We’ve all felt the highs of the holiday and are now feeling the lows of January. The tree has come down, the Christmas decorations are back in the attic, the days are still dark and cold and many of us are doing a double take at how low our bank balance is. It’s time to get back to reality but it needn’t be all doom and gloom, take a look at our tips for battling those winter blues courtesy of NHS UK.
Eat clean
Having consumed way too much food and alcohol throughout the party season it’s safe to say that we are all feeling a little guilty of over indulging. January is all about detoxing and recuperating, and what better way to kick start your New Year than with a healthy diet? A healthy diet will boost your mood, give you more energy and stop you putting on the pounds over winter. Balance your craving for carbs with plenty of fresh fruit and veg. The Happy Kitchen: Good Mood Food (RRP £14.99) is a cookbook by Rachel Kelly that is bursting with nutritious recipes and ideas that are all designed to boost energy, relieve low mood, comfort a troubled mind, support hormone balance and help you sleep soundly.
Stay snug
Stressed? Cold? Feeling unwell? Is there anything a cup of tea and your dressing gown can’t solve? Being cold can make you feel more depressed, so wrapping up warm is essential for combating those winter blues. Keep hot food and drink at arm’s reach and wear warm clothes.
Keep active
Whether it’s a daily 15-minute walk or an intense hour-long workout at the gym, keeping active is another way to banish the blues. Not only can being physically active lift your mood and reduce stress and anxiety but it improves your self-esteem and encourages the release of endorphins, giving you a real buzz.
See your friends and family
Socialising is good for your mental health and helps ward off the winter blues, so don’t keep yourself cooped up this winter. Make an effort to keep in touch with the people you care about and accept any invitations you get to social events, even if you can’t stay there long.
Take up a new hobby
Keeping both your body and mind active with a new interest such as painting, singing or writing a blog will help to lift your mood and give you something to look forward to and focus on.
For more tips on beating the winter blues, please click here.
What are your tips for surviving the winter blues? Let us know by commenting below.