Fighting the Winter Blues

When our mood’s fall in the same direction as the temperature, we struggle to want to get out of bed in the mornings and the daylight hours are getting shorter, we may be experiencing the “winter blues”. The winter blues must not be mistaken for depression. The winter blues are  in fact, quite common with most of us experiencing a slight, but noticeable mood change during this time of year when the days are colder and darker. Common symptoms we may feel include; feeling more lethargic, less activity, lower energy levels, and increased cravings for starchy and sugary foods. The good news is that the winter blues typically don’t hinder our life enjoyments and only last for a few days or weeks. However, sometimes we may just need a little help lifting our spirits and easing away those winter blues.

Here are our top three tips for fighting the winter blues this winter:

Get some more Vitamin D. The most obvious place to get some Vitamin D is from the sun. However during winter our exposure to sunlight is obvious diminished. Consuming foods high in Vitamin D or getting a Vitamin D supplement could be beneficial. Please make sure you speak to you health care practitioner before you take vitamin D supplements. Depression or experiencing increased feelings of sadness have been linked to low Vitamin D levels, and these feelings seem to be enhanced more so in the winter months. Foods that we believe to be good sources of vitamin D include: salmon, milk, yoghurt, eggs and certain cereals that have been fortified with Vitamin D.

We have heard it all before, but the foods we eat can enhance or inhibit moods. Although at the moment of consumption, certain foods like starchy carbs make us feel pretty good, consuming excessive amounts ultimately increase our winter blues. Specifically by affecting our feelings of anxiety and depression. When we eat too much of these foods, we tend to feel regretful. So our tip is to eat foods that will rather help to enhance your mood. Examples include: dark chocolate, grilled salmon, herbal teas, mixed berries and dark green leafy vegetables.

Our third tip for fighting the winter blues is to spend more time with positive people. And you can do this with us here at TYMC. The people we spend time or surround ourselves with affect our moods more than we realise. Studies have shown that people who associated themselves with happy people, were more likely to be happy themselves. Just like a smile is contagious, so too can feelings of sadness. If you come hang with us here at TYMC, you might find that you actually may like winter.

Winter is officially here and while the days are short and the nights are dark and cold.  Most of us are suffering from lack of energy, mood drops, and low energy. But it is not just the cold, gloomy and short days that are bringing us down. The winter blues are common and there is an actual physiological reason for us experiencing the winter blues during this time. Our bodies thrive with sunlight and the decrease in daylight hours affects our internal circadian rhythms and lowers our serotonin levels, which affect our moods and bodies in numerous ways. Just remember, the winter blues won’t last! We hope our tips will help get you through the next three months. Please note, if you are experiencing something more serious and clinical, make sure you speak to your health care practitioner.

Disclaimer: Results may vary. Exercise and proper diet are necessary to achieve and maintain weight loss. Consult with your health care processional before beginning any diet or exercise regime.

Tammy Kacev
Nutrition Expert