by Sofia Moreau

The arrival of winter may inspire a desire to hibernate and indulge in excessive screen time rather than maintain your healthy routine. And there’s a reason for that.

Scientists tell us our 24-hour biological clock can fall out of sync without sufficient exposure to natural daylight, potentially triggering Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This explains those wintery feelings of lethargy, poor concentration, and low moods many people experience.

The good news? You hold the power to influence your mood, energy, and alertness positively with a few simple lifestyle changes. Let’s delve into how.

Curb the Winter Blues with Fitness

Fresh air does wonders for our mood and energy. One way to get ample natural daylight is by moving our workouts outdoors. Research shows ‘green exercise,’ particularly in natural environments, boosts feelings of relaxation, vigor, and reduces negative emotions such as anxiety. Grab a friend, select a fun activity, and spend some time exercising outside to hit many mood-enhancing birds with one stone.

Maintaining a routine of moderate-intensity workouts – geared towards elevating your heart rate – also helps, as does choosing activities that align with your personal goals. Striving for better cardiovascular health? Go for a run. Longing for improved flexibility and strength? Opt for yoga or Pilates.

Tapping into the camaraderie of group exercise can multiply the happiness factor of your workouts. By engaging in new activities and pushing through challenging workouts together, you’ll enjoy a greater sense of achievement and enjoyment.

To best ward off depressive feelings, aim for 4.4 hours of exercise weekly, but remember – even small doses of physical activity can substantially reduce the risk of depression.

Nutrition Hacks for Happiness

Your diet can serve as another ally in your battle against the winter blues. Certain foods possess antidepressant properties, including watercress, spinach, Swiss chard, and fresh herbs like basil, coriander, and parsley. Incorporate these nutrient-rich foods into your meals, from smoothies to soups to protein-rich dishes, to enhance feelings of well-being.

Beat Winter Blues with Bright Light Therapy

Light therapy tools like wake-up lamps and therapy lamps are great additions to your mood-boosting arsenal. These gadgets simulate sunrise in the morning and mimic the ebb and flow of natural light throughout the day, helping improve your mood, energy and sleep cycles.

Incorporating these lifestyle, fitness, and nutritional tips into your winter routine can help you navigate the colder months with more vibrancy and less Netflix binging. Remember, every little bit helps, so take these changes at your own pace, and you’ll increase your chances of keeping that sunny disposition all season.