Katharina Buczek
This can be achieved by sitting outside on your lunch break or taking a walk around the block each morning. You can also crack open the blinds in your home and let the rays wash over your living space.
Plus, if you live in a region that has not been getting a lot of sunshine, you don’t have to worry. You can always purchase a SAD lamp– a light therapy tool that replicates the warmth and brightness of natural sunshine to trigger the same chemical brain responses.
A second way to fight seasonal sadness is by creating a routine and sticking to it. Since the sun sets at about 5:00 p.m., it can be tempting to crawl into bed early instead of participating in hobbies or going on social outings.
Rather than trying to work against the inevitable sundown, though, you can make it work for you. Try to implement a sleep schedule that aligns with the sunrise.
That way, as soon as the day breaks, you can get moving and take advantage of those extra hours of daylight.
This can help boost energy, confidence, and productivity. By going to bed earlier in the evening, you will also find yourself feeling more well-rested and fighting against the tendency to oversleep during the wintertime.
Some other great ways to boost your mood during the colder months include socializing and working out.
Right after the holidays, your social battery was probably pretty drained due to all of the festivities and get-togethers.
Now, though, we are over a month removed from Christmas, and it is time to get back out there. Reach out to some friends, go to a restaurant, or hit a movie.
Just put something on your calendar to look forward to that will get you out of the house and outside of your own head.
Likewise, moving your body is a great escape from the monotonous day-to-day that allows you to let loose for a little while. Getting your heart pumping will not only leave your mood boosted afterward, but you will also feel quite proud of yourself for staying active amidst relentless rain and snow.
