We are at that point of the year where the days can’t get much shorter. We wake up and go about our days often in the dark, and we come home in the dark. It is little wonder that around two million people in the UK suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a pretty severe case of the winter blues. It is usually characterized by feeling down in the dumps, perhaps more so than you would often feel at this time of year, and less energized. Most of us feel this way to an extent – we all want to go into hibernation mode! Here are some of the things that you can do to banish the blues and get through the rest of the winter.
Keep active
When it is cold, dark and miserable, the last thing most people feel like doing is dragging themselves out for a run or to the gym, but one of the best ways to banish the blues is to keep as active as you can. Regular exercise will help you feel more positive, and like you are achieving something good for yourself. It also releases serotonin – the happy hormone. Not only is exercising good for your physical health but your mental health as well.
Plan for something enjoyable
Having something to look forward to, even if it is a few months away, can really help to lift the spirits. If you are a bit of a music and theatre buff, book some west end tickets for your favourite show. If your favourite artist is playing a concert next year, get tickets! You could even look at booking your summer holiday, so you have plenty of time to plan ahead with excitement.
Keep in touch
Keeping in touch with your family (that you get on with) and friends over the winter period can help you feel more connected to the world and feeling much less isolated. Meet your friend at the coffee shop, go to your family for that meal. Say ‘yes’ to social invitations, even if you just go and show your face for a short while. If you live far away from your family, harness the power of technology and FaceTime or Skype them, so you can see them and talk to them. In such a digital age, we often rely on instant messages for communication, but we need to have more human interactions to improve our wellbeing and mental health.
Eat healthily
At this time of year, especially with all the Christmas treats around, it can be tempting to eat all the junk food and snacks. While that might taste and feel good in the short-term, in the long run, it will leave you feeling sluggish and lethargic. Don’t forget to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and stay well hydrated.
Hopefully, these tips will help keep you feeling upbeat and positive throughout the harder winter months. However, if you can’t shake the feelings, don’t be afraid to go and see your doctor for a little bit of extra support and help.
This is a contributed post.