Fight the winter blahs
If you live where late February and early March are the gray months, when winter gets tiring and spirits start to sag, then use these ideas to create your own inner warmth and sunshine.
- Keep exercising. The endorphins created by exercise will keep your spirits lifted.
- While you’re at it, try to get some kind of outdoor exercise. Yes, you’ll have to dress for it, and it might not be enough, but try it. Fresh air is uplifting.
- When you’re inside, enjoy the benefits of winter – hot soup, a crackling fire, snuggling, flannel pj’s.
- Don’t hibernate. Invite friends over or go out and socialize. Winter is perfect for board games with friends.
- Dress for the weather. The people who create fashion spreads in magazines don’t know how to dress for “real” winter. Now that outerwear is on sale, pick up a new (really warm) coat in a bright color, and look for warm, waterproof boots with a nice tread. While you’re at it, bright warm scarves, hats, mittens, and gloves are fun, too.
- Get some vitamin D. If you’re not near the equator, it’s hard to get enough sun in the winter to make your own vitamin D, so be sure to supplement. And of course, get outside on sunny days.
- Eat for a good mood. Skip the sugary, fatty “comfort” foods (there’s no comfort in looking at the scale tomorrow!) and replace them with foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, vegetables, and B vitamins.
- Stay hydrated. Winter air is drying, so keep drinking that water. Your skin will love you for it.
- Moisturize. It’s a corollary to staying hydrated. Use a citrus-scented lotion for the aromatherapy benefit of a bright, awakening scent.
