This post is sponsored by Bayer®. To make sure Bayer® products are right for you, always read and follow the label.
If you're starting to feel like nothing but cup after cup after cup of strong coffee will help get you through the day this winter, you're not alone. Seasonal effective disorder, winter blues, winter blahs - whatever you choose to call them, they are just that, blah. Despite the days getting longer, the darkness and bone chilling temperatures can really take a toll on your energy, your mood and your health.
You’d think that as Canadians, we would love what winter brings. That by now, we would have made peace with the darkness, the snow, the cold, the layers, the sickness, and all the other joys that come along with the season. But lately, especially with how cold it has been outside, it just seems like there’s no end in sight.
I will admit, on the rough winter days, the only place I want to be is under my comfy duvet. But, since I still have a full time job and a small child to look after, my hiding out is not always an option.
Whether it be staying under the covers all weekend or embracing the snow head on, everyone has their own way of shaking off the dreadful winter blahs. Here are 10 tried and true methods for helping beat the winter blues.
Take up a new hobby. Keeping your mind active with a new interest seems to ward off symptoms of the winter blahs. It will keep you focused and give you something to look forward to, keeping your mind off what's going on outside the window.
Cross items off your to do list. Don’t want to go outside? No problem. Staying indoors is the perfect opportunity to cross items off your indoor to do list - to clean out your pantry and your closet, do some painting and even rearrange your furniture.
Turn on the tunes. Listen to upbeat music that makes you happy. Better yet, grab your family and have a dance party to mix in a little exercise! Who cares who is watching, have some fun.
Brighten up your scenery. Spring may not be blooming outside, but there's no reason why you can't bring the spring to you with a bouquet of fresh flowers.
Make your environment brighter. Sometimes, simply adding a vase of fresh flowers may not do the trick. When you body is craving more sunlight, sitting next to an artificial light for a little light therapy may help. Opening blinds and curtains can also help provide an extra dose of sunshine.
Keep the cold symptoms at bay. This time of year, colds seem to linger. Maybe its the weather, or maybe daycare is to thank. Regardless of the culprit, there’s nothing worse than walking around with a stuffed or runny nose.
At my house, we use hydraSense Daily Nasal Care to alleviate nasal cold symptoms. hydraSense Daily Nasal Care is 100% naturally-sourced seawater that is clinically proven to reduce and relieve nasal congestion and nasal cold symptoms.
Stay healthy. Staying healthy is important to staying happy. It is hard to stay energized and be at our best when our body just isn't feeling it.
It can be a challenge to get the vitamins my body needs on a daily basis, so I fill the gaps with a daily multivitamin such as One-A-Day® Gummies. This vitamin supplement helps to maintain immune function, metabolize carbs, fats and protein, form red blood cells and develop and maintain bones and teeth.
While Morley may be a bit too young, my favourite vitamins when I was a kid were FLINTSTONES® Active Kids Gummies. If it were acceptable to still take them today, I probably would. I look forward to sharing these memories with her in the future.
Recreate a recipe. If a sunny vacation isn’t on the agenda, or in the budget, rely on memories from the past. Recreate a recipe from a recent vacation, such mojitos from Cuba or carne asada from Mexico, to instantly transport you back to warmer times.
Get outside. While the temperatures may be a little too chilly for your liking, a blast of cold air against your face may be just what you need to help reenergize you. Or, if you’re feeling a bit adventorous, what about trying that winter sport you’ve always been taking about? Now’s the perfect time.
Embrace it. One of the ways to embrace winter is by getting cozy. Take a lesson from other cultures, those that experience an even longer, even darker and even colder season.
Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) is the Danish word used to acknowledge a special feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary as cosy, charming or special. It literally only requires a conscious appreciation, a certain slowness, and the ability to not just be present – but recognize and enjoy the present. Use winter as a time to slow down and enjoy being at home, reflecting, and spending quality time with friends and loved ones.
By making minor changes to your routine, your diet and your overall mindset, you are arming your body with the tools it needs to embrace, rather than resist, winter and enjoy all that this time of year has to offer.
What are some of the things you do to beat the winter blahs? I'd love to hear your tips and tricks!
This post is sponsored by Bayer®. To make sure Bayer® products are right for you, always read and follow the label.
