Blues Busting Winter Activities That Aren't Skiing
Many people experience a dip in mood or a full-blown case of the blues during the winter months. While the exact cause of the winter blues—defined as occasional feelings of being down—is unknown, it is believed that changes in serotonin and melatonin levels, both of which are sensitive to dwindling amounts of sunlight, may play a role. The winter blues should not be confused with chronic depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), as that's more severe, prolonged and may affect quality of life. But the blues are far more common—and luckily a little easier to beat.
While we may not be able to avoid feeling down now and again, we don’t have to give in to it. The winter blues often come with the short, cold, dreary days of winter. Let's look at some great options for chasing them away.
Bright-Light Therapy
One of the best things you can do to overcome the winter blues is to suck up more sunlight. Sure, you can spend more time outdoors, but what can you do on dreary days when the sun just doesn’t want to shine? Lightbox therapy can help. Once thought to be the domain of SAD sufferers, this is a great idea even for those with a much lighter case of the blues. A lightbox is a device that gives off a light that stimulates the same brain processes as sunlight. However, it does not possess damaging ultraviolet rays. Daily sessions of 20 to 30 minutes often work best. This treatment is also very effective at treating SAD.
Volunteer for a Good Cause
Volunteering is a great way to bust the winter blues. Not only does it get you out of the house, but it also has many mental health benefits. According to HelpGuide, volunteering for a good cause allows you to socialize and make more friends, makes you happy, increases your self-confidence, gives you a sense of purpose and gets you active, all of which can give mental health a life-affirming boost.
Join a Gym
Sustained, low-intensity exercise releases proteins that spur nerve cell growth. This, in turn, improves brain function and cell connection, which can alleviate depression. But that’s not all. Moderate and intense exercise releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones that produce an exercise “high.” Since exercise is so effective at treating depression, joining the gym is also a great way to bust the winter blues.
Change Up That Wardrobe
Color can affect mood. Some colors may make us feel sad, while others make us feel alive and energized. Reaching for colorful clothes or any clothes that make you feel happy can brighten your mood a lot. And donning bright colors is not the only way to make it happen. Any outfit that boosts confidence (and isn't just a sloppy old pair of jeans and a sweatshirt) can boost mood. Many of us tend to neglect our appearance over the winter. Take a moment to clean up and see if it helps.
Start a New Project
Sometimes the winter blues are caused by boredom. This is especially true if the weather has kept you indoors for much of the season. If you have too much time on your hands, it’s a great time to start a new project or take up a hobby or learn something new. Give yourself something to look forward to and keep yourself active to stave off those blues. Look for that thing that makes you look forward to getting out of bed, keeps you awake with thinking about possibilities, and even feels a little obsessive.
Be careful not to confuse the winter blues with SAD. Blues that persist or start interfering with life quality, work-life and/or relationships may need medical intervention. The blues should never interfere with your life, but they may make you feel a little down or not quite like yourself. When this happens, take steps to shake them off, and don't let them fester. Head them off before they get serious and enjoy the winter and all it has to offer.
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