It’s freezing now, but spring is right around the corner. For people who are having an especially rough time during these cold and dreary months, that might not be enough to carry through to March 20 (the official first day of spring, 2015). So to help you get past the winter blues and make it through the next few weeks, try the following:
Let the sunshine in
It might be too cold to go outside some days, but that doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on sunshine. If you have the space, turn one of your rooms into a sun room by keeping the blinds up and draperies open during the day. Sounds simple, but you’re actually giving your body some much-needed light therapy. Of course, the weather cooperates, head outside on bright sunny mornings or afternoons–even if it’s freezing outside–so you can soask up a little vitamin D.
Get out and stay active
It’s hard to force yourself outdoors for a walk or jog when the sidewalks are covered with snow, or the cold rain is pelting down. In an interview with FoxNews, Dr. Simon Rego, a psychologist at Montefiore Medical Center, ssaid that one of the best ways to ward off the winter blues is by going outside for some much-needed exercise and fresh air. Why? Because if you can’t pull yourself out of the low-grade blues, it could be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
If walking is too treacherous and you happen to have a spa or hot tub in your backyard, tone up in the warm bubbly water. Livestrong suggests pool and hot tub exercises including simple moves like walking and jumping, plus stretches that target and strengthen specific parts of the body. Another site, In the Swim, offers more detailed water aerobics and fitness moves, complete with pictures to make sure can maintian the proper form.
Take up a new hobby
If you’re spending more time than usual cooped up inside the house, you can keep cabin fever at bay by tacking a new hobby or project. For example, how about repainting that tired old bathroom a bright and cheery color, tackle your pile of photos that you have been meaning to get organized into albums, or check out websites that help you to learn a new language. The feeling of accomplishment will go a long way in boosting your mood, and when spring arrives you’ll have already crossed on thing off you to-do list.
Keep friends close—in person and online
Staying in touch with friends and loved ones can help keep the winter blues from turning into full-blown depression. An article on Duke Today suggest that instead of being a couch potato on cold and blustery nights, ask a good friend to go to the movies or grab a cup of coffee. Vent about the weather for a few minutes and then move on to more positive topics. If the weather’s making it hard to get out, you can also stay in touch by text, email, phone and/or social media. However you do it, communicating with your friends and family is one of the best ways to wward off the blues that sometimes come with these final days of winter.
Interesting topic. Personally, there is nothing I appreciate more than the sun light. In fact, I sleep with my blinds open so that the sun wakes me up each day. I feel like it is such a natural and rejuvenating way to be awaken. What are some activities you do during the winter?