How to Beat The Winter Blues

If you can't seem to shake off that bad mood you've had maybe you have the winter blues. Here are some tips on beating the winter blues fast and easily.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. The first thing you can do to shake off those winter blues is to exercise. Physical activity boosts serotonin levels in your body which helps to fend off depression. If it's not too cold, go outside and take a good, long power walk. If the weather does not cooperate, head over to the gym and work out on a treadmill, stair master or take a yoga or spin class.

2. The next thing you can do is get out of the dark and get into the light. Both natural and artificial sunlight have great benefits so open the blinds and let the sun in. If it's an overcast day, turn on some lights in the house to brighten up the daytime.

3. The next tip is to increase your social interaction. It's easy to keep inside the house during the winter months when it gets cold or bad weather make transportation difficult. Getting together with friends and family, even if it means setting up a play date for your kids to get together with other moms, being social is a huge mood changing exercise and is extremely important no matter what time of year it is.

4. The final suggestions is to make changes to your diet. Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and laying off of the caffeine and carbs will increase your mood just because it will make you feel better. It will also help in fending off winter weight gain.

Tips & Warnings

• If none of the above suggestions help, it may not be something as simple as a seasonal affective disorder so take the time to see your doctor to make sure you don't have a physical problem such as clinical depression, low thyroid function or an oncoming illness.

[klnygaard]

on 1/17/2009 #3 thank god for friends- midwest is tough in the winter- luv u girl