It’s January, which means there is a long way to go before flowers start to bloom. Not only that, but Christmas is over and there is nothing to get excited about. Mix in the fact that the weather is terrible, the sunlight hours shorter, and the mood darker, and April can’t come soon enough. It’s little wonder people suffer from the blues in winter when you think about the different factors. The good news is that you don’t have to rely on a combo of strong coffee and hard liquor to get you through.
Here are the weird and wonderful ways to make the blues a bit brighter.
Eat Savvier
Your diet plays a massive role in mood and emotions. The wrong food can increase feelings of anxiety and depression. An obvious example is junk food because they are fatty and lead to tiredness. However, there are treats which are tasty and healthy at the same time. Dark chocolate is the leading contender for pound for pound health-treat king. With over 75% cocoa, it contains antioxidants which fight diseases, as well as chemicals that release endorphins. Drinking water over caffeinated drinks will help, too.
Clean Smarter
A dirty house won’t help your situation. But, a home which has grime in all the wrong places can exacerbate feelings of depression. The light fixtures are the main culprits because a build-up of dust can reduce light emissions. When the lights are on, the glow isn’t as strong and the darkness can seem too strong to resist. Wiping light fittings throughout the house should restore them back to their full brightness. For tricky fixtures, you should use a chandelier cleaning service. Another tip to remember is to unblock windows and doors. They are sources of natural light, and NL contains serotonin which prevents mental health problems.
Recreate Dawn Better
The hardest time of the day is the morning. When it’s still dark outside, it gets harder and harder to roll out of bed. And, the longer you stay under the sheets, the more likely depression is to set in. A dawn simulator is a device which gradually increases light in your room over a period. So, by the time you have to wake up, the bedroom feels as if it is 6:00am on a summer morning. Studies show that the software is legitimate and is a proven antidepressant.
Go On Holiday More
There is no need to list studies for this one – everyone understands the pros of a winter break. Firstly, there is the inevitable sunshine which brightens up your life and everyone else’s. Then, there’s the break from monotony because routines at home get boring. Finally, there is the release of stress as everyday lives are full of pressure and tension. Don’t forget the fact that people actively try to enjoy holidays as they don’t come around very often. If money is a problem, try to find a budget weekend trip or stay in-country and explore.
Hopefully, these tips will help you to brighten up the darkness this winter.
XOXO
Debbie
This is a collaborative post
