Winter making you woeful? You are not the only person who can’t remember when it wasn’t dark in the mornings. These five essential tips will help you to get out of that winter slump just in time for spring
- Eat carbs and fish.
Ever wonder why all you want to do in winter is hide away and eat pizza? It’s because carbohydrates promote the production of serotonin in our brains (the happy hormone)! If you find you are craving carbs, go for it – just remember to gorge on the good stuff. Popcorn, pretzels and potatoes are all great sources of carbohydrates to boost your mood. If you’re finding you’ve eating three bags of popcorn, seven baked potatoes and still fancy some pretzels, it may be that you need more protein – found in oily fish!
- Go outside
For the most part, the sluggish feeling you get around wintertime is down to lack of sunlight. If you can, get out in the sunlight for at least twenty minutes a day. Yes, I know that London is not the sunniest place in the world. But those twenty minutes will boost your vitamin D significantly and remind you that you are not actually living in Middle Earth. Spring is coming!
- Yoga
You knew it was coming, right? Yoga and exercise in general will boost your energy, mood and keep you sane (no guarantee but I’m pretty confident). Exercise causes changes in your brain chemistry which elevate your mood – and that’s not even counting the amazing self-esteem, pride and ability to overcome obstacles that comes with nailing a good asana.
- Do something just for you each day
As in, not for anybody else. Not even remotely related to another human being’s interests or needs. Sounds easy, but can be quite hard (especially if you are the lovely person I know you are). Dance. Sing. Watch TV. Eat a Hershey’s Cookies and Cream bar (drool). Whatever it is, just make sure it is what you want.