As the temperatures begin to drop and the leaves begin changing colors, some people begin feeling the winter blues. Seasonal affective disorder, sometimes called SAD, is often passed off as the winter blues. Symptoms include depression, decrease in energy, sleeping more, losing interest in regular activities, appetite changes and decreased concentration. Simple techniques often help reduce mild symptoms. For more severe depression, consult a physician.
Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins that boost your mood. Exercise also helps decrease stress and anxiety. Winter offers the opportunity for outdoor exercise in the form of skiing and ice skating for those who want to venture outside. If you prefer to stay warm, head to the gym or set up a workout area in your home. An added bonus to exercise is it often increases self-confidence, which can improve your outlook on life.
Sunshine
Natural light helps improve the mood, which can help you fend off the winter blues. Open up all of the blinds in the home to let the sunshine filter inside. Find a sunny spot inside and curl up with a good book set in a tropical location so you can soak up the sunlight. If the temperatures are warm enough outside, head out for a brighter view. A quick walk around the block gets your heart pumping and lets you soak up some of the winter sunlight. The Mayo Clinic recommends getting outdoors within two hours of waking up each morning for the best results. An indoor sun lamp is an alternative for days when the sunlight isn't enough.
Color
Add colorful accents to your surroundings to help improve your mood. Warm colors such as red, yellow and orange are thought to be stimulating and energy-boosting, ideal for beating the winter blues. Wearing bright colors during the winter months might also improve your mood and outlook on life. The colors add a bright spot to a gray, gloomy winter day.
Socialization
Getting out of the house to socialize can be a challenge when dealing with the winter blues. Cold temperatures coupled with slight depression symptoms cause many people to stay home. Schedule some outings with close friends and force yourself to follow through. Spending time with a friend, particularly one with an upbeat personality, helps improve your mood. Meet up over coffee, head to a book store or enjoy dinner together. Even picking up the phone and calling a friend offers a connection with the outside world that can help lift your low spirits.
