Say goodbye to the winter blues with these 7 tips
With the days becoming colder, darker, and shorter, many people are affected by the ‘winter blues,’ also called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This often starts somewhere in the fall and lasts until spring. It often includes feelings of sadness, loss of energy and motivation, and difficulties concentrating. This article is written to be your guiding light through the winter gloom, with some practical and proven tips to help prevent the winter blues.
Plan things to look forward to
Help yourself stay in positive spirits by planning things you can look forward to. It doesn't have to be big! Book a weekly yoga class or schedule a coffee date with your best friend to sprinkle some extra joy into your weeks. Don't forget your bucket list and plan things to tick off that list, such as a weekend getaway or a trip to a sunny destination. Fall and winter are also perfect for indulging in creative hobbies, such as pottery, painting, or DIY projects to create beautiful decorations for your studio. Also, don't forget to check out what events are going on at your Student Experience location!
Get enough light
Short, dark days and gloomy weather make you want to stay indoors as much as possible. When it's raining the whole day, why would you want to go outside, right? Well, here´s a secret: going outside can actually help prevent the winter blues! Being exposed to light resets your circadian rhythm, which even works when it's cloudy outside. Make it a daily ritual to open your curtains when you wake up to let the light into your studio. Take yourself (and your neighbor) out for a daily lunchtime walk.
Stay active, stay happy
Exercising has been shown to work wonders in preventing the winter blues. It triggers the release of endorphins (feel-good hormones) and boosts serotonin (the brain's happy chemical), while lowering cortisol levels (stress hormones). Sounds good, eh? Exercising has many, many more benefits; it can improve your self-esteem and even act as a distractor from negative thoughts. Enough reasons to put on your sports clothes and hit the free gym at your location or venture out for a run outdoors! : )
Eat healthy
Taking good care of your body also includes eating healthy and drinking enough water. Start your day by drinking a big glass of water and keep the hydration flowing. Say ‘no’ to foods that make you feel sluggish, such as too much processed foods, sugars, and alcohol. Opt for foods that are nourishing and beneficial for your health, mood, and energy levels, such as fatty fish, leafy greens, berries, and much more. To prevent winter blues, remember to take the sunshine supplement Vitamin D as an addition to your healthy lifestyle.
Dress appropriately
Say farewell to getting soaked and shivers in the cold. During fall and winter, you need to dress for the weather, not the catwalk. Some essentials include good boots, a raincoat, a warm winter coat, a scarf, a beanie, gloves, and an umbrella. With these, you're always good to go! Need a budget-friendly wardrobe update? Check out this blog about where to shop secondhand in Amsterdam. Once you've got them all, it's important to never leave your house without checking the weather app or Buienradar first.
Romanticize the seasons!
Yes, it's pouring outside. Yes, the weather is grey. But can you also see the nice things about these seasons? Think about cozy movie nights, cuddling up under a blanket, drinking hot tea and chocolate milk, the beautiful colors of fall, and the holidays. It really helps to look at things from an optimistic perspective. Fall and winter take up half of the year, after all. Try to change your mindset, and that will help you change your energy, too.
Seek professional help
While self-help strategies can be beneficial, guidance from a professional can help you navigate the winter blues effectively and improve your overall well-being. If you're struggling with any of this, please know that it's a valid reason to seek help from a mental health professional.
.jpg)
