Staying Busy During Wintertime
It’s not just you. There’s just something about seasonal changes that can really put you in a funk. The cold temperatures mean that you are both inside more and less active. But your body wants to move, and this inactivity can cause you to put on pounds and feel sluggish or even depressed.
There is even a condition called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), which is a type of winter blues that tends to set in at the same time each year. It is believed to be related to increasingly less sunlight and the cold temperatures that keep people indoors.
Fortunately, there are some ways to maintain your wellness and mood during wintertime.
Exercise
It is well-known that winter tends to lead to an increase in weight and a decrease in mood. One proven way to combat both of these negatives is to maintain your workouts. This will help to support your immune system, boost your metabolism, and increase your mood.
If wintertime rules out your outdoor workout, try signing up for indoor workouts. Just being around other people can give you that extra motivation that you need.
A Tip: It helps to go straight to your gym after work so that your willpower isn’t tested by first stopping at home.
Supplement
A recent study found that 70% of adults do not have adequate levels of vitamin D.
Less exposure to sunlight during wintertime will eventually lead to a depletion of vitamin D, which is a naturally occurring vitamin that is stimulated by sunlight. Most people are aware the vitamin D helps build bones. But it also enhances your brain function and overall health.
Supplementing with vitamin D can enhance your mood and brain function. Vitamin D actually regulates as many as 900 human genes, making it a nutritional powerhouse that affects many different aspects of your brain and body.
Wintertime Skincare
Winter can be really rough on your skin, leading to rough skin texture caused by colder temperatures, winds, and dryer air. Consider treating your skin to a humidifier. You can run one in one room of your house while you sleep.
A humidifier is particularly helpful if you have sinus problems or come down with a winter cold. Shoot for a humidity level between 25 and 60%.
While you’re still thinking about the topic, remember: Moisturizer is your friend. You can combine your moisturizer with topical hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into your skin. After applying hyaluronic acid, lock in all of this moisture with your selected moisturizer.
Enjoy a Movie
Combine a TV with some warm blankets and enjoy a nice movie with your family and friends. You can also make some hot chocolate with marshmallows for a nice cozy evening with your loved ones. A patio heater fire pit can make the experience even more memorable.