Coping with the Winter Blues
It’s that time of year again when it’s dark before your workday is over and it’s just getting colder and colder. Once you get inside, the thought of curling up on the couch with a blanket and turning on the TV is much more appealing than going outside and trekking in the cold. People are spending more time indoors and spending less time with family and friends.
These winter months can have a negative impact on your physical and mental wellbeing. You may feel yourself becoming more fatigued, irritable, anxious, and sad, all common mood changes once these dark and cold days hit. It is important during these months to take care of yourself, so here are five tips to combat the winter blues.
Cold weather does not trap you inside. Try your best to get outside, especially in the sunlight. You could bundle up and go for a walk, or do other fun winter outdoor activities like ice skating.
If you cannot do a workout outside, get creative with indoor workouts or go to the gym. There are plenty of workout videos on YouTube you can follow along with.
Make sure you are eating well and getting a good night’s sleep. Since there is less daylight, our sleep cycles can become disrupted, so maintain a consistent schedule and a healthy sleep routine.
Spend time with friends and family and stay connected. You can still talk to your loved ones over FaceTime or text and plan fun events like trying a new restaurant or a game night.
Avoid neglecting your physical health by keeping up with your annual wellness visits and, with the rise of respiratory illnesses, make sure you are taking care of yourself and take good hygiene measures.
Wintertime brings unique challenges, but remember to give yourself some grace. Though you might need to get a little more creative, you can still come up with ways to help your mental and physical health during these dark cold months. It is possible to find brightness in the winter gloom!
