Natural Ways to Beat the Winter Blues
Natural Ways to Beat the Winter Blues
What with the dark nights, and damp days, sometimes winter knocks the sunshine out of all of us. Lazy days lounging on exotic beaches seem long forgotten and the thought of getting back from work in the dark yet again can leave even the best of us feeling blue.
You might have a mild case of the winter blues if you’ve been feeling sluggish and lethargic since the nights have started cutting in, if you’ve been reaching for the sugary snacks more than usual or you’ve had an insatiable craving for carbs or if you’re just feeling a tad down since the change in season.
Fortunately it doesn’t have to be this way as these natural remedies can help brighten up the darkest of days and help you get the spring back in your step.
D-evour your vitamins
If your complexion is more Edward Cullen than, Californian, it’s not surprising. The UK is renowned for having a UV index of literally 0 during the winter months. Couple this with the fact that most people’s working days now consist of working inside sheltered away during the few daylight hours we do get in winter, then you can begin to understand why all this dimness could get you down. The lack of natural sunlight means our skin can’t absorb the much needed vitamin D from the sun so we have to source it from other places. Using a light box can bring a piece of sunshine on even the rainiest days and taking a vitamin D supplement can boost your levels back to normal and help you feel all summery again.
Go Fish
The proof is in the Poisson. Omega 3 has been proven to significantly reduce the miserable symptoms of the winter blues as it relieves some of the symptoms of anxiety. Good sources of Omega 3 come from oily fish such as mackerel, salmon and tuna. The easiest way to get your fishy fix is through a good quality fish oil supplement. The doc recommends at least 1000mg a day. So keep a tab on you turbot to keep you swimming until summer.
Get Active
It has been scientifically proven that physical exercise is a natural mood booster. Doctors recommend 30 minutes of exercise a day; this can be anything from a brisk walk to a run, cycle or swim; anything that gets your heart rate up and blood pumping. A good hard workout releases chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and endorphins known as the happy hormones which control our feelings of well being. Kill two birds with one stone by taking your workout outdoors; enjoying outdoor exercise provides you with much needed fresh air and the new sights to keep your brain active and your spirits high.
Nap it Off
Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s kip. Poor sleep quality and insomnia will only leave you feeling worse and can become a downwards spiral if not kept in check. Make sure you have a comfortable bed in a room that’s neither too hot nor cold for a good night’s sleep. If you’re struggling to doze off at night, try avoiding electronics like the TV or your phone and don’t drink caffeine after lunchtime. There is a huge array of naturally caffeine free herbal teas that can help you drift off into dreamland in no time.
Whilst the winter blues affect many of us, if you feel your condition is more serious than just feeling a bit down you may have the more serious Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It is important to talk to your GP if you think you may have SAD to discuss the range of treatments available and to get you back to your brightest.
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