Beating the Winter Blues

Feeling the winter blues is very normal for a lot of people. Having less sunlight during the day, can negatively affect your health.

Winter blues often include feelings of sadness, lacking energy or motivation, and changes in your sleeping habits.

However, there are ways to help cope with these symptoms, like getting enough sleep, eating healthy and working out. Keeping a consistent schedule and staying connected socially with friends and family can also help.

Light therapy lamps can be effective too. They are designed to simulate sunlight and can boost a person’s mood.

Another idea is to update your home or office surroundings.

“So that could be maybe adding a different color paint to the wall or a fragrance that you really like, maybe adding some pictures – but really just giving you something that when you look at it, you can smile or maybe experience a sense of calm,” said Dr. Kia-Rai Prewitt with Cleveland Clinic.

If you notice your symptoms aren’t going away with time or are starting to get worse, you should consult with your doctor or a mental health professional.