This has to be the warmest December I’ve experienced since I moved to Canada. It’s a whopping 14 degrees Celsius here in Waterloo today. Totally crazy! But as someone coming from a Caribbean island, anything below 24 degrees Celcius is actually way outside of my comfort zone.
I actually spent my first winter holed up in my dorm room, alternately crying and gorging on cookies because I was so depressed about the cold. Since then, I’ve figured out how to manage my instinctive ‘hibernate’ reaction to the cold but it isn’t always easy.
There are still days when I just want to (and do) stay in bed all day and do nothing. And there are others when I’m able to drag myself out of bed and actually enjoy the day. But, it definitely takes work. So today I wanted to share a few of the things that help me beat the winter blues most days.
1. Take Vitamin D Supplements
A huge part of my cold weather depression stems from the lack of sunlight. My body is used to the continuous effects of the sun, and it goes into withdrawal when the rays are sparse. In my first semester, a doctor on campus recommended vitamin D supplements and taking them was one of the best decisions. It didn’t automatically cure me of my dislike of the cold or gloomy weather, but it definitely made it a lot more bearable.
2. Buy cute cold weather clothes
My fall wardrobe is one of my nicest, not because I have a huge love affair with fall, but because dressing well makes me feel good. I don’t bundle up in bulky sweats like I did in my first year and it makes a huge difference. I actually enjoy getting to wear my patterned stockings and leggings and stylish boots. So going out into the cold doesn’t always feel like a chore.
3. Get outside
This may seem counter-intuitive, but hear me out. Staying indoors for 6-8months of the year is not the way to go about being happy. It gets old really quickly and just adds to your unhappiness. So try to get outside for at least an hour a day. Get some fresh, albeit cold, air on your face. Take a walk. Meet up with friends. Do something to feed your social side so you don’t wither away at home.
4. Try a snow/winter activity
I have to admit I’ve never done one of these before. I’ve never been skiing, snowboarding or even tobogganing. But I’m pretty sure if you learn to enjoy them, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the winter months. I have quite a few friends from the Caribbean who actually look forward to snow because of their love of skiing and snowboarding. Sounds crazy to me but apparently it works.
Related: 5 ways to stay active at it gets colder
5. Bake or Cook
Turning on the stove or oven is a great way to battle the winter blues. First, it heats up the kitchen so you aren’t as cold, which is always good. Second, you get to do something. You’re keeping yourself busy and not dwelling on your unhappiness. Plus, at the end of it all, you get to eat, and we know how much I like to eat.
6. Eat well
Speaking of eating, make sure what you’re eating is actually nutritious. I find it a bit harder to get my fruits and veggies in during the colder months because just want to eat all the baked goods. But as good as brownies and cookies are, a good diet should include a few other things. And a poor diet can definitely affect your happiness and overall mood. Some of my favourite meals for this time of the year are oatmeal, soups and warm sandwiches.
Related: Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal, Mexican Butternut Squash Tomato Soup, Shredded Tofu Pesto Sandwich
7. Workout
When you’re depressed about the cold and unhappy about being stuck inside, the first thing most people do is let go of healthy habits. And I’m speaking from experience. You end up skipping workouts and ordering pizza delivery and pretty much wallowing in your misery. As I mentioned above, a good diet is a huge part of staying upbeat when it’s cold out. But getting a good workout is another amazing way to boost your mood, thanks to all those lovely endorphins.
Related: 15 no equipment at home workouts
What about you?
- Do you battle winter depression/cold weather hatred?
- How do you deal with it?
- Any tips to add?
Share in the comments below!
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This post was included in the following linkups: Friday Favorites, #FFavorites, Fitness Friday, Friday Five, Weekly Wrap Up, FYI Friday
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This post was originally published in October 2014
Yes, I battle it too! Gah, I loathe the winter… in NE Ohio it gets cloudy and cold and stays that way until May or June. Good tips to stay happy 🙂
The overcast-ness (is that a word?…) is the worst. I actually think I could handle the cold if there was just a little more sunshine!
Ugh… Really really battle with this. I just want to bundle up inside and hibernate all winter! I am already dreading the coming months!
It helps that I have kids that I have to keep busy, and through last winter I was training for a marathon, so I was forced to get out and get fresh air!
May have to find another spring race to sign up for… 😉
Karen G. recently posted…Week 11 of Richmond Marathon Training
I tried that last year- I trained for a 5K at the end of Fall. But once it was over, I didn’t run again until Spring. Next time I’ll look for a race a little later in the season so I don’t stop too early. Thanks for the tip Karen 🙂
Great tips. I am a huge advocate of getting your Vitamin D levels checked. I’ve spent the last two years bringing mine up and I can tell the difference in my moods.
Jenny recently posted…What is Ebola
I’d never heard of using Vitamin D supplements before that doctor mentioned it cuz it isn’t that popular in Trinidad. But now, I tell all my friends about it when they complain about being unhappy in the winter. It makes such a difference!
I had SUCH a hard time with the winter when I lived in Minnesota! I wish I could send this post back in time to myself as I think you’re spot on with all of these suggestions. Pinning and stumbling this post to help more people see it!
Skye recently posted…The Worst Witch: Kids’ Book Giveaway!
I’m always hearing about how bad winter is in Minnesota. Have to remember to NOT visit there this time of year lol. Thanks so much for sharing Skye!
Great tips. I’ve definitely been noticing that decrease in my mood especially with the darkness. Last year I made it my goal to continue running throughout the winter and it really made a HUGE difference in my mood so I totally agree with just getting outside!
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…FYI Friday – Preventing weight gain during marathon training
I’m not much of a runner so that doesn’t apply to me but it’s a great tip for people who like to run. Last winter I walked from home to class almost everyday just to get moving and get fresh air so I know it works! Hoping to keep that up this season as well.
I’m wondering if I should take Vitamin D tablets. I meant to ask my doctor that when I was there.
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul recently posted…Friday Five 37
You should definitely look into it. It makes a huge difference!
#2 & 5 are what keep me going! Thank you for sharing 🙂
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Nancy recently posted…OBC: Day 14- 17
Vitamin D has done -amazing- things to help me get through the cold months, but I probably don’t hate them as much as most people seem to to begin with. A lot of that has to do with the fact that I’m a snowboarder, so I’m basically waiting for the snow to fall all year long 😆 I know… try not to hate me. So yeah! Vitamin D and getting outside are probably my biggest ones. OH! And also investing in a little solar light to help with the SAD…
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. vegan pumpkin hot chocolate .
Maybe I should pick up a winter sport then? Might help me not hate it as much. Might also lead to lots of broken bones, cuz graceful I am NOT haha
Also, I’ve never heard of using a solar light before but I’ll look into it. Thanks 😀
Oh man I can so relate to this! I’m not coming from a Carribean island, but I might as well be since I moved to Minnesota…the frozen tundra of the US lol. I moved here a year ago and the first winter I experienced just happened to be the worst in 30 years..so yeah…major depression.
I totally agree with getting outside though even if it’s only for a few minutes to go somewhere other than your home. I’m going to keep that in mind for this coming winter!
Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut recently posted…The Happy Things Series
Last Winter was horrible everywhere, so I’m not surprised 🙁 It took a lot of effort for me to stay active and get outdoors earlier this year. Hopefully it’s easier this year for the both of us!
Love these tips!
Being a warm-weather girl from Arizona, I used to get a little down when the seasons changed. But lately I’m starting to embrace the fall/winter. Pumpkin, sweaters, hot holiday flavored teas – so many things to love!
Whitney @ To Live & Diet in L.A. recently posted…From Downward Dog to Dinner
I hate running in the cold. Luckily I got a treadmill earlier this year so I won’t have any excuses when cold weather comes.
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Songs that were Made for Runners and a FREEBIE FOR YOU
Thanks alot, Giselle. Way to initiate tips JUST when Summer is starting here! :p
Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…Crispy Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
Not my fault y’all have it backwards 😉
My biggest struggle in the winter is waking up when it’s still dark out! I do love boots and cozy clothes and tea at the end of the day 🙂
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Five Snaps and Songs to Inspire Your Fitness
I don’t have an issue waking up when it’s dark but there was one semester when I sent to class before dark, had class all day and when I was done, it was dark again. It was horrible 🙁
I had my boots and sweaters to comfort me tho 😉
Great tips! I haven’t experienced seasonal depression, but I do get a little sick of the winter weather. In addition to getting outside, I think doing things outside you couldn’t at other times of the year like skating, skiing, tabogganing, is great too.
Janelle @ Wholly Healthy recently posted…Made With Local Bars Review
I’m not much of a winter sports person, probably because I didn’t grow up around it, but it’s definitely a good idea!
Not thinking about it yet but I know it’s coming. Cold weather dread.
jill conyers recently posted…Saturday Shares: Food Fitness Blogging and Believe
These are great tips! The cooking/baking one is fun for me…like you said, it warms you up and gives you something to do. And my kids love it! Hopefully we won’t have to survive quite as much cold as last year! 🙂
jan recently posted…Long Run Stats
Fingers crossed that this winter isn’t as cold! I’m already baking most days to stave off the cold haha
Love these tips! I really struggled with keeping my mood up and not going into hibernation mode back at home (Oregon). Now, living in the tropics, I dream about the weather getting cooler and feeling the changing of the seasons! I sure do miss my fall wardrobe– def the cutest clothes of the year.
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine recently posted…Velvety Pumpkin Apple Butter
These are great tips. I have never battled winter depression but I know several friends and relatives who do. It’s a tough time of the year for them. My advice is to embrace the season. It will pass, and it makes the coming of spring all the more wonderful.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
I totally agree with buying cute winter clothes! Always help!
Thanks for linking up with me!
Jennie @ The Diary of a Real Housewife
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Jennie @ The Diary of a Real Housewife recently posted…Friday Favorites
Great tips! Thank you for sharing! Simple, but I def need to remind myself of ALL these things. I def. do not want to go “backwards” and fall into depression!
I also want to make sure I do “fun” things after work occasionally, so taht I have things to look forward to in the evenings!
Diana recently posted…Weekend Update and Week Ahead 10.19.14
Ha! I love #2, I’m going to use that as my excuse in a few weeks! Great post! #bloglove
Kelly recently posted…Goals for the weekend…..
I love all these tips! :] I’m definitely not a morning person, but am desperately trying to turn myself into one, haha.
Farrah recently posted…Apple Pie Oatmeal
Failfail. :[ What I actually meant was not-a-morning-person-especially-in-the-winter because it’s generally still pitch black outside when I need to wake up, and that just adds to the difficulty. 😛 #5 is one of my favorite coping mechanisms!
Farrah recently posted…Apple Pie Oatmeal
This is a great post – short & sweet, but effective! I think I’m going to look into Vitamin D supplements; m doctor actually recommended them to me a while ago but I put off buying them. Not this winter!
Thanks!
Chelsea @ Chelsea Eats Treats recently posted…RUN10 FEED10 10K & Dinner at 1789
I have to SO SO AGREE with the cute clothing.
I grew up and went to college in COLD DREARY AREAS and I really think that would have helped me.
It sounds so simple.
IT IS SUCH A GREAT IDEA.
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I love this post!! I just moved in May to Philly and I’ve lived in Florida all my life. I’m totally scared for the winter ahead…I just bought vitamin D supplements yesterday lol! I know that it’s the darkness that’s going to affect me the most (already kind of has…) so i like your tip about working out and baking/cooking. It will definitely help to stay busy doing what I love. Have a great Monday!
Rachel recently posted…Apple Gingerbread Muffins Inspired by TheLeanGreenBean.com
Thankfully, I live in San Diego, so it does not get to dreary around here. However, I still struggle when it is darker out! I immediately want to hide away from the world and cower in bed. I don’t know why, but I have to make an effort to go for a walk or just talk to someone. It’s easy to isolate myself, but I also know it is the worst possible thing for me to do. Thank you for these tips Giselle!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…GIVEAWAY: Christmas Gift Package (Book, Sweater, Treats!)
Baking, Cooking, Eating well, spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, being outside and sledding with my sister. <3 Those all definitely lift my heart up in the winter time.
Great article. I’m experiencing some of these issues as well..
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