Beat The Winter Blues

I’m feeling a little under the weather today so I thought I’d do a little research and find out the best ways to beat the winter blues. The Mental Health Foundation estimates that one in eight people in the UK experience a mild low mood during winter, with symptoms including lethargy, craving for sugary foods and sleep problems, but not full depression….times that by the rest of the world and there are a fair few of us that are down in the dumps this winter. In an attempt to fight back, here are my five little tips to beat December downers…

1. Get Outside

Even if it’s puring with rain or snow – wrap up warm, pull out the umbrella and get yourself outside. I find that no matter what the weather, getting some fresh air and taking in your surroundings can release so much tension and negative feelings. The first step is the worst step, once you’re out and about you’ll be thankful you made the effort.

2. Eat Well

When we’re down in the dumps we tend to do one of two things…eat heavy comfort foods or don’t eat anything at all. Big mistake. When you’re feeling down try and enrich your diet with foods jam-packed with vitamins and minerals in order to keep your energy levels up. The last thing you want when you’re feeling down is to catch a cold.

3. Exercise

Yep, I said it – exercise. Sitting around feeling sorry for yourself will only make matters worse. Even if you just walk briskly while getting out of the house you’ll be on your way to feeling bright again. Exercise give you endorphins, and endorphins make you happy…simple.

4. Plan Ahead

We often feel down when we don’t have anything to look forward to. Take a look in your diary and if it’s blank for the next couple of weeks – fill it up. Make an effort to see your girlfriends, neglected family or just time to yourself. Having a busy diary will keep you too busy to feel blue!

5. Rest

A lack of sleep or rest can be enough put you under the weather for no good reason. Just like a car, your body can’t run on empty so get an early night, sleep well and in the morning you’ll feel ready to take on the world again.