Beat the Winter Blues
Simple lifestyle tips which may help boost your spirits
If the smell of freshly brewed coffee is the only thing getting you out of bed in the morning, join the club. Why not try some scientifically proven ways and down to earth ways to lift your spirits?
Get Outside more: We are luckier than a lot of other countries as we don’t have as many dark gloomy days, we still get a lot of sunshine. Open up the house or work site and let the sunshine in or get out in it as much as possible, at work go outside to eat lunch. This is especially important for those that suffer from S.A.D or those of us that leave for work in the dark and get home in the dark, we need to soak up the Vitamin D sun rays whenever possible.
Eat smarter. If you’re feeling blue—or want to ward off feeling that way—there are some foods to consider adding to your diet that might help. Studies suggest that the following foods may help reduce stress, ease anxiety and fight depression. Guess what? Dark chocolate is one of the foods on the list - YAY! Read More Here
Brighten your environment. Your body is craving more sunlight, Scientific research shows that sitting next to an artificial light—also called a light box—for 30 minutes per day can be as effective as antidepressant medication, so if your mood is particularly low or you suffer from SAD this is a great option.
Exercise. A 2005 study from Harvard University suggests walking fast for about 35 minutes a day five times a week or 60 minutes a day three times a week, improved symptoms of mild to moderate depression. In general, any type of exercise will help lift your mood by releasing feel good hormones. Try our yoga exercises by Kerry - this will break up the routine a little as opposed to walking every day.
Get down and Boogie. In a 2013 study, researchers showed that listening to upbeat or cheery music significantly improved participant’s mood in both the short and long term. Dance like no-one is watching and sing out loud like no-ones listening, it’s a great way to put a smile on your face.
Weekend Getaways: Winter activities can be a lot of fun, why not take yourself to the snow and enjoy a different environment, the kids will love it! Snow boarding, skiing, making snow men, snow angels, there’s endless winter activities to be had. Oooh la la ignite the fire and add a little more romance to spice things up. Go have some fun.
Giving Back. Simply doing a good deed, volunteering your time, the act of giving can improve mental health and life satisfaction.
Gratitude: Taking the time out each day to think about the things you are grateful for is an awesome way to re-focusing your mind. It can be as simple as “I’m grateful to have a warm jacket to wear in this cold weather”. Daily gratitude can be written down in a gratitude book or just taking some time to sit and close your eyes, take a couple of nice deep breathes and allow your mind to find parts of your day that you find gratitude. If practiced daily this one thing can bring you peace.
Even though we have reason to be a little moody in the winter we can always find ways to bring in the sunshine and put a smile on your face. Winter can be fun if you are willing.
We help many people suffering anxiety, depression or S.A.D seasonal affected disorder but we encourage you to seek the advice from your GP and a talk therapist. Our treatments relax the body and balances the nervous system which can help relieve some of the heaviness, add in sleep restoration and kickstart your body and mind into a better state of being. Our treatments work in conjunction with other health care practitioners please don't hesitate to ask if you more information.
Perpetually yours in health & wellbeing
