The article is written by Pamela Choo
Winter is upon us in the land down under, and if you’re the kind of person who can’t function without the sun and warmth (believe me, I feel you), here are some ways you can beat the winter blues and be productive, happy and healthy during the colder months.
1. Stay active
This is probably my number one go-to method on keeping your energy levels up when you’re feeling a little down in the dumps. It might be the last thing you want to do, but we all know the benefits of exercise and how it leads your body to release endorphins. Trust me when I say you want to be good buddies with endorphins because they trigger positive feelings and will help you feel heaps better.
It can be the hardest thing to bring yourself to go outside when you’re not a fan of the cold. But you’ll be surprised how a quick run or walk in the mornings will lift your mood. If you don’t want to be active outdoors in the cold, hit the gym or a fitness class. That way you’ll be able to work up a sweat without feeling the chills. When you start exercising, your body will also begin to feel warmer!
2. Have hot food and warm drinks
Use this time to treat yourself to comforting foods such as stews, soups, and curries. The other day I got myself a cup of kale and lentil soup for lunch and it instantly warmed me up. Yes, there are healthier options out there if you feel that dishes such as curries can be a little heavy for those with sensitive tummies.
Hot beverages are amazing as well. Nothing like a hot cup of tea on a cold night, or a hot chocolate when you need to satisfy a sweet craving.
3. Try to maintain a healthy diet
It can be easy to indulge a little too much during winter. Reaching for a sweet treat or having more carbohydrate-rich foods is only natural when we need to cope with the cold.
Try to incorporate good nutrients in your diets, such as adding some greens to your stews or a side of salad with every meal. You can also opt to add more protein or good carbohydrates to your meals to fill you up, such as sweet potatoes, chicken, and fish.
4. Wear enough warm clothing
When I moved away from home to a colder country when I was a teenager, I struggled with the cold and often felt very down. In hindsight, I realized that a big part of it could have been that I didn’t know how to dress appropriately for the winter.
Everyone copes with the cold differently; some may not be as bothered by it and for others, the cold can affect their daily lives. Your friend may be able to wear a coat and a pair of tights, but you might need more layers than that. Don’t be afraid to bundle up with a couple of extra layers and scarves so that you feel cozy and comfortable when you’re outside in the cold. Better to look a little puffy on the layers than to let the cold get you down.
5. Keep up with social activities
As much as I love staying indoors, having a cup of tea and reading a book on a cold night, I have also found that it’s important to make the effort to meet your friends and family even if you don’t fancy the cold weather. Meeting up with people can lift your spirits (and maybe even distract you from feeling cold), and maintaining your social relationships will make you feel better and happier.
6. Take up a hobby or engage in something you love
When you have a job, class or activity that you absolutely love, it’ll give you something to look forward to throughout the week. If you love playing music, reading, writing or drawing, make it a point to carve out some time to be creative. Take up a new class in something that you’re interested in. It can also be fun to bring a friend along so that you’ll have good company as well.
Dealing with the winter can be a struggle, for some more so than others, but know that there are ways you can help yourself to feel better. Sometimes it’s about trying different things out and finding ways to cope with it that suits you best. Before you know it, you’ll be a pro! Now, time for a cup of hot peppermint tea…