How to overcome winter blues
Have you ever noticed that when the winter is coming, we tend to feel less energized? With mood swings and even feeling apathetic, getting difficult to keep up with daily tasks, and feeling our well-being diminished.
Well, you are not delusional or alone. You are probably experiencing winter blues or a seasonal affective disorder that can start at the end of summer and go on during wintertime. However, there is a difference between winter blues and seasonal affective disorder, the symptoms are very similar. The difference is that with winter blues we experience lighter symptoms than with the disorder. With seasonal affective disorder or SAD, you can have a feeling of hopelessness and enter into a depression state, in this case, professional help is advised.
This state is more often seen in women but not entirely, some of the causes besides fewer sun hours may also be spending a long time indoors with artificial light, with less natural light and less sun exposure we tend to retract, feel tired, and down. Some of the symptoms:
- Sadness with no particular reason
- Irritability
- Overall tiredness
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Sleepiness, more than usual
- Low energy levels
Obviously, these symptoms may be related to other conditions. Consider seeking professional help especially if you are experiencing severe symptoms. After all, this may occur each winter season so it's smart to prepare for it. There are treatments for the disorder, from light therapy to medication.
Some tips to relieve the winter blues symptoms are:
- If you can, travel to a sunny place, by exposing yourself to natural sunlight, you can increase your well-being and fight the symptoms.
- Go to a terrace, for a walk or another outdoor activity, preferentially without sunglasses to get more exposure, for at least 20 minutes a day.
- Resist the urge for sugary foods and opt for foods that are rich in vitamin D like oranges and rich, comfort foods like salmon.
- Exercise preferentially outdoors, no need to overdo it but to boost your energy, it's important to exercise. It can be as simple as doing yoga near the window when it's sunny.
The important thing is to be aware of what's going on with you, to adjust, and ask for help if necessary. After all, it is natural that we feel a certain way as the season changes, it's the natural cycle. Take time to restore during winter, take as much sun as you can, eat healthy comfort food, and get cozy! It's time to recharge.
Some of the crystals that I love having nearby in winter to help me restore and balance my energy:
- Clear Quartz - Positive effect if hope is lost and removes stagnant energy.
- Carnelian - This is a stabilizing stone with high energy, it is excellent for restoring vitality and motivation.
- Rose Quartz - The stone is calming, reassuring, and excellent for use in trauma or crisis. Rose quartz removes negative energy and replaces it with love.
Take care!