10 Tips to Beat the Winter Blues

We're in one of the coldest months of the winter now and have you noticed your mood starting to change? Like you're ready for winter to be over already? I sure do!

But the only way to get rid of the cold weather is to go somewhere warm, which isn't always as easy as it sounds, so here are a few tips to beat those winter blues.

1. Vitamin D3

Vitamin D is both a vitamin and a hormone due to the effects it has on hormones in the body, it’s thought to affect your mood by improving your sense of well-being. Studies have shown that vitamin D can play a role in the production of serotonin and dopamine, the “happy chemicals” in the brain that are often low when someone has depression. Vitamin B is also a good supplement for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) 1000-5000 IU can be effective.

2. Mood lamps

SAD is a cyclic form of depression caused by changes in the circadian rhythm— a 24-hour cycle that regulates biochemical processes in the body. When the levels of light change in the fall and winter, in some people, this cycle can be disrupted. Melatonin and serotonin levels drop in winter and can cause lethargy & weight gain. Light therapy treats the cause of SAD, lack of light, without any side effects. It's easy to use and travel with. Place 20 to 30 inches from your face and use at least 15 minutes per day. Use it when you're getting ready in the morning, or on your office desk.

3. Don’t fight it

Don't fight the fatigue and exhaustion, if your bodies tired, rest or hibernate. Go to bed a little bit earlier or take a nap mid-day, sit and movie binge, say no to too many activities and making other people happy instead of yourself. Maybe take more days off, you deserve it!

4. Warm foods

Don't you just love a hot cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter night cuddled up by the cozy fire! Or maybe do a little meal prepping and make some delicious winter soups for the upcoming week. Or maybe search Pinterest for some great crock pot recipes to try.

5. Get outside

Try going outside more to get some sun and fresh air, you could try ice skating, taking a walk, a skiing trip, sledding, or throwing snow balls with the kids. Anything to get yourself outside for a little bit during the day. Warm sunshine provides us with 90% of our vitamin D, which helps protect against disease and slows the ageing process. It also helps promote a healthier weight, better mood, improves sleep, and lowers blood pressure.

6. Laugh more

Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. It triggers the release of endorphins and laughing with others is even more powerful than laughing alone. So have some friends over or go see a comedy movie!

7. Sex

Sex counts as exercise! It releases endorphins that make people feel happier, which in turn can contribute to a better-quality relationship. Sex boosts your immunity, while it can't replace the flu shot, it can give your body a great defensive system against getting sick.

8. Exercise

I know the sounds or working out during the cold winter months doesn't give you any motivation, but the benefits of working out during the winter might! You'll burn more calories and strengthen your heart because being out in the cold. Your heart has to pump a little harder to keep you warm. You'll drink more water which will benefit your body all around! Also you'll get a dose of vitamin D, which will help you feel happier and more energized.

9. Wear your favourite pair of leggings

Wearing your favourite leggings in the winter will help boost your mood because why wouldn't wearing your favourite leggings cheer you up? They fit good, feel good, fit well in boots, keep you warm, they match everything, do I really need to keep going? ;)

10. Take a sunny vacay

Of course I saved the best for last, seriously who doesn't take a sunny vacation in the winter!! We all know that taking a nice 7 day vacation to our favourite beach is just the cure for the wintertime blues!