Your Guide To Beating The Winter Blues
As each day gets shorter, we are reminded that winter is approaching—and, as the days get darker, so do a lot of our moods. With less mood-boosting sunlight to help us feel ready for the day ahead, people tend to feel more irritable and down during the winter months. If this sounds familiar, don’t throw in the towel just yet! Making simple changes to your lifestyle can help you beat the winter blues before they beat you.
Read on for tips that will help you overcome your wintertime sadness…
#1: Create A Routine
Establishing a well-balanced routine can make a big difference in your overall health, especially during the winter months when life begins to feel mundane.
You don’t have to be on a strict hourly schedule. However, creating a basic routine can not only give you a sense of control over your day, but can improve your productivity and mood.
Use this winter to help you take control of any unhealthy habits you might have that are affecting your daily routine. By pinpointing your areas of struggle, you will better understand where to start and identify your priorities.
If winter mornings have you feeling sluggish, then focus on creating a routine that will help you thrive in the morning. Your morning routine is a pivotal part of setting the tone for your day, so create a morning routine that best benefits you. Whether that be making your bed every morning or reciting positive affirmations try to do something productive.
Focusing on creating a good routine will help you give direction and can cultivate positive habits you carry throughout the winter season.
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#2: Get Moving
You might be under the impression that summer is the ideal season to get your workout in. However, staying active in the winter can make a big difference in your overall health.
The winter season comes with many challenges—and, a lack of physical activity can worsen your mental state.
As you know, physical activity comes with a slew of benefits, from a better sleep routine to enhanced immune function to improving brain function. What you might not know is that working out in the winter can help your endurance and also positively affect your mood.
If a lack of motivation due to shorter days and colder weather are pressing a pause on your exercise regime, then it’s time to get moving.
For those struggling to leave your home, consider taking an online group fitness class. An online group fitness class has many benefits, like offering structure to your daily life while also holding yourself accountable.
Group workouts are also great because they give you a chance to socialize during a time you might feel isolated. Working out for at least 150 minutes a week can have a giant impact on your day-to-day life and immune system.
Whether you decide to follow an online video or take an in-person class, taking the first steps will only benefit you—and help you manage your stress and depression.
#3: Spend Time With You
When was the last time you were able to indulge in “you” time?
When you’re spending the majority of your time indoors, you might find yourself struggling to feel motivated to achieve even the simplest task. This can be due to various reasons, from minimal sun exposure causing an imbalance in the brain to stress from everyday life.
Finding hobbies or activities that challenge you or bring you comfort can be a great outlet for overcoming stress and anxiety.
Focusing on new or old activities is also great because they give you something to look forward to after a hectic workday. Consider taking a cooking or painting class if that is something you have always wanted to try.
Winter is the ideal time to start new hobbies as you are more restless during the winter months.
Self-care is another area of your life that shouldn’t go unnoticed. Self-care during the winter is all about re-focusing your energy on yourself while feeding your senses.
Take a day out of your week to pamper yourself, whether that means making your favorite comfort foods or taking a long bath with your favorite book. Dedicating time to yourself and finding ways to enrich your senses through seeing, hearing, tasting, feeling, and smelling things that have a positive association will help you feel regenerated and ready to take on the winter.
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#4: Talk It Through
If you’re still having trouble feeling connected and happy during the winter season, then don’t hesitate to reach out to the people in your life.
Connecting with your loved ones can have a big impact on your mood and remove some of the stigma surrounding seasonal depression. Social connections have been proven to lower anxiety and depression, as well as improve self-esteem and mental state. Reaching out to your friends or family members at least once a week will also create healthy habits in your life that keep you connected and in the loop.
However, if you find your mental state worsening, then it’s crucial you consider seeking professional help.
Speaking to a licensed professional might seem scary, but will give you insight on what mental health services are right for you. Consulting an online psychiatrist who can better assist you with treatment options, like individual therapy or medication, will be beneficial for your long-term health.
Take control of your mental health before it takes control of you—and, don’t be afraid to speak out if your negative emotions worsen this winter.
Winter can be a challenging time for everyone. Long hours at home and endless darkness can feel overwhelming and almost impossible to deal with. However, your physical and mental health are in your hands. Making small positive changes will help you overcome the winter blues and get your life back on track.
Check out Beachbody on Demand—it will help you start beating the winter blues! It’s a wonderful way to get moving, find accountability, feel a sense of community without the hassles and cost of traveling to a gym.
