Rainy Day Blues: How to Keep Your Mood Up
By Genevieve Cunningham
In the winter or during bad weather, it's really easy to get down. The winter months have the highest rate of depression compared to any other time of year. The lack of sun, the lack of activity -- it's bound to cause a decline in mood. Luckily, there are ways to combat the natural cycle of bad weather and bad moods. If you need a little help lifting the bad weather blues, take a look at these tips.
Get Some Exercise
One of the best natural mood boosters that we have at our disposal is the simple act of exercise. Moving our bodies can lower stress, increase energy, and stabilize our mood. If it's too yucky to get out, just find a routine on YouTube and follow along in your living room. Or hop on a treadmill or stationary bike -- or head to the gym if you like! Keeping an active body during poor weather is extremely important, so make it a priority and stick with it.
Meet With Friends
Sometimes a little company is all it takes to turn a mood around. Invite some friends over for a Netflix binge and something warm to drink. Talk and relax and laugh. Though we're constantly bombarded by online connections, we need that physical connection to truly feel our best. Make plans with your closest friends through the thick of the winter, and you may feel a lot better by the time the seasons change again.
Play Catch Up
If you've already exercised and met with friends, and yet you're still having a low day, consider playing catch up. Sometimes if we get a lot one and really feel productive, it improves our mood. Catch up on housework and your job. Catch up on any personal projects that you have going on. Staying busy helps occupy your mind and makes you feel useful. It's a great way to make it through a poor mood, and brings the added bonus of getting caught up in life.
It's relatively normal to suffer poor moods during the winter or during a rainy spell. When we can't get outside and soak in some sun, our bodies and minds suffer! But you don't have to let a bad mood take over. Use these tips to manage a bad weather mood, and feel better about yourself and life no matter the time of year.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in West Jordan, Utah.