Got the Winter Blues? Quick Tips to Feeling Better When the Weather’s Cold

Around 280 million people across the globe suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder). A good portion simply feels stuck indoors as the colder weather starts to close windows, shut down parks, and change outdoor dining to a much different atmosphere.

The good news is there are plenty of ways to lower the feeling of cabin fever as winter storm after winter storm sends wind, rain, snow, and sleet against your windows. Here are some of the best ways to beat back the winter blues and stay positive all season long. 

As the days start to shorten, you need strategies to help make it through your day of activities at the local winter park. That requires getting a full dosage of Vitamin D. In most of the summer and spring months, you can simply step outdoors and bathe in the sunlight to get the right serving. The winter requires a different strategy.

Vitamin D is crucial for your immune system and helps maintain essential systems in your brain, organs, and bones. Pick up a sunlight simulating nightlight that simulates the same light spectrum as the sun. You can also take Vitamin D1, D2, or D3 supplements to give you the energy you need. 

One of the best ways to improve how to sleep in winter months as well as feel energy for when you wake up is to get your body moving. Plenty of studies demonstrate that regular exercise and physical fitness can drastically improve your mood and overall sense of well-being.

Luckily, you don’t have to be preparing for a marathon to get these essential benefits. Picking up a  Redliro Walking Pad JK08W and putting it under your desk or stored in your living room gives you a simple, effective, and climate-controlled way to get in those daily steps without having to brave the cold and awkward stares at your local gym. 

Your body needs sleep to feel good. If you’re falling asleep every night to the best films on streaming devices and waking up groggy and angry at the cold outside, try maintaining a regular sleep schedule.

Practice good sleep hygiene by turning the lights down low as the night winds down, shutting off all screens about an hour before bed, and making sure you have comfortable pillows that naturally support your spine. Create the pre-bed rituals that trigger your body to release those wonderful sleep hormones you need for rest. 

When a winter storm has you stuck inside for days on end, it’s time for a new hobby. Maybe you want to give knitting a try or take up playing RPG games with friends over Zoom. Trying something new that both reduces your stress and offers a distraction from the weather outdoors.

If you need inspiration for that hobby, think about the things you would have loved as a child. Maybe it’s time to finally give building that model train a try. 

Vitamin D aside, get out in the little bit of sun that does make an appearance during the colder months. If you have big windows in your home, a greenhouse, or there is a local library with big bay viewing areas, give them a try.

That little bit of sunlight can flip your frown upside down and give you the energy to make it through the rest of the day.

Never in the history of humankind have we been as connected as we are right now. You can host a giant meeting of high school reunion buddies, all with the smartphone in your pocket.

If you’re feeling down because the local winter park is snowed in, share a game with friends online. Maybe you schedule a viewing night where you all watch the same best films or simply call your closest friend to Facetime while cooking up something new. You can combine activities by demonstrating your new hobby and connecting with those that make you feel appreciated. 

Speaking of the best films, the winter months are the perfect time to catch up on this year’s greatest releases. You can have a weekly family movie night or host a viewing party with nearby neighbors.

Many people will take a room in the house, the basement, or the attic and transform it into a special movie theater. Toss an old couch up there, buy a cheap projector, and get out the popcorn as you enjoy the best films of the year.

You could even relive nostalgic years by having your kiddos watch the favorites from when you were a teenager. Either way, it helps keep your mind off the cold weather outdoors. 

The staycation industry is booming! Hotels, resorts, and local vacation rentals are all well aware people in the community will schedule a visit instead of going far from home. Being able to rest in a room without any obligation of cleaning up is a massive stress reliever.

Try to couple your staycation with a pool for the kids or a romantic getaway with that special partner. You will both make new memories and feel happier being away from the same four walls of your home after so much time indoors.