During most winters I tend to hibernate. It’s so dark and cold (at least where I live) in the mornings that it’s hard to get out of bed. And when I get out of work, the sun is already down, so it’s dark and dreary … I just can’t wait to get home and snuggle up at night. But that only leads me to get the “Winter Blues. “

So I wondered what can be done to beat those blues. Here are some tips, according to realsimple.com:

  • Make your environment brighter. Open up the blinds and sit as close as you can to window!
  • Eat smarter. Certain foods can help to enhance your mood and relieve anxiety. Thankfully, chocolate is one of those foods! Just don’t overdo it.
  • Simulate dawn. Studies show that a dawn simulator, a device that causes the lights in your bedroom to gradually brighten over a set period of time, can serve as an antidepressant and make it easier to get out of bed, according to realsimple.com.
  • Exercise.  No matter what you do, it’s always a good thing.
  • Crank up the tunes. Researchers showed that listening to upbeat music significantly improved a person’s mood.
  • Plan a vacation. Just the mere act of planning a getaway can make you feel better. I know it works for me!
  • Help others. Volunteering your time can improve mental health and life satisfaction.
  • Get outside. Spending time outside during daylight hours (even when it’s cold) can improve focus and lower stress levels.

I hope these tips help you. I know they’re helping me!

Have a great day!