Have you been feeling low ever since the winter weather hit in? Is the lack of concentration, poor sleep, and poor appetite, preventing you from leading a happy and energetic life? Add low energy, and lack of pleasure in usual activities with constant carb cravings to the mix and you’ve got yourself a recipe for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Those symptoms usually kick in once the weather becomes gloomy, and the days get shorter with very little sunlight. SAD is considered a different type of depression, so you shouldn’t take it lightly but look for the best ways to fight it and live a vigorous life even during winter.
Eat healthy
A healthy diet should be your imperative all year round because your wellbeing depends on it. However, once the winter blues commences, you need to pay extra attention to what you snack. You’ll be craving more comfort foods, but be careful, because you can easily get accustomed to having mac and cheese every other night which will soon lead to weight gain. What’s more, a constant intake of healthy fats may contribute to craving high glycaemic carbs and other sugary delights that’ll cause the crash in your energy levels leaving you in a negative mindset in a blink of an eye. Instead, go for fresh fruits and veggies rich in beta-carotene such as peaches, broccoli or sweet potatoes, peppers, Vitamin-C packed berries, tomatoes and leafy greens because they’ll keep SAD at bay.
Have a spa day
One day a week, when you’ll pamper yourself and indulge in aromatic scents of essential oils and nourishing creams, is something every one of us deserves. It’s a wonderful self-care method, so feel free to go to a sauna, and heat up your body from the inside out and heal the joint pain winter can often cause. Going to a sauna will also help your body expel all the toxins. It will also encourage weight loss, and make the winter period much happier for you.
Keep up with a fitness routine
To help the blood circulating faster through your body, fuelling it with nothing but energy and positive thoughts, it would be best if you started exercising regularly. The minute endorphins start to spread through your body, they’ll create a sense of well-being. It will have an analgesic effect on your body. Therefore, think about going to the gym at least three times a week, jog, or start riding a bike. Look for some of the best electric bikes so you can tailor the power assistance to match your needs, while also making the most of your workout. Group fitness programs are also a great idea if you don’t think you could exercise on your own. Feel free to sign up for yoga, Pilates, Zumba or aerobics at your local fitness centre.
Go to an exotic getaway
For those of you who can afford travelling to a warm destination in winter, don’t fret. A few days by the beach will be reinvigorating, too. It doesn’t even have to be an exotic country, as long as it’s warmer. If it has more sunlight than your place of living, it’ll help with your Seasonal Affective Disorder. What’s more, it doesn’t even have to be a lux vacation, just look for great deals online, and even a weekend trip to a warmer city or seaside will do you good.
Declutter
Decluttering your living or work space will significantly affect your mental health. Therefore, think about cleaning out the closets in your home, or maybe switching up the furniture. Donate the stuff you don’t use or wear anymore. Aside from making an empowering effect on you mentally, decluttering will also be rewarding. By cleaning out your living space, you’ll be helping those in need, and it’ll be a win-win situation. If you feel like you’re stuck in the drudgery of life, make small changes. Something like reorganizing your office or living room, and it’ll reinforce your creativity, but also stimulate a sense of success.
Go back to your hobbies
Hobbies are the perfect means of leaving bad thoughts behind. So, the next time you feel like the winter blues is about to kick in, think about going back to doing what’s fulfilling for you. Going to the movies, reading a book, writing a diary are some of your options. Poetry, doing crafts, experiment with cooking, or anything of interest will give you a sense of control. One of the best ways of self-care is to dedicate some time to do what makes you feel good about yourself. Create special memories and improve your skills by dedicating some time to your favourite hobby.
Final thoughts
Seasonal Affective Disorder affects millions of people around the world, and it should be taken very seriously. It’s essential that you do your best to cope with it or prevent it altogether. Eat healthily, travel to warmer destinations, declutter your living spac. You should stay active, dedicate some time to your favourite hobbies. Lastly, have a spa day, and all your winter blues will be far away.
