Top Secrets To Beat The Winter Blues, Feel More Energized, & Skip The Flu

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It’s still cold and somewhat like winter time. That means less daylight hours, heavy, calorie laden food and lots of tight spaces crammed with people. Is it any wonder many people feel tired, sad, burned out, and even downright depressed?

Even if you don’t suffer from SAD, chances are that this time of year you feel some type of fatigue or suffer from what is commonly referred to as “the winter blues” from time to time. OK, maybe the entire winter, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

There are plenty of natural ways that can help you feeling more like yourself other than moving to the Caribbean (although that is an option for some). Take a look at these top secret ways you can try to get yourself up and going, without coming down with the flu, all winter long.

1. Let the Sunshine In

If you are like many people, it’s the lack of sunlight that seems to depress you and zap your energy. Fix this problem with all the tools you have! When there is no sunlight, consider investing in some UV lights. These are bulbs that imitate sunlight and can help you feel better. Put them in lamps where you commonly sit at home in the evenings. Turn on all the lights in whatever room you are in so it’s as bright as possible. If there is any sunlight at all, open up the blinds and pull back the curtains. Go outside on your lunch break, weather permitting, and get some much needed vitamin D from whatever sunlight there might be.

2. Find Ways to Enjoy Winter

Some of your unhappiness is your own attitude. If you look at snowstorms, blocked roads, or being snowed in as a hassle and something ugly, then it will be. You can take the weather as something different to enjoy. Think of it as a staycation! Have a movie day where you snuggle in a blanket and watch several movies or television shows you’ve been meaning to catch up on. Build a snowman, or build something different like a snow monster. If you have children, you can play board games, video games, bake cookies, make tents in the house, build a snow fortress, and have a snow ball fight. Try to find ways to have fun, relax, and make winter one of best seasons ever.

3. Volunteer

Helping out those who are less fortunate is a great way to get a new perspective on life. When you see people shivering in the streets, you realize how lucky you are to have your own home, even when you are snowed in. Volunteer at a homeless shelter once a week and perhaps get some co-workers to pitch in. Volunteer at Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, or even at your local animal shelter. When you help others, chances are you are going to feel a lot better about yourself, about life, even about winter.

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