Thankfully, winter is on its way out! Spring is on the way, but the day light hours are still short. It’s still cold and darker in most places right now. The cold and darkness can leave you feeling a bit low energy and blue, stressed out, and worn down. The colder weather for some can cause health concerns including colds, flus, achy joints or even depression. Even though it may be gloomy outside, your outlook doesn’t have to be!
It’s not uncommon during this time of year to feel a case of the “winter blues” – sometimes known as SAD (seasonal affective disorder) which is a more serious side to the winter blues.
At one end of the extreme, people with SAD tend to struggle during the short dark days of winter, sometimes to the degree where they don’t want to get out of the house. To learn more, please refer to 7 Tips to Avoid Seasonal Affective Disorder.
On the other hand, there are those who wake up cheerfully, rain or shine. In-between these two groups are those with the winter blues. They manage with difficulty during the dark days and are less joyful, productive, and creative than usual, but they still get out of the house.
So, what’s the real difference between SAD and the winter blues? The degree of dysfunction is key.
People with SAD suffer setbacks as they withdraw from friends and loved ones, and they are significantly unhappier. People with the winter blues tend to manage with life’s basic demands, but with a bit of difficulty and not much motivation.
But these two groups are by no means completely divided.
Pile stress on to someone with the winter blues (such as longer work hours, tighter deadlines or a poor performance rating) and – hey, presto! The winter blues can turn into SAD.
On the other hand, if a person with SAD retires (who can therefore sleep in and take it easy), may feel better with just a mild case of the winter blues.
In other words, seasonal vulnerability varies from person to person and from one situation to another.
The good news is that whether you have SAD or the winter blues, it’s possible to live an active and full life all year round – winter, spring, summer or fall! Here are 5 ways you can catch feeling a bit low early and still enjoy a healthy, happy life!
5 Ways to Feel Healthier and Happier:
1. Recognize the Problem
Early signs can be small. Low energy, feeling tired, wanting to sleep more, craving sugar, and a lack of motivation are all symptoms.
Spot these signs early on, and you have a good chance of preventing the symptoms from worsening. You will be feeling back to good, quick!
2. Get More Light
Your body produces Vitamin D3 which helps regulate your mood. So whenever you see some sun rays outside, go for a walk on a bright morning! Bring more light into your home. Open your curtains and have bright lighting by your bedside table. Better yet, get one of those bedside lamps that gradually gets brighter so you wake up naturally and refreshed.
You may even consider supplementing. Vitamin D3 is critical to the absorption of calcium through the intestinal wall which is important for bone health. It’s also a critical nutrient in maintaining a healthy immune system. However, there are potential cardiac risks to over supplementation. A healthy varied diet will typically supply adequate calcium levels (assuming that adequate Vitamin D3 levels are present for absorption and that you are avoiding drinking soda). Many physicians and dietary experts now recommend between 2,000 – 3,000 IU’s per day. Speak with your health care provider to see what your needs may be.
3. Move Daily
I know exercise is easier said than done sometimes (especially when you don’t want to leave your toasty bed). There are plenty of things you can do without putting your gym clothes on.
Regular exercise releases your feel-good hormones and leaves you feeling energized for the day.
Take a walk in the park, go for a morning bike ride, walk to the shops instead of drive…those are just a few of the things you can do to get more active.
If you need more motivation to stay moving, try signing up for a local spring 5k walk/run or half marathon. Then get on a training plan so you can have some accountability and motivation to get moving and stay moving!
4. Relax
The transition in seasons can be a stressful time of year. Be kind to your body. Take a warm bath. It’ll allow your body to relax deeply and feel warm.
To add an extra healthy boost to your bath, try adding Magnesium Bath Flakes or Epson Salts to your bathwater. Magnesium is a critical component of bone health and health in general. Magnesium helps the body to regulate calcium levels. This has a positive effect on bone health and also has been proven to reduce the risk of kidney stones. Magnesium is an important mineral to many body processes and has been shown to reduce muscle fatigue and spasms as well as promote improved sleep. Epson Salts can be found in most drug stores and department stores. Dissolve a cup or two into your warm bath water and enjoy!
Sometimes a bit of ‘me time’ is all we need!
5. Listen to Upbeat Music
I have always thought of music as food for the soul. An upbeat tune can change an atmosphere instantly and create a positive vibe. Put your favorite upbeat tunes on, and your mood will be lifted! Better yet, listen to your favorite music while working out or doing household chores!
Don’t let the blues get you down! (And don’t worry; spring is just around the corner!)
What are some additional ways you might enjoy a healthier and happier transition of the seasons? Please share your tips below!
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