Beating the Winter Blues, DIY Style

Is it just us, or is anyone else feeling the winter melancholy setting in?

We may or may not have already broken a few New Year’s resolutions (sorry, 6:00 a.m. hot yoga classes), our bank accounts seem to be at an all-time low from holiday spending, and those long summer days are still months away. Whatever the case may be – if you’re also in a funk this winter, we’re here to help.

First of all – if you’re feeling down, it’s likely not just your imagination (or that your mood is matching your bank account). In fact, SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a common type of depression related to changes in seasons and reduced sunlight. It’s most common in people of ages 15 to 55. And – lucky us – it can affect up to 60 percent of women. Symptoms like sadness, anxiety, weight gain and lethargy are the most common.

Luckily, there are plenty of DIY remedies that can help you beat the winter blues. (Of course, if your depression persists, take good care of yourself and visit your primary care physician.)

Catch Some Rays
This one doesn’t sound very fun, but waking up earlier means more sunlight – and a healthy dose of Vitamin D will kick-start your day. Vitamin D fights depression and could even protect against the common cold, and you can’t get the right amount of Vitamin D your body needs just from food. You need sunlight! Just going for a 20-minute walk or snagging the window seat at your favorite coffee shop can have mood-boosting effects.

Pump it Up
Exercise is a proven depression buster with both psychological and physical benefits, so don’t use the gloomy weather as an excuse to skip out on mood-enhancing activities. In fact, exercise helps prevent and improve a number of health problems, including high blood pressure and diabetes. Activities like going on a hike, dancing, or just taking the stairs are simple ways to boost your feel-good hormones.

Get Social
As the days grow darker during the winter season, it’s more and more tempting to stay in and have a Netflix marathon instead of planning to meet up with friends. Grabbing happy hour after work and socializing is a natural way to enhance your mood. If the bar-scene isn’t your happy place, then invite friends over to try a new recipe or catch a show at the local theater. For some fun family-friendly ideas check out Parents.com’s roundup of unique activities.

Treat Yo’ Self
Dark chocolate that is at least 70 percent cocoa can increase the levels of dopamine in your brain, which in turn can improve your overall mood. (Honestly, is there anything that chocolate can’t fix?) While you’re at it, consider visiting the spa for a massage session – research shows that massages can decrease stress levels by 53 percent and increase serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters that help reduce depression. Can’t argue with that science!

Tweet us at @GlowHQ and let us know what tips and tricks you use to boost your mood in the winter - we’d love to hear from you!