With shorter days and lower temperatures, it’s not unusual to feel less energetic or even a little down. Feeling the winter blues isn’t just about having cabin fever, it’s a seasonal dip in mood brought on by less sunlight, disrupted routines, and change in activity.
But you don’t have to spend the colder months feeling sluggish or sad.
At Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, in Hastings and Grand Island, Nebraska, our mental and women’s health experts share simple, effective ways to beat the winter blues and lift your spirits.
Less sunshine in the winter affects production of hormones and brain chemicals that regulate your mood and internal clock. These changes can leave you feeling tired, low, and unmotivated.
A little extra sunshine can go a long way. You can:
If natural light is hard to come by, consider using a light therapy lamp. These devices mimic natural sunlight and can help improve your mood and energy levels.
Exercise is more challenging when it’s cold outside, but regular movement is one of the best natural mood boosters. Exercise increases feel-good hormones, helping you feel more energized and positive.
Walking outdoors is a great form of exercise that helps you get more sun as well as a movement mood boost. You can also stream a workout video, follow an online yoga class, or stretch when watching TV.
Even 10 minutes a day can make a difference.
Good nutrition is the foundation of overall wellness, and it also influences your mood. Many of the neurotransmitters that influence how you feel are produced in the gut, which is why it’s often called your second brain.
Keeping your gut healthy can benefit your mood by improving mood-regulating chemical production. Try adding more of these “good mood” foods to your plate:
In general, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports your better mood and energy during the winter.
Social connection is a powerful medicine for your mood. Isolation can worsen the winter blues, so it’s important to make time for relationships, even when it takes effort.
Schedule time in your week to connect with loved ones, meet a friend for coffee, take your kids to the park, or call a family member for a chat. Meaningful connection can lift your spirits and help you feel more grounded.
Shorter days can disrupt your natural sleep-wake cycle, leaving you sleepy early in the evening and wide awake at odd hours. Try to maintain a consistent bedtime and wake time to support the body’s natural rhythm. Also, keep your bedroom dark, avoid screens at least a half-hour before you go to sleep, and create a relaxing bedtime routine.
Getting quality sleep restores your energy, sharpens your mind, and helps stabilize your mood.
If you’re struggling to shake off the winter blues or you’ve lost interest in things you normally enjoy, you might be experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a serious mood condition that benefits from expert care.
Our team at Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, includes a mental health specialist who can provide expert and personalized mental health counseling and care.
Call us today or book an appointment online to get the help you need to feel better this winter.
