The days are shorter, the car complains, and the driveway won’t shovel itself. Winter often gets us down, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are five things you can do to lift your spirits and chase those winter blahs away.
1. Exercise. I know, I know. It can be hard to get in the mood to move your body during this chilly time of the year, but exercise is a great way to boost the serotonin levels in your brain and make the day seem a little brighter.
2. Make the day a little brighter. Take advantage of as much sunlight as you can. Soak it up. But if there is little to no sunlight available, use a “light lamp” or a full spectrum bulb. This is another way to get those serotonin levels up and give your spirit a lift.
3. Take a nap. Of course it’s not always easy if you have young children, and your boss probably wouldn’t appreciate finding you napping on the job, but if you can cut out 20 to 30 minutes of your day to take a little snooze, then by all means, do so. It’s a great way to take that tired edge off of your day.
4. Volunteer. Help out at a soup kitchen, deliver Meals on Wheels, become a Big Brother or Sister; do something to help those in need. Not only will your good deeds be appreciated, but it will help you feel better, too.
5. Make the cold your friend. It’s out there. Why not embrace it? Go sledding, skiing, ice skating, ice fishing, build an igloo. The winter can be quite fun if you look at it with the right attitude. Besides, many of these outdoor activities get your heart rate up and get you out in the sun; both things that boost your sense of well-being.
-Joel Arnold (Bookkeeper)