5 Surprising Ways to Stay Sunny this Winter
It’s that time of the year again.
Leave home in the gloom, return in the dark. Hot chocolate for breakfast. You can’t remember what your legs look like & there’s icicles where your toes used to be. Sluggish, moody, demotivated & dull. Welcome to winter!
But does it have to be so miserable?
Here at Spinecare, we disagree!
In fact, we want to let you in what causes mid-winter blues and how to beat them.
Plus 5 surprising strategies you can use to stay sunny, even when it’s raining cats & Dingos.
Why do you feel flat in winter?
It’s a combination of factors, including:
- Lack of sunlight
- Low serotonin (our ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter) due to reduced light exposure.
- Low vitamin D thanks to lack of sun exposure (noticing a theme?)
- Poor nutrition: craving sweets, high-energy carbs and stimulants.
- Lack of social interaction: or, ‘hibernating sloth’ syndrome.
So it’s not just your attitude; there are physiological factors at play.
The good news? You have the power to change them!
Try these 5 winter hacks for improved energy, mood & well being:
1. Prioritise light
Why?
- Your circadian rhythm is governed by light entering the retina (a part of the eye). And guess what? This rhythm underpins your wellbeing. Sleep, energy, immune function – even weight management – is under the jurisdiction of the sleep/wake cycle.
- Vitamin D is obtained from sun exposure. Low Vitamin D levels are associated with decreased mood, immune health & general wellbeing.
How to do it
- Get light in your eyes first thing. Walk around the block before breakfast, don’t wear sunnies as you drive to work & greet the day! Similarly, avoid screens & electronic devices 2-4 hours before bed. This regulates your rhythms & ensures your body stays in sync.
- Aim for 20 minutes of sun exposure, daily. Eat lunch in the park, take a midday walk, or sunbake – if you’re lucky enough to have time & a deckchair.
2. Don’t shirk exercise
Why?
- Exercise boosts mood, promotes healthy circulation & keeps weight in check.
How to do it:
- Don’t skip exercise just because it’s chilly: get creative. Seek indoor activities, join social sporting groups, find a running buddy – the possibilities for winter workouts are endless. Try indoor soccer, tennis or rock climbing for something different.
3. Tailor your nutrition for winter wellness
Why?
- Your biochemical needs change with the seasons. Winter demands more grounding, nourishing, warming foods. But this doesn’t equate to pastries & soy-milk-Chai on tap.
What to try instead:
- Emphasise proteins, complex carbohydrates & healthy fats to support your system. Start with vegetables and build nourishing meals from there. Think eggs for breakfast, slow-cooked oats with yogurt, dinner leftovers (don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it!) and omelettes.
4. Stay social!
Why?
- Social engagement is imperative for happy humans. You may feel like burrowing beneath the doonah, but the benefits of socialising are unmatched.
- Studies show that social contact predicts longevity, mental sharpness & general wellbeing. Add fun to the mix, and you’ve a compelling rationale for dinner with friends!
How to do it:
- Seek out one of Adelaide’s cosy winter nooks. Roaring fireplaces inside iconic stone pubs, snug cafes & quaint cinemas offer the perfect scenes for winter socialising. Don’t underestimate the value of laughing with your mates.
5. Get regular adjustments
Why?
- Chiropractic is not just for back pain! It fosters whole-body wellbeing.
- Mood is under the direct influence of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) & your nervous system. Regular adjustments help improve nervous system function, stimulating areas of your brain and nervous system to activate those amazing feel good hormones!
- In this way, chemical imbalances that lead to fluctuating moods are more easily dealt with, and you return to your happy equilibrium.
How to do it:
- Come and see your friendly Spinecare practitioners, of course! We’ll ensure you sail through winter with sunny smiles & whole-body health (the only thing we can’t do is improve your tan!)