[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With white snow on the ground, bare tree branches and gray skies, winter might have you seeing the world in monochrome. In the heart of winter, the dreary weather and cold air often bring moods down. For some people, it gets to the point where finding the motivation and energy to do basic tasks is difficult. Continuously feeling down and drowsy can lead to burnout and is harmful to your mental health.
If you’re looking to add more colour in your life in the midst of this dreary season, follow these steps to get back on beat.
Stay Active
Exercising regularly is always a good idea year round, but it is especially relevant in fighting winter gloom. If the constant snowfall and frigid air has the world seeming bleak, exercise can help improve your mood, and allow you to relax. Additionally, it can boost energy and reduce stress and improve sleep.
Eat Healthily
It’s easy to reach for the ice cream tubs or other sweets for a quick pick-me-up. But the rush from sugar intake is temporary, and the crash will leave you feeling more tired than before. Instead, try cooking healthy meals at home with an interesting twist. In addition to being healthier than restaurant dishes, cooking at home grants you a feeling of satisfaction at the end result. Also, making your own food allows you to add an interesting twist to your meals, and make them more exciting. For example, a pop of colour in your salad by adding fruit can make being healthy more fun!
Keeping a healthy diet is vital to keeping your mood up. By ensuring that you eat from all food groups, you can absorb nutrients and elicit chemical reactions in your brain that helps improve your mood and your responses to stress.
Surround Yourself with Art
Art comes in many different forms, so it is certain that there is something that will work for you. Curling up with a book always provides some comfort and allows for unwinding after a stressful day. If books aren’t your thing, try painting (we recommend following along with Bob Ross), playing your favorite tunes, or dancing to your favorite tunes. Engaging in various art forms not only boosts your creativity, but allows you to relax in a beneficial way.
You don’t have to be great at everything, but immersing in a hobby that you actually enjoy can improve your mood by an immeasurable amount.
Spend Time with Loved Ones
Although it is tempting to isolate yourself and go into hibernation as soon as the first snowflake falls, it might be the opposite of what you need. If you feel your mood lowering because of the weather, don’t hesitate to call up your family, friends or that special someone to give your mood a boost! Playing a board game, watching a movie, whatever it may be, spending time with your loved ones is a great and effective way to feel warm even during winter storms.
Set aside some time to catch up discuss and renew connections with those who matter to you. You may even be helping someone else improve their mood.
Embrace the Cold
Don’t avoid the cold, embrace it! There are countless fun winter activities that allow you to enjoy the chilly climate instead of loathing it. Grab some skis or a snowboard and hit the slopes for a chilly but delightful experience. Tubing or tobogganing are also popular and fun to do in groups. If you want to avoid being on an incline, give skating a try! Gliding on frozen lakes or public skating rinks before warming up with a hot drink is always a family favourite. Looking for something low-maintenance? Building a snowman in your front yard, or having a snowball fight in a park with some friends is a timeless but enjoyable experience for people of all ages. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]