As the days shorten and the temperature drops, it's very tempting to just stay indoors and binge on comfort food but that's going to lead to more lows. Read on for our top tips on getting out and braving the cold, keeping active, maintaining a mood-boosting diet and banishing the winter blues.
Beat the Winter Blues with Healthy Living
A healthy diet
Stay away from stodgy snacks and sugary treats. Although they will give you a short-term boost, you'll only feel worse when your blood sugar drops back down. If you want a warming dish, start the day with some slow-burning porridge oats to give you more energy over a longer period. Stock up on good carbs by preparing lunch or dinner with brown rice or wholemeal pasta served with some high-protein meat or fish.
With less sun, you need to keep your vitamin levels topped up with some fresh fruit and green veg. Stock up on superfoods such as broccoli, spinach, blueberries and apples to keep those bouts of colds and flu at bay.
The great outdoors
Exercise is more important than ever during the winter months. Show yourself what you can do by getting out there and braving the elements. Don't use the weather as an excuse not to exercise, head for the gym if you want to stay out of the wind and the snow. The same goes for the whole family. Go out and support your little ones if they are playing Sunday league football on a freezing cold morning or competing in that dreaded cross-country race.
Exercising in the damp weather is bound to throw up more frequent stain removal challenges. Whether it's mud from the pitch or dirt from a run on the roads, simply add a small dose of Vanish Oxi Action Gel to your wash to remove even the most stubborn stains.
Living in the light
Sunlight is in short supply during the winter months and it's one of the main causes of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Make the most of the natural light by making sure all the curtains/blinds are drawn. If there's any sun or it's a bright day, try to get out in the fresh air, preferably around noon when the sun when the sun is at its strongest. Just a brisk 20 minute walk is enough to get the dopamine, serotonin and the endorphins flowing to help you feel more positive.