14 Tips to Beat The Winter Blahs

Posted on January 27, 2016

Sometimes winter can feel like it lasts forever and with that come changes to your mood, body, skin, sleep and overall attitude. There are simple ways in which you can take better care of you while you await the days of running your toes through the sand. Consider some of the following:

1. Take vitamins daily and make sure you are getting enough Vitamin D in your body.
2. Consider the use of a “blue light” especially if you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or better yet, make sure you get out to enjoy the sun as much as possible.
3. Make sure you are eating healthy and regularly. Many people start a new year with some form of a crash diet that potentially deprives them of much needed nutrients.
4. Get cooking with the kids and teach them some of your favourite comfort food recipes.
5. Make sure you are getting proper sleep each night and keep a regular sleep schedule.
6. Enjoy a summer activity in the winter: get out to a local pool and enjoy some swimming.
7. Do a good deed for someone and it will make you feel better, e.g., help an elderly neighbour with their shoveling.
8. Get out in the community and enjoy some local events, a great place to look is HERE.
9. Keep your body hydrated, drink water and infuse it with fruit or veggies, and make sure to moisturize your skin with lotion.
10. Pull out those board games and set up a tournament or challenge your kids to a dance-off with the Wii.
11. Invite some friends over and have a chili cook off; laughing with friends is good for the soul.
12. Take up yoga. Here are some basic poses that you can try at home.
13. When the weather allows, try to get outside every day even if only for a few minutes. A little bit of sun can do a whole lot of good.
14. If feelings of sadness are overwhelming to you, consider contacting Carizon Family and Community Services (519.743.6333). You are not alone.

And more than anything remember that just as every other season…..this too shall pass.

Jen DiPaolo is a Children’s Intensive Case Manager with Carizon and has more than 17 years of experience in the Children’s Mental Health sector.