The winter blues affect some people more than others, but everyone is likely to be affected by the change in the atmosphere and weather at this time of the year. If you want to avoid the worst effects of SAD and maintain your happiness and wellness over winter, read on for more.
Regular exercise is one of the most helpful ways to combat the winter blues. Exercising helps to reduce stress and releases hormones in the brain that support wellbeing, but it can be more difficult to exercise in the winter when it's cold and dark outside, so find a suitable alternative.
Instead of running in the local park, you might have to signup for a gym to use the treadmill, but it's an ideal way to keep up your running habit when the weather outside is frightful. There are other advantages; changing your routine gives you a chance to work on other muscle groups.
Healthy eating is an important part of any lifestyle all year round, but it's extra important if you have symptoms of SAD and need to support your mental wellbeing throughout the winter. Remember, the body tends to store fat in winter as well, so make your diet healthy and lean.
Healthy eating in the winter is easier than you might think, there are many root vegetables in season, and healthy winter meals are easy to make and store. Make sure you have plenty of soup and stew recipes to make at this time of the year; they are simple, healthy, and delicious.
Everyone strives for a healthy balanced diet, we count calories and try to get our 5 a day, but sometimes there are gaps in the diet that need to be accounted for somehow; that's why multivitamins work well. Keep a quality multivitamin in your cupboard to support your lifestyle.
Multivitamins are freely available, but it can be tricky to find the one that works for you the best. When choosing a multivitamin, think about your age or the age of the people taking it, and also consider the ingredients and ratings. Find out more at Retail Pharmacy Assistants Magazine.
Multivitamins are not the only kind you need in the winter; you also need to get a daily dosage of social vitamins to stay mentally healthy and avoid the winter blues. Staying connected with other people and meeting them face-to-face is one of the best ways to maintain good mental health.
Again, it can be harder to socialize during winter, especially if you live alone and don't have many friends in the area. Although this seems like a problem, it is also an opportunity. If you want to meet new people, why not pursue one of your core interests and join groups or classes?
Meditation is one of the best ways to improve and maintain your mental health and wellness in winter. If you are feeling stressed or anxious, or your thoughts are racing, try a mindfulness meditation that trains you to become aware of the present moment where issues don't exist.
