When Winter Gets You Down Change the Flow
By Sandy Schroeder
If you are really feeling the gloom, the cold, and the absence of sunshine, it may be time to flip the page and create your own winter scene.
Think cozy chairs by the fire, good books, or great videos, and a whole wardrobe of warm socks, flannel shirts and hand-knit sweaters. Add some steaming cups of hot tea, cocoa or coffee and homemade cookies, and everything may feel a lot better.
I have a friend braving the cold in Idaho and he swears by hot cocoa, marshmallows, and great football and basketball games to watch to weather the winter. Another friend in Wisconsin just treated herself to a super new pair of boots and a special parka and a series of art classes and volunteer activities.
More Ways to Survive
Start moving and keep it up - If you enjoy winter sports, look for more opportunities to share them with friends. Or upgrade your home exercise equipment with small weights, resistance bands, a treadmill or stationary bike. Exercise triggers the release of chemicals called endorphins to boost your mood and help relieve sadness or depression. Make your fitness routines happen every day and feel the difference.
Cook a lot and eat well - Stock up on the ingredients for all of your favorite soups, chili, comforting casseroles and ground turkey meatloaves or meatballs. Go light on the meat and heavy on the vegetables and fruits and remember to bake your favorite pumpkin, zucchini or banana breads.
Get outside a bit every day - Even if you don't love the cold, spending a few minutes outside every day will let you benefit from the available light and recharge your mood.
Connect with friends and family - They may be as bored or un-thrilled with winter as you are and more than ready for potluck dinners, an evening of games, popcorn and old movies, or braving the cold for a night out with drinks an dinner.
Talk with your doctor about SAD - Seasonal affective disorder is a mood disorder that happens every year, usually starting in the fall or winter and ending in spring when there is more sunlight and warmer temperatures, according to WebMD. If you are still feeling down after trying all of the food, family connections, and exercise tips, you may want to talk with your doctor about the issue, and find out more about light therapy lamps.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Maple Grove, Minn.