Ways to Help Beat the Winter Blues

As frigid temperatures and the short, dark days of winter arrive, people often experience minor sleep issues, irritability, lethargy, sadness, or changes in appetite. If you experience these issues, try the following to get back on track.

1. Increase Exercise

A daily walk aids in bettering your mental and physical health. Not up for walking? Try yoga or another activity to keep yourself active, elevating your mood and energy levels. Stimulate those endorphins!

2. Eat Healthily

A healthy diet can support your health in many ways. Eat lean proteins and lots of fresh fruit and veggies. Avoid processed foods, alcohol, and too much caffeine. Also, increase your daily water intake.

3. Go Outside

Spending time outdoors in natural daylight with the sounds of nature can do wonders for your mood. Even if it’s chilly, bundle up and go for a walk, build a snowman, or go bird-watching. If you have an outdoor area, and it’s pleasantly cold and sunny, grab a warm cup of tea, a blanket, and your favorite reading materials. Even just 15 – 20 minutes a day outdoors is good for you.

4. Add Sunshine

Keep your home bright to bring cheer into your day. Being winter days are so short, take advantage of sunlight hours by opening up your shades and letting the sun stream in as long as possible.

5. Listen to Pleasing Sounds

Keep your favorite music playing in the background. If that’s too distracting, get a sound machine and play the sounds of birds chirping, ocean waves, or other pleasing sounds to help elevate your mood.

6. Watch Funny Movies or TV Shows

The news inundates us with negativity, anger, and sadness. Take a break from the 24/7 news cycle and watch comedies. If nothing new interests you, stream some oldies, but goodies. Laughing is good for you!

7. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep deprivation is harmful to the body, whereas quality sleep offers positive benefits for healthy cognitive function. Set a bed routine and follow it. Remember to put away the electronics. When you’re well-rested, you’ll feel better and find yourself in a better mood.

8. Plan Something Fun

Planning a fun event can help brighten your day. Plan a vacation, schedule a day out with friends, or buy tickets to a ball game, concert, or something else you enjoy. Even if you can’t attend the event now, becoming immersed in happy planning allows you to refocus your energies while giving you something to look forward to.

Support Healthy Cognitive Function with Prevagen

Any time of year, Prevagen supports brain function.