5 Ways to Avoid Getting the Winter Blues

This is a guest post by Maggie Hammond. Proud mama to two little people, and has one too many furry friends. Passionate about alternative medicine, the great outdoors and animal welfare.

Now that winter is fully upon us, it’s easy to get down about it. If you’re not a fan of snowy footpaths, ice on the roads, and darkness descending earlier than ever, then the winter blues may become your reality. Don’t let winter suck you in! Here are 5 ways to avoid getting down this time of year. 

1. Get Extra Vitamin D

When you’re not spending much time outside, the body isn’t getting its regular dose of vitamin D. Even when taking a daily multi-vitamin, it may be insufficient to make up for what’s being lost by spending extra time indoors where it’s warm. A vitamin D supplement might be helpful to fight off low feelings caused by limited exposure to the sun. 

2. Stay Out of the Darkness and Embrace the Light

While switching off the lights in unused rooms is generally a good idea, it can make a large home feel cold, dark, and empty in the winter. It’s bad enough that it gets dark so early now that there’s little natural light to enjoy for long. 

Don’t make your home feel isolated and lacking in sufficient light. Instead, embrace the light by purposely turning them on in the hallway, landings, and other general areas to make the place feel lived in. And if you don’t have enough lamps and other assorted light sources already, find some more here: powerpointelectrics.co.uk.

3. Go for Walks

It’s important to embrace nature and get outside for regular walks. Yes, we know it’s chilly! So, wrap up warm. Take a scarf and a pair of gloves too. The sights, scents, and nature are life-affirming. Enjoy being outdoors and soak it all in.

4. Listen or Watch Something Uplifting

To lift yourself out of the blues on days that they seem unshakeable, listen or watch something uplifting. Save that favorite movie or treasured audiobook for days when you require a pick-me-up. If you don’t have anything new to watch or listen to, then return to some old favorites that always bring a smile to your face or easy laughter.

Comedies, romantic comedies, or something similarly light-hearted can elevate the spirits rather than a crime drama or something else that’s too serious. 

5. Reconnect with Old Friends

When you have extra time available, it’s great to reconnect with an old friend with whom you’ve fallen out of touch. They’ll be pleased to hear from you and probably were already thinking about sending a message but hadn’t gotten around to it yet. 

Also, deepen the bonds with regular friends too. Get in touch and focus on things that are going on with them, rather than only being eager to share about your life. Spread the love and be open to what’s new; they will appreciate it. 

While the seasons can and do affect our moods and outlook on life, don’t let them control you. Rather than accepting that it’s a gloomy season and surrendering the high ground, make strides to actively improve your mood by sheer force of will. Not doing so means you risk getting dragged down by others who aren’t being proactive about it.