After a summer of fun in the sun and getting out and enjoying time with family and friends, the shift in season to long periods of grey can profoundly affect some people.
We’re only a week or so into winter, and already it feels like it’s going to be a long one. The house is shut up to prevent cold draughts, the heater is on, and gloominess is beginning to take hold. Great for those looking for a break from the hot and humid months, but it can be a time of concern for others.
Feelings of sadness and apathy, decreased motivation, withdrawal, weight gain, depression, and anxiety, all bought on by the onset of winter, are symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Although SAD is quite common, it can become serious if not kept in check. However, beating the winter blues can actually be fun with a bit of forward planning.
We’ve put together a list of great mood-improving tips to keep you happy and healthy over the winter months and to alleviate any SADness in your life.
1. Stay active indoors and out
Exercising is a mood booster and stress buster, so try to move a little every day. Head to the gym, go for a walk with friends or do some yoga or a home workout with one of the dozens of health and fitness Apps. Don’t try and do it all at once, though; break it up by doing some exercise over the course of a day.
2. Get out and about
Don’t let the cold weather keep you from doing the things you love, like heading out for coffee or lunch with family and friends, going to the movies, visiting museums, art galleries, exhibitions, etc. There are plenty of activities and events planned in and around Adelaide each week over winter.
3. Lights, windows, and fresh air
A burst of fresh air into a stuffy room is a wonderful mood booster. If there’s a hint of sun as well, throw open the curtains and let that glorious winter sunshine brighten your room, your mood, and your day. If, however, everything is still a bit too gloomy, a neat trick to combat the grey is to change your light bulbs to something whiter and brighter.
4. Treat yourself to a winter escape
Sometimes you’ve just gotta get out of the house. Fortunately, there are hotels in and around the CBD that have winter escape packages (with special rates) where you can stay away and play for a night or two. Do some day trips, do a bit of shopping, or explore the city…whatever you feel like to blow away the cobwebs.
5. Plan your summer holiday
Of course, if you can’t get away now, why not start planning your summer break? Doing some research, looking at brochures, and even making a dream board with pictures is a great way to stay positive and keep you looking forward to warmer times ahead.
6. Rainy day fun
Inevitably, there will be a time when it’s just too cold, wet, and miserable to do anything outside. This is where indoor family fun time kicks in. Plan some board games, creative time with the kids, movie marathons, treasure hunts, or baking brownies or cookies. Or how about just getting cosy on the couch with loved ones?
7. Makeover time!
A fabulous way to feel good and chase away the winter blues is to get a makeover. Hit the hairdresser, buy some new makeup, get a facial, massage, manicure, pedicure, and whatever else you think will make you feel great about yourself again. We’re also thinking a new winter wardrobe would probably make you happy too.
8. Start a new hobby
You’ve always said that you’re going to do something creative one day. Guess what? One day has arrived. Winter is the perfect time to start that creative pursuit. What do you want to do? Painting, writing, needlework, knitting, paper crafts, calligraphy, bonsai, the list is endless. All you need to do is find your passion. Who knows, you may even turn it into a well-paid side hustle!
9. Healthy comfort food only
While it’s tempting to binge on pasta, puddings, pizza, and deep-fried high-carb fatty foods, try and stick to healthy comfort food, like soups, whole grains, and lots of fruit and vegetables. Salads are out of the equation, but steamed or roasted vegetables with some protein will provide your body with all the vitamins and nutrients it needs.
So there you have it. Plenty of fun ways to keep your body active, your mind focused on the positive, and chase away those winter blues.
Winter can take a toll on your physical and mental well-being. If you’re still feeling down, professional help is always available. Remember, you can’t change the season, but you can make lifestyle choices like those listed above to help lessen the effects of feeling down.