Monday 18 November 2019

Dealing With the Winter Blues

Every year around this time, I seem to get hit with the winter blues.  It drags down my emotions, my energy and makes it hard for me to want to get off of my couch.  I feel exhausted, sad, and drained.  I think that my feelings are due to the change in season and due to the fact that we don't seem to get much sunshine in our transition to winter.  I thought I would write about a few things that help pull me out of my melancholic state.

1.)  Go for a walk.  This one is not my favourite because it requires a lot of effort on my part.  When I am suffering from the winter blues, the last thing I want to do is leave my home.  Here's the thing: it really does help.  The combination of exercise, fresh air and seeing nature (like trees, sky and birds) really lifts my spirits.

2.)  Up my Vitamin D intake.  We simply do not get enough Vitamin D where I live.  It really can make a person feel lethargic.  My doctor recommended that I take a higher dose than the Health Canada recommended amount and it has made a huge difference in how I feel.  Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your Vitamin D intake.

3.)  Make time to see friends and family.  When I am feeling down, I try to seek out my friends so that we can spend some face-to-face time together.  Spending time with people you love and enjoy goes a long way to buoy your spirits.

This time of year can be really difficult for a lot of us.  If you are unable to lift your spirits through these techniques or any of your own, please seek help.  Depression isn't something you need to shoulder alone. 

No comments:

Post a Comment