During the short, dark days of mid-winter, it’s easy to start feeling a bit low. The lack of light can trigger SAD syndrome in some people, and the lower temperatures make it very tempting to stay indoors and snuggle up.

However, staying indoors is probably the last thing you should be doing if you’re feeling down. Increasing your exposure to daylight, even when it’s overcast, can make a big difference. Try going for a walk in your lunch break to benefit from when the daylight is brightest.

You also need 30 minutes of vigorous exercise at least three times a week to lift your mood. Try cycling part or all of the way to work, going for a walk or run in your lunch hour, and make the most of weekends to enjoy a ramble with friends or family. Keeping up meaningful connections with people is another important factor in banishing depression and feelings of loneliness.

Lastly, try changing how you think about winter. Instead of seeing it as something that has to be endured, appreciate how the season has beauty all of it’s own. Hills and valleys look stunning tinged with frost, and you often have foot and cycle paths all to yourself. It’s also a good time to plan ahead and think about what new activity you’d like to try or trip you’d like to book next year. Sign up for a course, book that campsite, and have a focus to get you through these darkest months. Before you know it, spring will have sprung again…

Got any tips for beating the winter blues? Share them with us in our comments section below.
photo credit: Fil.Al

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