If you struggle to stay on top your game during winter, you're probably already starting to feel a little offbeat this November. There are a number of reasons why you might be feeling like this: lack of vitamin D, lack of fresh air, your immune system tends to work harder in the cold and the shorter days make can make you feel more drowsy than usual - to just name a few...
Here are some top tips to help stay positive during the colder months and beat the winter blues!
Stay Active
It's common to do nothing but curl up on the couch when it's cold outside. However tip #1 calls for curbing your inner couch potato and doing some exercise!
Exercise releases endorphins and boosts serotonin, helping to increase your mood while also being good for your health. Regular exercise also increases energy levels, which is always useful during winter!
Even if you just manage a 30-minute walk, it's enough to get those endorphins going!
Stay connected
Hibernation is ok - in moderation - but make sure you stay connected to friends and family during winter! Socialising with people who make you laugh is one of the best ways to beat the blues. Whether you see them for coffee, dinner or just simply give them a call, you'll hopefully notice your mood increase. And of course, if hibernation is the only thing you want on your agenda, you can always invite friends and close ones to join you for a cosy movie night!
Stay nutritious
We know how easy it is to turn to comfort food when you're feeling down, but one of the most important things to stay upbeat during winter is to look after your body. Ensure you get your 5 or 10 (or however many portions you aim for) a day and try to eat unprocessed, unrefined sweet food rather than your go-to tub of Ben & Jerry's.
By getting all the nutrients and vitamins you need, you'll keep your immune system strong (to avoid the usual viral suspects) and help maintain energy levels.
Stay in the light
Ok, so there isn't much of it around in winter, but if you can get outside in the daylight for some much-needed vitamin D, your mind and body will thank you for it. Vitamin D helps serotonin levels keeping your mood more uplifted.
On duller days (yes, London has a fair few of them), try taking good quality Vitamin D supplements or investing in an SAD lamp for some light therapy to get that serotonin going.
Stay silly
Research shows that listening to upbeat songs can actually improve your mood. This, along with some crazy living room dancing to put a smile on your face, even after you stop. Watching comedy or feel good tv/films will likely have the same effect as well! Anything that makes you laugh will increase serotonin in the brain and help to kick the winter blues.