Busta Mood: 4 Ways to Beat the End-of-Winter Blahs
That said, spring is nigh! And in the meantime? We’ve compiled four ways to put more pep in your step until the sun once again reigns supreme. Nibble on a piece of mood-boosting dark chocolate, read on, and feel better!
1. Embrace the Cold-but-Great Outdoors (And Add Some Tunes, Too!)
Our favorite mood-boosting combo? A healthy dose of exercise, music, and natural light (see more below)! If you see some blue sky peeking through those clouds, take advantage of it: Grab your parka and headphones and head outside for a brisk, 30 minute walk or jog.
Try creating a special mood-boosting playlist, whether it’s tunes that conjure happy memories or songs that put an extra skip in your step.
2. Nail It Down
A fun way to beat the chilly-season blues? Treat yourself to a mani/pedi in summery hues! Seeing a spring-y pastel color set (consider soft blue, green, and yellow!) or a cheery pop of vibrant jewel tones every time you wave your hands is a surefire way to brighten your day.
And yes, it’s true your toes are tucked away in socks this time of year, but just knowing they sport a beachy red or sandal-worthy fuchsia can put a smile on your face. Plus, who doesn’t feel better after a little relaxation and pampering?!
3. See the Light
Stuck in a funk? You might have more than just a case of the blues. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that can leave you feeling tired and grumpy, and it’s thought to be associated with the lack of sunlight during these cold, dark months. A common (and luckily, super easy) treatment is a light therapy box, a special kind of lamp that mimics outdoor light.
Even if you only have a touch of winter moodiness, you may benefit from some sunshine in a box—just check in with your doctor first to discuss when and how to use it.
4. Delight in D
The sun is the primary way we get vitamin D, a key nutrient that helps your body absorb calcium and maintain strong bones and teeth (it may also reduce your risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease). With less sunlight during the fall and winter months, many people experience a significant drop in vitamin D levels. Could this be the cause of your winter blahs? Perhaps—new research suggests there may be a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and depression.
Make an appointment with your doc to get your levels checked, and then follow her advice for how much to take.
