What causes Winter Blues? With shorter days and colder weather, you may tend to stay inside more during the winter and also be less active. This can result in less exposure to natural light than in warmer seasons, leading to feelings of depression, low energy, appetite, and sleep changes.
Therefore, one of the ways to combat seasonal depression, or winter blues, is to get outside. A walk is a great way to get natural light and to beat the low motivation of winter blues. You might have to push yourself to actually go out and walk, but you’ll probably feel uplifted once you do. Dress appropriately, so you’re not too cold or too hot. If you’re going to be active, dress in layers you can shed as you warm up. It’s helpful to have a lightweight day pack, or waist pack, in which to stuff the unneeded layers and also to carry water.
With our recent snowfall, it’s a great time to try a new winter sport. Snowshoeing, x-country or alpine skiing, ice skating, and snow cycling are readily available. All provide opportunities to enjoy the beauty of new fallen snow. A quiet snowshoe in the woods can be magical with the sound of a bubbling brook that has formed tiny icicles hanging from the rocks within the waterway. A ski run through powder can feel like floating on air. The kick-and-glide of x-country skiing is invigorating. Immerse yourself in the beauty that surrounds you. Because all these activities provide opportunities to experience the moment with your senses, they can have a meditative quality to them. This may contribute to increased feelings of well-being.
Give it a try, and see how you feel.
