As Canadians, we have a special relationship with cold weather and harsh winters. We had to get used to it. However, sudden drops in temperature, extreme cold, and all the other inevitable parts of winter can influence our physiology. We need to physically and mentally adapt. Sometimes, it’s not that easy. So, we made this guide to help you get ready for the winter blues.
Get enough fresh produce in your diet
The food we eat may have a significant effect on our health and our state of mind. Lack of a certain nutrient may impact how we think and act. It’s crucial to acquire a broad range of vitamins and minerals from our meals to keep our energy levels up, our mood stable, and our bodies in good working order. You may accomplish this by eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables. So, to prepare your body for the thing you can’t avoid, take all the necessary nutrients. It will help you cope with all the winter mess in your head, at least a little bit.
You can also turn to a dietary aid
Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals are often thought to manifest physically, but they may also profoundly impact one’s state of mind. Vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, zinc, vitamin D, fish oils, and a whole lot more help us keep our minds and bodies in good shape, making it simpler to have a positive and healthy outlook on life. Visit your doctor or the pharmacist if you think you may be deficient, and ask for advice on which supplements might be most beneficial to you.
Adhere to a consistent pattern of resting each night
Winter’s shorter days and chillier temperatures may make it hard to get out of bed in the morning and leave you feeling tired and listless all day long. While sleeping in or napping throughout the day may be appealing, it’s best to stick to a routine. An effective strategy for training the body to acquire adequate sleep is maintaining a regular bedtime and wake time. The quality of your sleep is just as crucial as its duration. Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine might help you get the restorative, rejuvenating sleep you need.
A trick to use is to make your bed the minute you open your eyes. This will signal to your brain that you can’t overstay in bed. Also, this will be a little success to begin your day with, which will help you feel accomplished and more eager to be productive during the day.
Maintain a consistent workout routine
Regular exercise is just as vital in winter as it is in any other season, if not more so, due to the increased risk of illness that comes with inactivity. Working out not only helps maintain physical health, but it also has a positive effect on mental well-being. You can alleviate anxiety with a simple 30-minute exercise. When we work out, we release endorphins, a feel-good hormone.
Many of us are also prone to overeat fatty comfort foods throughout the winter. Exercise may help you avoid the weight increase that comes with this and keep your weight where it should be.
Hang out with the people you care about
It’s not easy to get out of the house for a workout, and it’s not easy to pull yourself together to see loved ones, either. There will be times when you just want to stay home and watch TV. Getting out of the house and spending time with loved ones is vital to your emotional and mental well-being. Keeping in touch with friends and family helps you grow your social network and get encouragement from those who care about you.
Having fun is a crucial ingredient for getting ready for winter blues
A crucial part of hanging out with your friends is boosting all your serotonin levels. And most importantly, it will give you fuel to be more than ready for the winter blues. There are a lot of things you can do to accomplish that:
- go for a coffee with them
- engage in fun outdoor activities
- travel together
There are many ways to have fun in the winter. For example, you can find excellent ice skating, snowshoeing opportunities and many more winter activities. If you’ve just moved there and don’t have many people you know, these activities can be a great way to get to know people.
The sunlight is calling; go outside and soak it up!
It’s hard to muster much enthusiasm for outdoor activities in the dead of winter. Instead, we spend most of our time indoors at home, the workplace, or the mall. However, research shows that time spent in nature positively affects physical and mental health. When it comes to maintaining a healthy mind, vitamin D is crucial. An increased incidence of depression has been linked to insufficient intake of this fat-soluble vitamin.
Spending time in the sun, even if it’s only for a short period, like a lunchtime stroll or a family outing to the park, is the greatest approach to increasing your body’s vitamin D levels. Some individuals have trouble getting enough vitamin D through winter sun exposure alone, so you may want to consider getting a supplement for yourself and your family. All science aside, isn’t it magical to stand tall on a winter day with your eyes closed and sun rays on your face?
Are you S.A.D.?
The majority of people experience some form of winter blues. But, in psychiatry, what we mean by that is Seasonal Affective Disorder or Seasonal Depression. This is a much more severe state based on mainly altered serotonin levels and deficient circadian rhythm. All these things we mentioned can help you get ready for the winter blues. But, if you suspect that you suffer from S.A.D., please search for a professional therapist to help you. They can make a much better diagnosis than self-diagnosing via an article and will provide customized help options for you. Nevertheless, stay strong and don’t let the winter blues get to you!