As temperatures drop and days get noticeably shorter, our bodies produce more melatonin and we tend to feel lethargic, grow less active, and feel less upbeat. If you identify with the winter blues and would like to feel just as enthusiastic about life during winter as you do in the summer, here are seven ways to find that positive groove of yours in spite of the lack of sunlight and warmth.
Start Your Days Right
By starting each day off on the right foot, you can keep your mood elevated throughout the season. Start each day by doing something you enjoy, be it partaking in an activity like yoga, reading the news over breakfast, or simply drinking a cup of coffee. Even if you have to start the day off by looking at photos of a tropical beach to remember you will experience warm weather again, you’ll benefit from taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of life by doing something that makes you happy.
Soak Up the Sun, When It’s Out
Whether you live where sun and mild temperatures are prevalent during the winter months or live where it snows, days are always shorter during this time of year. Take advantage of the sun when it is out to ensure you continually renew Vitamin D intake which increases serotonin levels in your body and boosts your immune system.
Appreciate Winter’s Beauty
Even people who find themselves miserable during winter can usually admit winter does have its beauty. Visit the slopes if you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or sledding. Build a snowman or visit some of your favorite places to see them covered in snow. If you live in warmer climates such as Ft. Lauderdale or Los Angeles, where summers can be sweltering, appreciate the opportunity to be able to spend time outdoors without getting drenched in sweat.
Adopt an Indoor Exercise Routine
If your ideal workout consists of running, cycling, or swimming outdoors, then winter may be rough on your fitness morale. Try some indoor activities such as yoga, Pilates, Zumba, or racquetball and find an indoor activity that boosts your morale. If you live in one of AMLI Residential’s communities, you have access to a well-equipped fitness center with ellipticals, treadmills, free weights, and perhaps even a separate studio for yoga and Pilates.
Avoid Processed and Sugary Foods
You might crave greasy potato chips, homemade cakes and pies, and sugary sodas. And the holidays won’t make it any easier with all of the seasonal treats and parties. However, it’s alright to enjoy your favorite holiday cookie or pie, just don’t indulge as often as you might like. Too much of these foods can cause sleeping trouble and affect your mood, not to mention your long-term health. If you have a sweet tooth, try to satisfy it with the natural sweetness of fresh-squeezed fruit juice and other simultaneously healthy and tasty foods.
Plan Exciting Events
Themed parties, fun activities with friends, and weekend getaways can be rejuvenating, and renew your sense of appreciation for life in the middle of the dreary winter. Plan events like this so that you always have something to look forward to or get excited about when the weather is especially bad and the winter blues have kicked in.
Make New Year’s Resolutions
New Year’s resolutions can be beneficial, even if they aren’t kept all year long. Making mindful resolutions can give you a mid-winter boost of optimism that may incite you to eat healthier and exercise more.
As hard as it may be, make the best out of every season. Live Life + Love Life to the fullest…even in the winter.
What do you do to stay motivated and upbeat during the winter months?
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