In states that get cold and clouds cover blocking the sun, people can become a little depressed or suffer from the Winter Blues. Part of the reason is from those dark and gloomy days, but the other part is the lack of vitamin D which we naturally get from the sun’s rays along with other nutrient deficiencies. Along with this our energy levels plummet causing a sliding effect on our systems and mental state.
Although we can’t force or make the sunshine there are ways to combat The Winter Blues. Some of these ways are…
1. Blue/White Lights
Blue and white lights can be expensive, and you have to sit with them for a certain amount of time. However, they have greatly affected some people and their moods. If you have a job at a desk or work from inside your home, then this is one option worth looking into to keep a smile on your face.
Therapy Lamp, for Seasonal Disorders
2. Joining a gym
Exercise has helps improve the outlook of a person by upping their endorphins and blood flow. It also helps as a great way to get out, meet and say hello to people you know. Socializing in a gym is a double healthy effect and improves energy.
Endorphin meaning: any of a group of hormones secreted by the brain and nervous system and having a number of physiological functions. They are peptides that activate the body’s opiate receptors, causing an analgesic effect.
3. Saunas, Steam Rooms, and Hot Tubs
You may get the benefit of a sauna, steam room, or hot tub when you join a gym. If not look into where you can enjoy their uses or purchase one yourself.
Saunas, Steam Rooms, and Hot Tubs are a way to relax and release some unwanted stress. Oils can be used in all but hot tubs to give a cleansing, uplifting, or stress-relieving feel. We are creatures of sensation, so choosing an oil that will help you is a bonus when using these rooms and clearing out toxins.
4. Oils
I’ve already listed one way to use oils, but you can also have them going in your home 24-7. A diffuser runs in my home throughout the day to help give a boost to the senses in the winter, to add the smell of spices for the holidays, and for when a family member is sick. Oils are a big part of my life, and I love the aid they offer to a person’s health.
One of the best ways to use oils is by taking a bath using 1 cup Epsom salt, one cup baking soda, and your choice oil which will help with detoxing, joint issues, soreness, and overall health. My favorites are orange, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree while adding a few drops of thyme or Oregano.
5. Diet
What we put in our body is the energy our body runs off and so can have a great effect on your attitude and our overall state of being. Knowledge is power and the knowledge of how foods can give you energy is priceless.
If we all paid more attention to what we put in our bodies, there would be less sickness as all diseases usually come from a mineral deficiency. So, with the natural vitamins helping boost your energy and mood, you will have a head start for not only the winter months but in your overall perfect health.
Instead of being depressed and grabbing the sweets or ice cream, why not pick some colorful fruits and have them handy for a snack? Fruits have Vitamin C and therefore help with immunity and energy. Of course, all food is for energy, so the more extensive the variety of food, the better.
That being said, all foods are not created equal when it comes to their enhancing powers. For instance, junk food destroys instead of builds up your body’s energy stores instead of energy-boosting foods, which are also metabolism-boosting: foods that support our bodies’ ability to convert food into energy.
B-complex vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids are some of the most energy-boosting nutrients available, but many other nutrients and flavors are associated with increased wakefulness and alertness. Here is my top ten list of foods to help combat the Winter Blues:
- Salmon has omega 3 fatty acid.
- Citrus is full of immune-boosting vitamin C.
- Eggs are a super food and good for any meal!
- Beans offer protein and vitamin B which is good for energy.
- Walnuts also have omega-3.
- Leafy Greens help promote energy with high levels of brain-boosting Folate, Vitamins C, K, Calcium, and Beta-Carotene.
- Bran Cereal or Granola. My absolute favorite is Wild Blueberry Flax Granola.
- Dark Chocolate. We’re talking really dark here. If you’re eating chocolate for energy, you want the highest cacao concentration possible. That’s because cacao has nutrients that fight stress and boost energy and focus. Dark chocolate also contains a kick of caffeine, which helps to boost energy levels quickly.
- Coffee has obvious benefits because of the caffeine, but in moderation can aid in things such as dementia, heart failure, and even some cancers as it acts as a diuretic.
- Water . If you’re feeling sluggish it could be from dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of water to keep your energy and body functioning properly. A person should drink half their body weight in ounces and add lemon juice if possible. Water is one of the keys to a person reaching their peak health.
6. Vitamins
Vitamins are in different foods we eat, but rarely does a person have a perfect diet. If you feel you do, then great, as getting vitamins from raw food is always best! If not, supplementing is a healthy choice. Not all vitamins are equal, so I’ll give you this link where I purchase all of mine NUTRILITE.
If you have your own source that’s fantastic, otherwise once you’re on this site, just type in Vitamin D, Vitamin B dual-action, Vitamin C, and so on. D, B, and C are on the top of my list and the ones I take regularly, especially in the Winter. This particular Vitamin D also has vitamin K2, which helps get calcium from your bloodstream into your bones.
7. Vacation
Let’s face it. Sometimes a person needs to getaway. We don’t mind our routines a lot of the year, it can sometimes be a drag but when winter comes.
Saving your vacation time for Winter if you’re prone to getting the Winter Blues might be the best thing you can do. Please don’t mistake me. It isn’t the cure-all. If, however, you can and have the time to get away, then scheduling a few days or a week off will only help.
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