The winter season affects some people more than others, making them more likely to stay indoors and avoid contact with loved ones.
Although it’s not yet winter, the weather is changing rapidly. Daylight savings is already in motion, meaning that, for a lot of people, days are now drastically shorter. Night owls might be into this, but others find this change hard to adapt.
Winter blues, otherwise known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a condition that’s triggered by the changing winter months, affecting around 10 million Americans. The fact that there’s less daylight disturbs people’s circadian rhythms, disrupting their hormone production and making them feel tired, unmotivated and sometimes depressed. Even if you’re not as affected by the weather as people who suffer from SAD, it’s likely that you have to work harder than usual during this time of the year to remain active and positive.
Here are 5 things you can do to stay healthier during the winter.
Try to have fun with the weather
If you hate the cold, it’s hard for you to see the novelty of the snow or the fun in wearing cute winter outfits. Still, a small change in perception can help you feel better, making this time of the year feel shorter and brighter. Learn about activities you can do in the winter, and spend some money on weather appropriate gear. Even if you don’t want to leave your house, make yourself go out and walk around, keeping your body moving and surrounding yourself with nature.
Make book and movie lists
The cold weather means that you’ll be spending more time than usual indoors. Take advantage of this by compiling lists of movies and books you want to indulge in. Not only does it distract you from thinking about how miserable you are, you’ll feel productive afterwards. If you’re sad, there’s nothing better than a distraction, even if it only lasts for a couple of hours.
Start a project
Just like list-making, projects such as writing, organizing your house, or taking artsy photos of your pets are all valid ways of distracting yourself and feeling productive. This can be anything, just as long as it makes you feel accomplished and energized.
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Consume the right foods
According to Healthline, certain foods can improve your moods and give your system a boost, especially during the winter. For example, lean proteins like salmon can help you feel better and lighter since they contain tons of amino acids. Other foods like berries and greens with folic acid are also good options that’ll help you balance out your diet during the less active months of the year.
Fill up your social calendar
Surrounding yourself with people is always a good way of distracting yourself from your problems. While it’s very common to feel like you don’t want to get dressed and interact with others, it’s important to force yourself to go out periodically, especially when it comes to activities that you’re looking forward to.
