It’s that time of year for the winter blues. For those of us in the northern hemisphere, when the Earth tilts away from the sun and we suffer from the effects of less sunlight, depression and the “blahs” can set in quickly. Since depression can have a negative effect on our work and personal relationships, it’s important to try and ward it off before it even begins. There are a few things you can do to cure your winter blues and keep your mood boosted during the cold months of the year.
Obviously, the best thing would be to take a vacation somewhere warm and tropical. Luxury family holidays have always been the best pick-me-up in the winter. You can return from a week on a tropical island feeling relaxed, looking tanned and glowing, and get back to your regular life feeling refreshed and energized. Usually a week’s worth of sunshine, fresh air, and the soothing sound of waves crashing on the shore will be all your mind needs for a quick reset.
If a vacation is out of the question, you need to at least get enough sunlight to ward off depression. It has been scientifically proven that the shorter days in the winter contribute to that blah feeling, but it’s not about the cold or snow. It’s about sunlight. Purchase a special light designed to fight depression and spend some time every day soaking up the rays. You can mount it by your desk or computer and get the rays you need while you work, or you may want to set it up at home, and relax under it reading a book. You might even purchase a sound machine with ocean sounds – it sounds silly, but many people find it soothing and relaxing to mimic the effects of a beach vacation.
The last thing you should try is exercise. Yes, it is cold outside and the idea of going out in it may be daunting. However, once you move around and get your blood pumping, you will warm up nicely. Then you can enjoy the positive effects of the chemicals released during exercise. It will boost your mood and leave you feeling energized and ready to face the rest of the day.