Shorter days can seem hopeless. Get creative with how you get through the darker months!
Mugs of steaming hot chocolate, cosy nights in by the fire, and fuzzy, oversized blankets – the perfect recipe for a chilly winter night. However, this time of year isn’t all fun and games, there are also shorter days, colder evenings, and darker nights, which studies have shown can leave people feeling tired, unmotivated, and just plain bored.
Here are six tips to help get you through the darker months and beat those winter blues!
Establish a morning routine
No one wants to leave their warm bed in the morning. The temptation to keep hitting that snooze button is inevitable, but something as simple as getting up around the same time every morning will do wonders for your concentration span, and you will relish the perks throughout the rest of the day.
Try to get some exercise
It is a well-known fact that physical activity increases those feel-good endorphins, reduces stress, and improves sleep quality. Even a thirty-minute walk will motivate you to get outside and get moving.
Ensure you spend enough time outside in the sunshine
Seasonal Affective Disorder, otherwise known as SAD, is a type of depression known as winter depression. It leaves many people feeling extremely down as the days get darker. Try to get at least ten minutes out in the sunshine every day to combat those negative blues and clear your head.
Maintain a healthy diet
Summer seems to be the epitome of health – nourishing salads, delicious smoothies and plenty of vitamin D to keep you feeling fabulous. So why should that change during winter? Try to keep up your healthy diet, boost your immune system with plenty of colourful vegetables and eat lots of yummy foods that will make you feel good.
Say yes to socialising
It’s easy to fall into a lazy rut this time of the year – work, eat, sleep, repeat. Say yes to events, chat to those around you at work and make sure to not isolate yourself.
Start a new hobby
Keep yourself busy with a new hobby and something to look forward to in those cold evenings. It can range from yoga to pottery, or even volunteering, which can be a fun way to connect with the community. Try something new and get out of your comfort zone!