Ways to beat the winter blues at Community Care Givers Ped Blog

How to conquer the winter blues!

If you start to count up how many days it is sunny and how many are cloudy it can get very depressing. Do you feel like a bear that just wants to eat and sleep all the time? Here are some scientifically proven ways to lift your spirits.

Make your environment brighter.

Our bodies crave more daylight.  Open the blinds and curtains, trim tree branches back from around your windows. Sit close to windows, or if it is warm enough and sunny, go outside let your face feel the sun. Light boxes can be effective. Use them for 30 minutes a day.

Eat smarter.

Believe it or not, chocolate can help to elevate your mood and relieve anxiety. Be careful though, because candy and carbs can temporarily lift your mood but they can also contribute to a “down” feeling, once the initial feeling of euphoria has warn off.

Exercise. 

A 2005 Harvard University study suggests walking fast for 35 minutes a day, 5 times a week or 60 minutes three times a week can improve symptoms of  mild to moderate depression. Exercising under bright lights may be even more helpful.

Turn on the tunes.

In a 2013 study, researchers showed that listening to upbeat or cheery music can significantly improve a persons mood.

Help others.

Volunteering your time can help improve your health and life satisfaction. Help out at a mission, read to kids at a school, volunteer at a hospital, or a nursing home.

Get outside.

We are so lucky to live close to Lake Michigan. Pick a sunny, non windy day and take a drive to the lake. It really can pick up your spirits and it is beautiful. Make sure you take your winter clothes. If you are not up for the drive just take a walk in your neighborhood.

Spring is coming……………..only 53 days till spring. 🙂

Images from Bing

Article from Real Simple/Bridget Hauck 8 Scientifically-Backed ways to beat the winter blues.