The cold, gloomy days of winter can make you want to curl up in bed and stay there until the sun shines again. If this is you, you’re not alone. Some morning I snooze my alarm 5 times before getting out of bed to face the cold, chilly day ahead. We’re getting less sunlight which may lead us to experiencing the effects of the winter blues. We might find ourselves isolating from friends, not intentionally, but from lack of energy or desire and just feeling cooped up when we can’t do the things that bring us joy. Getting through the long winter months ahead joyfully can take some motivation and intentional effort but we can do it. Here are some things we can do to get through the long, cold days of winter:
- Exercise – Bundle up and go for a walk or do a workout at home. Moving your body each day is a great way to increase endorphins and you will have more energy and sleep better at night.
- Nurture your spirit – Check in with yourself, take the time to journal, start a gratitude list and read books that are positive and inspiring. Pour positive energy into yourself and focus on the good.
- Eat a healthy diet – Incorporate more fruits, vegetables and complex carbs to your diet. Ensuring that you are taking the vitamins you need for your body will boost your immune system and your energy levels. Pay attention to how your body feels after you eat certain food. Focus on eating more of the foods that leave your body feeling energized and strong. Giving your body the right fuel will lead to better mood and total health.
- Stick to a routine – Make a schedule for yourself that includes time for self care, productivity, rest, connecting with friends and family and working towards your goals. Intentionally making a routine that ensures you are getting enough sleep and doing the tasks you need to do each day will help you stay on track and stay motivated.
- Try new activities – discover new hobbies, find an outdoor activity you can enjoy and use this to connect with friends to bring back that joy into your life.
- Connect with friends – Make the time to call and visit friends. Reaching out to friends for support can truly make a difference. The truth is, we evolve with the support of others and you reaching out to that friend or family member can help them more than you know. Sometimes just a 10 minute video or phone call or watching a movie with a friend is all it takes to fill up our tank.
- Rest – It’s okay to rest, get cozy, watch a movie and just slow down. Light a candle or listen to music, whatever it is you need to do to quiet your spirit and reach your calm place. Some people treat the winter as a mini time of hibernation and that is perfectly fine.
- Check your vitamin D levels – Sunlight is a source of vitamin D which is a nutrient linked to bone health and emotional health. When we’re not getting enough vitamin D through sun exposure, we are at risk of becoming Vitamin D deficient and experiencing side effects. Good food sources of Vitamin D include fatty fish, mushrooms, eggs and Vitamin D fortified foods such as milk. Check with your doctor if a vitamin D supplement is right for you.
- Find a therapist – Talk to a therapist to get professional help if you need it.
- Remember, this too shall pass – Maintain a positive attitude and remember that the winter will soon pass and longer, sunnier days are ahead. Colourful spring blooms are on the way and the grey days are not permanent. Make plans with friends and family for the summer; having something to look forward to will also help you get through the long, cold days of winter.
Let us know some ways that have helped you get through the long winters.
