This winter, be that happy person. Here’s how.
The days are short, the mornings are dark and getting out of bed is a drag. Excitement feels like a thing of the past, and if you had to pick a new middle name it would be: Grumpy.
Winter is here.
For many people, it’s the season of low mood and rapidly diminishing motivation. But despite the dim light and damp streets, there are tricks to staying sunny during winter – some which may surprise you.
In practice, we always see a dip in collective mood at this time of year, but today we want to help you understand why that is and how to address it, starting with some very simple things you can do right now.
Adjust your expectations
Sometimes the best way to start feeling better is by shifting your perspective.
Winter is traditionally a time of slowness, rest, and repair. In contrast to our modern lives of high-speed achievement, the natural urge to hibernate can seem like an affront. But a bit of winter sluggishness is normal – even healthy – especially if it helps you recharge.
So, take a little pressure off by slowing down this winter. You never know… it could just energise you in the long run.
Soak in sunshine
The feeling of sunshine on bare skin after a long, cold winter is hard to beat. The human body needs sunshine to thrive, but short, dark days during winter make it tough to get enough. If your mood is particularly low, it’s time to chase the sun.
The sun’s UV rays are essential for healthy vitamin D levels – a pro-hormone that supports everything from mood to immunity. Just a few minutes of sunshine on your face, arms and hands can deliver 10 times more vitamin D than any pill. Aim for 10 – 20 minutes around midday, and always avoid sunburn.
There are more benefits where that came from! Sunlight sends powerful signals to the brain that regulate circadian rhythms, telling every single cell what to do, when. Without a natural rhythm of light, dark, light, dark, your body struggles to rest, repair, make hormones, fight infection… the list goes on.
Try to get outside first thing – without sunnies – for a dose of natural light. By the same token, make it your mission to minimise artificial light at night, which leads us to…
Get screen smart
Screens can disrupt your sleep and mood because they emit blue light.
The body associates blue light with morning, telling your brain to wake up! Get moving! As night falls, light becomes orange, triggering the release of sleep hormones like melatonin.
Sitting on your iPad before bed? It’s a seriously confusing habit for the brain.
The best option is to put your devices down with the sun, but if you must be on the screen, there are now apps and in-built solutions to the blue light problem.
Many smartphones, tablets and laptops have a ‘Night Shift’ mode, syncing with the time of day and adjusting their screen from blue to orange. Alternatively, check out apps like f.lux or Twilight for circadian-friendly lighting.
Bring the outside, in
Nature is instantly uplifting, but it’s harder to get out there in winter. One solution is to deck out your home with plants, for a hit of indoor greenery.
Many plants have the added benefit of filtering the air, neutralizing radiation and wi-fi and emitting ‘feelgood’ ions.
Indestructible favourites include mother-in-law’s tongue, maidenhair ferns, rubber plants, peace lilies, spider plants and fiddle leaf figs.
Eat serotonin-boosting foods
When it comes to mood, serotonin is kind of a big deal. It’s a neurotransmitter that promotes happiness, wellbeing and healthy sleep patterns, and – surprise! – is largely produced in the gut.
You can boost levels naturally by eating foods like bananas, walnuts, salmon, green tea and fermented veggies – a positively delicious prescription.
Embrace winter spirit
Similarly to point #1, reframing winter is an easy way to beat the blues.
See the colder months as a time to rug up, eat hearty (but healthy) food with friends, light the fire, catch up on books, reading and study, and enjoy all things snug. It’ll be summer before you know it.