7 Tips To Beat The Winter Blues
Throughout the holidays, it’s normal that many of us often find ourselves experiencing both mental and emotional highs and lows. However, it’s important not to diminish the important role that our physical health plays in maintaining a healthy mind, body, and soul during the height of the winter season.
Listed below are seven methods/remedies that each of us can focus on in order to enhance our quality of life, in what normally can be the most difficult time of year for many people.
Vitamin D3
It’s 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. For SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) 1000-5000 IU can be effective. Vitamin D levels can be checked by a simple blood test— talk to your doctor.
Philips Golite Sunlamps
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. They are easy to use & travel with. They can be both portable and rechargeable. They are available on Amazon and can be purchased for about $120. When used, make sure to place at midriff 20 to 30 inches from face. Use at least 15 minutes per day.
Don’t Fight Exhaustion
Make sure you rest. Hibernation methods such as going to bed early, enjoying movie binges, and saying no to too many
activities are completely okay. Making other people happy instead of yourself can be taxing. Make sure to take days off when you need them.
Enjoy Warm Foods
Indulging in warm foods such as hot soups and crockpots can be both beneficial and comforting on those frigid, cold days.
Go Outside To Get Sun And Fresh Air
Enjoying outdoor activities such as ice skating, taking walks, downhill skiing, sledding, and throwing snow balls can be both fun and beneficial in filling the void for much needed physical exercise.
See Comedy Shows
Enjoying indoor activities such as improv and stand-up comedy shows can often be entertaining. Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system and boost your energy, while also diminishing pain and protecting you from the damaging effects of stress. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins – laughing with others is even more powerful than laughing alone! As a bonus, it makes for a great date night for couples looking to escape their normal routine.
Get Plenty Of Exercise
These leisure activities often lead to decreased cortisol and an increase in endorphins.
There are so many things we can do to enhance our personal well-being during the harsh winter months. Hopefully, these methods will go a long way to improving your quality of life when facing the winter blues. What methods or ideas would you recommend to others?
During my recovery from cancer, I was inspired to create a cookbook of delicious foods. However, it was my decision that these recipes would be made healthier. Being a Certified Health Coach with over thirty-two years experience as a registered nurse, my goal is to help others in achieving a healthier lifestyle.
Every bite of food we take either feeds disease or fights it. Throughout my personal experiences as a nurse, as well as my personal research on food and nutrition, I’ve determined there is a glaring need for more nutritious ingredients in our foods with less refined sugar, fat, and chemicals.
Because I come from a family of bakers and good cooks. I love delicious food! Which, can often make things tough. So, I decided to compile some of my favorite recipes and make a few changes to the ingredients, ultimately making them healthier!
Besides publishing my cookbook, “My Favorite Recipes Made Healthier”, I’ve published this blog which includes recipes, how-to videos, as well as many other things to provide you with support for a healthier mind, body, and soul. My hope is that this will help many others to ease the confusion and frustration of healthier cooking and a healthier lifestyle. Enjoy!
