and all the fun things you can do outside.
So no wonder everyone hates winter. Freezing cold weather… stupid amount of snow ( Or is that just me because I live in the Canadian Snow Belt?) Short days and months of being cooped up in your house like a hermit waiting for those warm sunny days!
I know for me I really don’t mind the winter up till January 1st … and then I am DONE! I Hate the cold weather, the dry skin, the cleaning the snow off your car just to have the wind blow it all back in your face. The wet socks when stepping on the mat at the door. Short days. No sun. Layers on layers of clothes. I just don’t like it!
I find by January everyone is over the winter… people start getting their credit card bills from the holidays, the snow starts to pick up and the winter storms start rolling in to add to the holiday high burn out that is January.
By February everyone is dreaming of tropical beaches and unlimited drinks. February is when the winter blues start to really set in. We all wait with high hopes for that groundhog to tell us there are only a few short weeks till spring!
Basically … winter just sucks after the holidays are over.
Luckily I have a few tricks to help beat the winter blues!
1.Vitamin D
It’s important to make sure you are getting enough Vitamin D, especially in the winter. The most efficient way to get this sunshine vitamin would be to directly expose your bare skin to direct sunlight. When you expose your bare skin to direct sunlight your body will start to naturally produce vitamin D. Other options would be to take a Vitamin D supplement.
When you’re low in Vitamin D your body starts to feel achy and your muscles get fatigued. You can start to feel depressed and are likely to become sick more often.
Benefits of Vitamin D:
Reduce the risk of the Flu
Reduce the risk of Diabetes
Healthy Bones / Teeth
Pregnancy health
Cancer prevention
2.Working Out
Working out has its obvious health benefits but can have an even better effect on your mood and overall health in the winter to help you beat the winter blues.
When you work out your body releases serotonin and dopamine that make you feel happy. The rise in body temperature while working out (outside) can have a relaxing and soothing effect similar to taking a warm bath or being snuggled up by a fire.
Working out regularly will help to keep you healthy and boost your immune system. When you work out regularly your blood is continuously pumping blood which helps circulate your immune cells to fight off any infections that might be trying to attack.
So getting outside for a little workout will help boost your mood, body temperature, and even get you some of that amazing sunshine vitamin along with fighting off that pesky flu… and don’t forget about the regular health benefits of workout!
3. Spa Day
Let’s just start with who doesn’t love a spa day any day any time of the year… am I right?!
Taking time to pamper your self is important for your physical and mental health all year round… but could be considered even more important in the winter. ( you can check out my self-care post Here )
Going for a massage will help you release stress and anxiety along with a similar effect to working out a simple 30-60 min massage will release serotonin the “feel-good” chemical. Not only does getting a massage make you feel happy but it also helps release your body of toxins by stimulating the lymphatic system ( which is why they tell you to drink a lot of water after )
There are of course plenty of other treatments you can get that will help with beating the winter blues that will all have a positive effect!
4. Go For A Walk
Get outside! Take your dog for a walk! Take your kids to the park!
Getting outside in the winter has multiple benefits to beating the winter blues.
Getting outside and breathing that fresh air is a detox for your lungs. Taking a deep breath out in the cold to fill your lungs is so extremely satisfying not to mention it’s proven to relax you.
You won’t be taking a deep breath of potential virus filled recycled air!
Going for a winter walk helps to burn more calories than it would in the summer because your body is working harder to regulate your core body temperature. A 20-30 min walk will still release the amazing serotonin chemical we all love so much!
5. Eating Healthy
I know… I Know… in the winter we all like to indulge in comfort foods… and trust me when I say I am well known to be the master of making comfort foods! Just ask my husband about my meatloaf recipe! But when it comes to overall health and beating the winter blues it’s important to eat more whole foods in the winter. It’ll help you from feeling less sluggish and more energetic to get outside and exercise! Eating a more balanced diet will help with energy, sleep, and your overall mood and health.
Nothing but positive effects from eating a well-balanced diet!
So now that you read my tips and tricks for beating the winter blues you should pop on over to my post about self care… combining this lsit with my self-care list and you will be feeling the best you ever have!!!! I promise!
Time To Beat The Winter Blues
