4 Ways to Boost Your Winter Mood

Your Winter Mood is About to Be Uplifted

The first snowfall is exciting for some people. They envision sleigh rides and building snowmen. For others, the first snowfall is depressing. They envision icy, dangerous roads and feeling trapped in their homes. If you’re one of those people who don’t look forward to being homebound due to inclement weather, you winter mood could use a little adjustment. Here are my four favorite ways to boost a winter mood.

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The Right Lighting

Gloomy weather makes people feel gloomy. It’s called seasonal affective disorder—a type of depression that comes and goes with the changing of the seasons. If you start feeling depressed the same time each year, don’t brush off your feelings. Instead, treat yourself to some light therapy. You can buy a light that mimics the sunny days you can’t enjoy. It really does make a difference.

The Right Food

If you feel trapped at home, you may want to indulge in comfort foods. For many of us, comfort foods are junk foods with no nutritional value. If you’re already feeling gloomy, these foods won’t boost your mood; they’ll actually make you feel worse. Instead, eat well-balanced, healthy meals filled with fruits and vegetables, good fats, lean protein and good carbs. Why not make a hearty stew? It’s better than a candy bar or chips, and you’ll have leftovers. And skip the caffeine and alcohol, or at least cut down on your consumption—especially if they disrupt your sleep pattern.

The Right Exercise

Exercise to beat a gloomy winter mood. If you can take walks outside, do it. If bad weather has you housebound, do yoga. It’s relaxing and mood-enhancing. There are many other exercise programs available on the Internet. Some are free and some require a subscription fee. Find what works for you and exercise regularly to boost your mood and maintain your fitness.

The Right Entertainment

You can get stir crazy if inclement weather makes you homebound. The key to passing the time quickly is to keep busy. What are your hobbies? Do you like to knit, make jewelry or do puzzles? How about getting started on that novel you’ve always wanted to write? Do you like binge watching television or movies? You can always get lost in a new show or rewatch one of your old favorites.

Preparation is Key

If you know you feel gloomy every year around this time, you can prepare for it. The rain, cold and snow will last for days on end. Don’t get caught unprepared! Stock up on whatever you need in advance, so when the bad weather hits, you’re ready. I hope you spend this winter feeling cozy, content, healthy, happy and well-fed.