There can be a certain fondness for winter, from knitwear to the cosy evenings by the fire. However, once the cold weather sets in and the days get shorter, it can be relatively difficult to stay happy and healthy. It is not unusual to find yourself with less energy and with a lower mood. Our bodies tend to be, during the winter, more eager to hibernate than to keep outdoors and active. Some individuals will even experience seasonal affective disorder, also known, appropriately, as SAD.
To keep motivated, and in good physical and mental health, we must work a little harder than during the summer period but, thankfully, finding our balance and well-being, isn’t impossible. To help, we’re sharing six of the best ways to maintain a positive mind and body through the winter months.
Keeping Warm
Warmth is a simple aspect of the winter period and most of us will certainly work hard to ensure that our body temperature is kept in check. However, it is important to the extra mile, not only meeting our basic needs but also a certain degree of comfort too.
This can be found in front of the fireplace or with a hot water bottle, even with the occasional cup of hot chocolate. There’s also snugness found within extra blankets and a room full of candles too, both of which are key aspects of the nordic style, hygge.
Stay Active
Movement is imperative to happiness and those who exercise have been shown to experience a greater degree of happiness than others. Even during the cold and wet weather, there’s little reason why individuals cannot maintain a healthy regime, either by attending the gym or embracing body weight fitness at home.
Connect With Others
Socialising is important for our mental health, preventing a sense of isolation and depression. Making the extra effort to see and spend time with family and friends is, as such, a huge benefit to mental health during the winter, for both you and others.
Get Outdoors
During the winter, one does well to continue spending time outdoors and in nature. This can be difficult with the weather but there are ways to make the experience much more comfortable, with both clothing and equipment making it easy. Assets such as thermal wear, changing robes, and heat packs, as well as an insulating flask, can make all the difference.
Drink Water
The cold weather can lead people to drink less water than they need and dehydration during winter periods is possible. As such, even on colder days, individuals must ensure that they are drinking enough water to stay hydrated, even if they don’t always feel like they are thirsty. Look out for subtle signs, such as dry mouth and headaches.
Eat Well
Vitamin intake from food and supplements is essential during winter. Our bodies typically draw a large part of their essential vitamin D from the sun, but this isn’t possible during the winter months. Instead, it is recommended that households begin to incorporate fish oils, oranges, and even liver into their diets.
