January 7, 2016
Have you ever experienced the winter blues?
It can happen to the best of us. In fact, research shows 20% of people suffer from the winter blues at some point in their lives. Your chances are higher if you’re a woman, you’re between 15 and 55, or you live far away from the equator.
As someone who has suffered from the winter blues and its more serious counterpart, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), I know how isolating and dark these conditions can be.
Whether you’ve ever experienced the winter blues or SAD, there are times when everyone needs a little pick-me-up – and that’s exactly what this article is about: 3 easy tricks to use the next time you feel down. Here they are:
Trick #1: Go where the sunshine is. Literally, seek out the sun. Plan a vacation or, if you can’t afford one, spend time in the sun when it’s out. If, like me, you live in a northern state where sunshine is scarce during the winter months, consider light therapy. I received my first Happy Lite as a gift about 15 years ago and it had a considerably positive effect on my mood and energy levels in the winter. I bought another one two years ago and my well being improved again. Light therapy is the top treatment for SAD and the winter blues, with approximately 85% of people experiencing positive benefits.
Trick #2: Color Your World. Buy some yellow flowers and put them in a prominent spot in your house. Daisies are happy, positive and a great choice. I love to buy a dozen and split them up in little bud vases all over my house, so wherever I turn, there’s a gathering of flowers to greet me. If flowers aren’t your thing, consider adding some uplifting colors like yellow, orange or anything that pumps you up to your house or workspace in the form of a pillow, throw or frame. Eat colorful fruits and vegetables, too, and try to add more color into your wardrobe.
Trick #3: The Power of Scent. Have you ever cut a slice of a lemon or an orange and held it up to your nose? Isn’t it energizing? With their zesty, uplifting essences, citrus fruits and scents can be just the help you need when you’re feeling down. Fortunately, it’s easy to get your hands on a citrus scented product, whether through essential oils, lotions, soaps, air fresheners and more. One of my favorite ways to bring sunshine into my life in the winter months is through a large “Hawaii – Honolulu Sun” candle from Bath and Body Works. Within minutes, I feel like I’m on a beach! It’s quick, inexpensive and it works. Plus, along with boosting energy levels, citrus scents like lemon are also proven to improve focus and increase productivity. If you’re not a fan of candles or body products, use the real thing: cut up some slices of lemon or lime and add them to your water.
So there you have it: 3 of my favorite ways to beat the winter blues. If you enjoyed this article, please let me know! And if you know someone who would benefit from it, please pass it along.
Now, I’d love to know:
Do you ever experience the winter blues? Which of my tricks are you most likely to try?
Have a great week!