Angela Hall
“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.”
These are the famous lines of Albert Camus, a French philosopher, author, and journalist. Now, as we are upon the start of February, many of us may be experiencing the winter blues. Winter season can affect you psychologically and physically. The colder weather, less outings, and lack of sun can have various effects on you.
There are many ways to combat the winter blues you can incorporate into the cold months.
Exercise, Exercise, Exercise!
Exercising may be the last thing you want to do when it’s cold and poor weather outside. Winter time, more than ever, is important to get some activity in your week. You don’t need to exercise every day, but a few times a week can make a huge difference for your mood and wellness. There’s nothing wrong with a dopamine, adrenaline, and endorphin release to have you feeling happy, confident, and capable. These chemicals also reduce anxiety, stress, and physical pain.
Add Some Vitamin D
Winter time usually means less sunshine in most places in the world. Your body needs vitamin D! Vitamin D regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in your body. It keeps your bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. Vitamin D deficiency can cause you to experience depression. It’s commonly dubbed the ‘sunshine’ vitamin. You can take a vitamin D supplement or eat foods rich in vitamin D such as egg yolks, liver, red meat, and oily fish.
Hit The Sauna
This may seem more like an unconventional piece of advice, but the sauna is great in the winter time. It can reduce inflammation, muscle soreness, and improve your heart function. It has been shown to boost your mood as well!