How to Beat the Winter Blues

January can feel like the Monday of the year, and with winter still hanging on the cold weather and short days mean that it’s easy to feel downbeat.

Just a few simple lifestyle changes can really have a positive effect, so we’ve put together some tips which will help to lift your spirits this Winter and get rid of those blues for good.

1. Eat Well

It can be tempting to eat hearty foods and ‘all things carbs’ to give yourself some comfort in the colder months, however a lot of these foods will only give you a temporary boost and will actually make you feel worse in the long run. You may experience weight gain or discomfort from eating too much leaving you not feeling too great. Maintaining a balanced diet which incorporates all the food groups will help to keep your spirits up, especially if you eat a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Buddha bowls or acai bowls are a great and tasty way to get all your nutrients, and many of them contain your 5 a day in just one portion!

2. Boost your Energy Levels

These dark mornings can leave you with low energy levels and feeling fatigued. It’s important to keep energy levels regular so that you continue to feel motivated and upbeat in day-to-day life.

Eating slow-release energy foods such as nuts, grains or beans will help you to feel fuller and more energised for longer. Also, eating a wide range of fruits and vegetables and cutting down on processed foods is likely to help boost your energy levels.

3. Exercise

Although it may make you feel like doing the opposite, exercise is essential in winter. Neurochemicals called endorphins give you a feeling of euphoria post-workout.

Something as simple as walking the dog or going for an afternoon jog will boost your mood and leave you in high spirits.

However, if you don’t feel up to braving the cold weather, there’s plenty of opportunities to exercise indoors, such as taking up a yoga or a dance class.

As well as giving you those all-important endorphins, attending a class can also be a great way to make new friends and increase your social circle.

4. Get your Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are considered essential nutrients and have been proven to support normal physiologic function. We need these in our diets, because our bodies can’t synthesize them quickly enough to meet our daily needs.

In the Winter, certain nutrients such as vitamin C are important to keeping us happy, healthy and support the immune system.