In the morning, when you go to work or school, it’s dark, but by the time you get home, it’s already dark again? It’s cold, everything is gray, and you just want to sleep all day? Winter can easily bring out the worst in people, and in an instant we find ourselves showing the first symptoms of depression. But we can do something about it!
If in recent weeks or months you have felt that you are often sleepy, tired, and often unhappy, it is possible that winter depression has started to set in. Below you can read some tips that can help you get through the gray and cold months!
1. Change your diet!
Although many people don’t realize it, what you eat has a big impact on how you feel. During this time, try to stock your fridge with foods that are full of Omega-3 , B12 , and vitamin D , as these have been shown to contribute to processes in your body that are also responsible for a balanced emotional state. You can find these nutrients in seafood, oilseeds, bananas, and mushrooms, but you can also perfectly replace the substances your body needs with dietary supplements.
Harness the power of herbs: you can drink St. John’s wort tea in the evening or take it in pill form – it can also help balance your mood.
2. Find a hobby that you can do in a warm room!
If you find outdoor sports, hiking, or even spending time with your dog energizing you during any other season, winter won’t make things any easier. But just because it’s cold and you can’t indulge in these activities as much doesn’t mean you have to give up on having fun!
Write a list of things you’ve wanted to learn for a long time , e.g. knitting, sewing, a foreign language, baking healthy cookies, etc. The list can also include things that have been postponed or “put aside” for a long time: decorating your apartment, reading certain books, daily brain exercises, e.g. doing crossword puzzles .
What entertains you is entirely up to you, the important thing is to keep your brain and body busy during these times!
3. Move yourself!
Although it may seem boring to always hear the advice: “Exercise more!”, it’s no coincidence that everyone recommends it in the winter too. Regular exercise not only makes your body healthier, but it can also help you feel a lot!
If you don’t want to go out in the cold, head to the gym! If the gym is too crowded, stay in your room and move around a bit – click here to find exercises you can do at home .
4. Get used to the cold and head outdoors!
As hard as it may be to get yourself out of the house, we all need to get outside in the winter. You don’t have to run a marathon, but your body still needs fresh air and the little bit of vitamin D that sunlight provides.
Go out to a football match, ski, ice skate, go to the sauna, or even just take a walk outside. However, since winter sunlight is not enough to cover the proper vitamin D needs, don’t forget to supplement it separately !
5. Seek the company of others!
One of the initial stages of depression is when we avoid company – but this only makes the situation worse. Spend time with other people, talk, and nurture your family and friends. Winter can be a good time to find a new community for yourself: film clubs, workouts ( yoga, zumba, aerobics, skating – whatever! ), lecture series – look around your place of residence, you will definitely find something you like!
Any of the above advice is true: the hardest part is getting started! Take a deep breath and commit to one activity (and then all of them in turn :)) and you will see, you will feel much better afterwards. Sometimes we have to force ourselves, but remember, the control is in your hands: it is your decision whether to cocoon yourself or try a new hobby. Throw yourself into it!
