Beat The Winter Blues

It’s that time of year when it is cold, the outside looks gray, and it gets dark super early. It weighs on our minds and tends to bog us down mentally and emotionally. Unfortunately, many people struggle to make their way through the winter season, and hopefully, we can shift that. Winter is a time to slow down, rest, and prepare for the spring. Life does not stop, but we are to maintain our wellness, and it will look different from how it does in the spring and summertime.

Here are a few things you can do to beat the winter blues.

GET SUNLIGHT EVERY DAY AND OPEN THE BLINDS FOR NATURAL LIGHT

Getting sunlight in the middle of the day makes your body produce serotonin, the happy hormone that boosts your mood. Open your blinds in your home or office to get the natural light to keep your body balanced in melatonin. When it gets dark out earlier, our body starts producing melatonin to prepare us for sleep. Some individuals have work schedules of leaving the house in the morning when it is dark and coming home when it is dark. The circadian rhythm gets out of whack. Take some time outside during your break or lunchtime to get some sunlight.

TAKE WHOLE FOOD SUPPLEMENTS & EAT INTENTIONALLY

Are you getting the proper minerals that your body needs? Some parts of the country get limited sun throughout the day, and you may only be able to spend time outside during the day on the weekends. Here is a suggestion to take vitamin D3/K2, magnesium, sea moss, fruit, and raw vegetables. We want all comfort foods, but some of your food choices affect your mental clarity and stability. From October to February, the days are filled with candy, baked treats, and alcohol, which lowers the immune system. Your gut health is essential, and it is your second brain. Poor gut health leads to brain fog, weakened immune systems, grogginess, and digestive issues. Find a functional way to embrace the things that benefit your well-being.

STAY HYDRATED

Citrus is a great winter food for immune support and hydration. It boosts your immune system with vitamin C, and its water content replenishes your body with electrolytes. Drinking water is excellent, but all water is not equal. If drinking plain water is not hydrating, add a pinch of Celtic salt, sugar, and key lime or lemon to your water. Be sure you get your minerals from fruit and veggies raw to ensure you are getting those electrolytes. Adding some non-caffeinated herbal tea into your day is another excellent addition to hydration.

EXERCISE

Exercise increases energy and helps the mind focus. It helps release endorphins and dopamine to help boost your mood. Exercise increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, and the blood transports the oxygen to the cells throughout the body. Oxygen to the brain improves cognitive skills.

SLOW DOWN

We all have responsibilities to adhere to. Are you stretching yourself thin and doing things that take time away from the things you are to focus on? Take a moment to reflect on that. Overscheduling creates stress and chaos because more is scheduled in your day than you can realistically do with the available time. Pace yourself wisely. Your daily schedule may need some shifting around, with things looking different for you this season. Prioritize the things you need to focus on with the understanding that you are a priority, too.

QUIET TIME AND PRAYER

When was the last time you sat quietly without outside distraction? Quiet is a time spent away from others and time in the presence of our Heavenly Father. It is the perfect time to be warm and cozy, enjoying rest in Him by reading the Word (Bible), journaling, and praying. Feeling burdened by the weight of winter is something we do not need to bear. It is a time to meditate on the Word of Yah (God) and allow the Holy Spirit to renew your mind and help you embrace His perspective about the winter season.

Read Hebrews 4 about the Sabbath Rest. Reflect on this passage with the Holy Spirit and allow the Father to speak to your heart.

PRACTICE GRATITUDE AND FIND JOY

Where is your focus this season? Are you focused solely on what you hate about winter, or are you giving space to see the good in winter? Let’s be realistic; not everyone enjoys winter, which is okay. Although it may be your least favorite season, it mustn’t be dreadful and miserable. Identify some things you are grateful for in the winter and explain why. If you are having trouble, research why others enjoy wintertime to help you gain a different perspective.

Now, think about something new you can try out that will bring you joy. Trying something new may encourage you to embrace the changes you want to make this season for increased wellness.

Be blessed and stay encouraged. Hope you enjoyed the article. Comment down below and send the article to a friend 💙.