6 easy ways to beat the mid-winter blues
It’s not uncommon for some of us here in the land down under to feel the blues during the winter season, especially towards the middle of it.
While Australia is luckier than some of our European and North American friends in that we have plenty of sunshine throughout the year, the drop in temperature and the dark grey days during the winter months sure can put a dampener on things (excuse the pun).
Some people even experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that usually happens during cold and miserable days. But don’t worry, you can beat those mid-winter blues. Here’s how.
1. Keep your body active
The cold weather can make the motivation to get up and move around hard to find. But keeping your body active during the winter season is as important as any other time of year.
Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day doesn’t only keep you healthy, it also lifts your mood - as it triggers your body to release endorphins, the hormones associated with feeling happy and positive.
During the colder months, many of us also tend to indulge in calorie-rich food. Keeping your body active through exercises and other physical activities can help avoid that dreaded winter weight gain.
2. Avoid fatty foods
Speaking of calorie-rich foods, the winter weather can make you want to eat those naughty, fatty foods. Not that there’s anything wrong with indulging from time to time, just try not to make a habit of it. Instead, eat lots of fruit and vegies so you can get lots of vitamins and minerals into your system. Not having enough nutrients during this weather can affect our behaviours and the way we think. So, feast on as many healthy foods as you can.
3. Catch the sunshine
While it can be hard to see the sun shining through during the winter season, no matter where you live, you’ll be blessed to see it now and then throughout the winter months. So, grab every opportunity you can to get outside and catch some sunshine.
The lack of it can affect physical and mental health as it interrupts the body’s melatonin and serotonin levels. When that happens, it affects our body clock, which affects our moods as well. That’s why it’s crucial to get as much Vitamin D as possible from the sunlight. If the weather permits, get outside and enjoy yourself under the sun.
4. Keep the lights on
If the sun doesn’t shine on some days, turning the lights on can uplift your mood. Moving around in a bright space lifts your mood and helps to stop feeling the blues. In fact, light therapy is often used by people experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), who typically use it for the first 20 to 30 minutes after waking up. So, by simply turning the lights on around your environment, you can help to avoid feeling down and blue during midwinter.
5. Keep your sleep schedule regular
During the winter months, the days are shorter and the nights are longer, which can make it pretty difficult to get out of bed in the morning. Some people even feel exhausted and tired when they wake up, and this feeling can last the whole day.
If you are experiencing tiredness, it’s often tempting to sleep in during the day. But fighting this temptation and keeping your sleep schedule regular each day is a great way to train your body to get adequate sleep.
6. Stay connected
With the winter weather settling in, it’s easy to feel a little isolated, so make sure you stay connected with family and friends. Spend some cosy nights surrounding yourself with people who love and care for you. While you may feel like spending most of the time indoors, put some effort into it and leave your couch for a coffee and catchup.
Being with people you love is essential to maintaining good mental health. Eat good food, drink wine (in moderation), and just do whatever pleases you when you’re around them. Odds are you’ll end up having a great night’s sleep afterwards.
Beat those midwinter blues
As you can see, there are many ways to avoid those midwinter blues, and the chilly weather doesn’t mean you need to hibernate. Winter’s a great time for some shopping from your couch too, so if you need some extra funds for just about anything to keep you happy - we’re here to help. Just take a look at our cash loans from $500 - $5,000 to find out how quick and easy it is to get your hands on some extra funds. Once a loan is approved, the cash is usually in your bank account within a few hours – so, you can tell those midwinter blues to be off!