18 Dec Winter Blues Got You Down?

The winter can be a tough time. With short days and long nights, many people find themselves drained by the daily grind of getting up before the sun rises and not getting home until after the sun has set. The winter blues can affect anyone quite easily and can cause a decrease in overall energy and immune function. Individuals who are older are much more susceptible to the winter blues than younger, healthier individuals. What can you do about the winter blues to help you stay healthy and happy?

Walk During Lunch

If you find yourself in the same situation that many do where you never see the sun, take some time to brave the cold and walk during lunch. If there is sun out, you should be out with it. Even if there is snow on the ground, it’s time to adapt. The snow isn’t going away anytime soon, so embrace it. Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather every day and take a small amount of time to soak up the sun.

Try a Full-Spectrum Lamp

Getting enough sunlight–and subsequently enough vitamin D3–during the winter is a challenge for many people. Some  feel the effects more than others. If the winter blues have got you down, try bringing in a full-spectrum lamp to work. These compact lamps emit natural light that can help boost mood and improve attitude. Make sure to follow the lamp’s recommendations, but when you’re sitting at a computer is probably the best time to make use of it!

Supplement

Even if you’re typically a healthy and happy individual, it’s easy for the winter blues to get anyone down. If you’re feeling down and find yourself feeling icky more often than not, picking up a few wintertime supplements that you use just that time of year to provide mood and immune support is sure to help. Consider supplements with vitamin D3 in order to give those winter blues a run for their money. If you’re in need of some help busting the winter blues, turn to American BioSciences for ImmPowerD3 for your daily dose of vitamin D3.

Keep Active

In addition to getting out for a walk during lunch, make sure to keep active with seasonally appropriate activities. Maybe you’re a runner during the summer. Try out your local gym’s indoor track. Or perhaps switch things up and try cross-training by joining your local rock climbing gym. Mixing up your routine can help keep your activities fresh, but it also makes sure that you stay active no matter what the weather is like.

Eat Right for Winter

There’s a reason that stews and soups are so popular during the winter. Besides being sustainable, seasonal choices, many winter foods have the nutrients you need to sustain yourself during the winter. Choose produce like squash, eggplant, sweet potatoes, and apples to keep yourself well-nourished with magnesium, vitamin B1 and B6, and potassium, all of which you need to help keep your mood up.