Stop Those Winter Blues!

Stop Those Winter Blues!
This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. If you need to flag this entry as abusive, send us an email.

You're cruising along, enjoying your beautiful Fall evenings - if you are lucky there have been plenty of lovely crisp days so you've gotten to spend some time outside, and then . . .

Daylight savings happens and it's dark at 5:30 PM.

If like most of us, you work until 5, once you drive yourself home, you've lost ALL your outdoor evening hours.

Add in colder weather, and guess what you get?

The winter blues.

No sunshine in the evenings, feeling tired and ready for bed by 7:00, challenging yourself to get out of bed on those cold mornings. It can make the most cheerful of us feel a little down.

Luckily it doesn't have to be that way. There are a number of things you can do to help combat that sad, downtrodden feeling. Make this winter less painful and more joyful:

  • Get outside every day - even just for 10 or 15 minutes. The earlier in the day you can do this, the better. The fresh air (and if you are lucky, sunshine) will give your body some needed Vitamin D and a refreshed feeling. Super cold out? Bundle up.

  • Exercise. Yes, it's probably the last thing you feel like doing, but exercise will raise your endorphins and help you feel happier. You'll also avoid the dreaded winter weight gain which will also be quite satisfying!
  • Try a winter sport. There are many options for you to try - skiing, skating, winter hikes, snow shoeing, sledding - just something to look forward and enjoy. If it's truly something that can only be done in the winter and you have fun doing it, a winter sport can give you a reason to look forward to and enjoy winter, not just suffer through.
  • Get cozy. Once you get back inside from your workout or winter sport, make sure your environment is cozy and comfortable. Stock up on a few super soft blankets, hot cocoas and teas, and get yourself some comfy slippers. Add a few books, board games or puzzles and a roaring fire and you've got a happy little nest to wait out the worst of the winter.
  • Have fun! Plan a fun evening out with your family or friends each week. That way you aren't just "getting through" the weeks, but enjoying them. It will give you something to look forward to as well as create wonderful winter memories.
  • Do you suffer from the winter blues? How do you fight them? Please share your tricks and tips in the comments - we learn best from each other!

    Close

    HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

    MORE IN LIFE