The winter blues are brought on by the reduced sunlight during this time of year. The decrease in sunlight may disrupt your body’s internal clock and lead to feelings of depression. The winter blues, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), begins in late fall or early winter and fades as the weather improves. Symptoms include feelings of depression, irritation, lethargy and trouble waking up in the morning—especially when it’s still dark out.
Try to watch out for any of your vinas acting out of the ordinary. If your gals seem to be feeling a bit under the weather—or it’s you with the case of the blues—these tips will aid in getting out of the funk.
EAT SMARTER
Some foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as tea and coffee, have antioxidants that help protect your brain from damage. Others, such as nuts and eggs, contain nutrients that support memory and brain development. These foods can help supplement the vitamins that are lost with the reduced sunlight.
EXERCISE
Exercise is a great way to get yourself out of bed and has been proven to have similar effects as anti-depressants in curing mild depression. Exercise makes you feel good since it releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that improve your mood. If you exercise regularly, it can reduce your stress and symptoms of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, and help with recovery from mental health issues.
BRIGHT SCENTS + HUES
Some people find that stimulating their senses by painting their walls a bright color — or even their nails — can improve their outlook. Scents can add to your feeling of well-being; try peppermint essential oil or some other energizing scent. Really missing the sunlight? Invest in a light therapy box (also called sun lamps) that will radiate the rays your body craves.
If nothing seems to be helping, reach out to a loved one or a therapist to let them know how you’re feeling. Talking through it can bring a lightness to your wellbeing, and they can further help you with some coping mechanisms.
Bottom line is, winter can make even the best of us feel down. You have to find what works for you and your vinas—whether that be binge watching movies and drinking hot chocolate, ice skating, fixing a healthy meal, or curling up on the couch with your dog. Everybody gets down sometimes, and you just need to find what motivates you to roll out of bed in the morning.
Beat the winter blues by RSVPing to fun vina events in your city on the Hey! VINA app.
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