How to Beat the Winter Blues and Stay Joyful

Winter can be a joyous time of year, but for some, it is a time when the worst feelings hit them and seem to take over their lives.

When we think of winter, some of us conjure up cozy fireside scenes of sweater-clad families smiling over steaming mugs of hot cocoa, Christmas card perfect snowy vistas, fun ski trips, and opening presents at Christmastime.

But others dread this season because of the shorter days, lack of sunlight, and dark evenings that can cause the winter blues to set in. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a common condition and can affect people of any age group, including children. Everyone is affected by seasonal changes to some extent, and winter blues can creep up on even the most positive and jovial people.

Less natural light is one of the factors that can negatively affect people, and symptoms include lack of energy, depression, feeling constantly cold, and listlessness. There are light therapies available and sufferers can research new treatments and ask their doctors for advice. But in the meantime here are some things you can easily do yourself to beat those winter blues.

Go For a Daily Walk in the Winter

Keeping active during this time is very helpful, and taking a walk in the middle of the day to capture as much sunlight as possible, can be invigorating and spirit-lifting. You don’t have to go far, just take a quick walk around the neighborhood, or if you’re adventurous go a little further afield. You could ask a friend to accompany you or if you have a dog, take the dog with you.

Step Outside

Make the most of natural daylight by spending time outdoors in the middle of the day when the sun’s out. If you must stay inside, make sure to open all drapes or blinds, letting as much light into your living space as possible.

Keep Cozy During Winter

Being cold can bring on depression so stay warm by dressing appropriately, drinking hot drinks, and eating warm food. Also aim to keep your home between 64 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Wearing slippers helps, so go shopping and treat yourself to a nice warm pair.

Watch Your Diet

Eating healthily can boost your mood, so load up on fresh fruit and vegetables, or make a vegetable soup or stew, to ward off those carb cravings and keep the weight off.

Get Sociable During Winter

Socializing is good for our mental health, so make sure you make an effort to keep in touch and engage with family and friends as much as possible. You can make coffee dates with a good friend once a week for instance, or join a book club.

Get Creative

It’s been scientifically proven that learning something new and keeping our minds active is good for our brains –and it’s also good at combatingSAD symptoms. Having something to look forward to, like a knitting group, choir practice, or carpentry class –can be very beneficial, as is the focus and concentration that learning a new skill requires.

Seek Therapy for Winter

If SAD symptoms are severe, light therapy can be very effective, and some sufferers swear by the daily use of their lightboxes. Other therapies can include talk therapy and support groups. If symptoms get so bad that someone finds it hard to live a normal life, then of course medical assistance is required.