With the nights drawing in, and the temperature becoming more chilly, it is that time of the year where there seems to be no sunlight. This can cause us to feel more tired than we would during the summer months.
If this sounds like you, you are not alone. Here is a guest post featuring 8 ways to beat the winter blues:
1. Sunlight
Sunlight can be one of the best ways to naturally combat tiredness during the colder months. But, as we know there is often a distinct lack of sunlight during this time (in the UK anyway!).
Getting as much sun on your skin as possible during winter can have lots of benefits, including aiding our bodies in producing Vitamin D.
Top Tip: Try to get out and about as much as possible during the day when there is the most natural light.
2. Sleep
When winter comes around, it’s tempting to stay tucked up in bed until that very last moment. But that sleepy feeling we all get during these cold days doesn’t mean you should stay in bed for longer. If you do, the chances are that you will be more tired throughout the day.
Top Tip: As soon as you wake up in the morning, make sure you draw back those curtains or blinds straight away, to tell your body sleep time is over. Also, drinking a glass of water straight after waking up will wake up the brain, as the body will be slightly dehydrated after 7 or 8 hours of sleep.
3. Exercising & Breathing
It may not sound that appealing, the talk of exercising in cold weather. Believe it or not, exerting energy during exercise will actually provide you with more energy. Furthermore, exercising in the late afternoon will help you to sleep.
To give your body the extra boost it needs when exercising, make sure you are getting enough B Vitamins and Iron. These B vitamins, particularly Riboflavin contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism – which means that your body is more efficient at turning the food you eat into fuel and energy,
Top Tip: Make the most of your commute! Jump off the bus or train a stop early and keep yourself warm with a brisk walk to the office.
4. Switch up your diet
When summer comes to its untimely end, there is also the temptation of swapping your light lunch for some real homely and filling foods, which can be really heavy on carbohydrates. Even though carbohydrates can have a sluggish effect on energy levels, if you’re really craving those carbs, try swapping pies for more complex carbs such as sweet potato, brown rice etc.
Top Tip: Try kicking off your day with a hot bowl of porridge and slices of fruits, which will also help keep you feeling full throughout the day.
5. Keep warm
Being cold can make you feel more tired than usual. This is due to your body working overtime to stay warm. Keep warm with layers, hot food and hot drinks. Also aim to keep your house between 18C and 21C.
Top Tip: Layers trap air in between your body and clothes, insulating you better, meaning your body wouldn’t need to work as hard to keep warm, and conserve energy better.
6. Find new hobbies
Being able to keep your mind occupied with new interests will counter the symptoms of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). This can be anything from a new sport, to sewing, or starting a blog. The important thing is that you will have something to concentrate on and look forward to.
7. Meet with friends and family
Socialising is good for your mental health and definitely helps fight off the winter blues. Keeping in touch with the people you care about will keep you busy, so it’s worthwhile accepting all social events and invitations, even if you only go for a short while.
8. Seek help
If you have symptoms that are simply unbearable, and are bad enough that it is affecting your daily life, then book an appointment with your GP without delay.
However, food supplements must not replace a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. As with other food supplements, seek professional advice before using if you are under medical supervision or suffer from food allergies.
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I'll have to try the glass of water after waking up in the morning, I never thought of that before. Some very useful tips here