How to Elevate Your Mood During Winter Months

Here we will go over how to elevate your mood during the winter months. 

If you suffer from seasonal depression as the weather cools and snow begins to fall, you’re not alone. Seasonal depression is common: Up to %20 of Americans report feelings of sadness during the winter.

These confusing emotions damper your holiday spirit and may leave you impatiently waiting for the return of spring. Although seasonal depression is common, you don’t want to spend the most joyful season sad, and luckily you don’t have to. 

Keep reading to learn how to lift your mood with winter activities, parties, light exposure, and more. 

Get Some Light

In summer, the sun begins setting around 8 pm, while in the winter, the sky darkens at around 5-6 o’clock each evening. 

Unfortunately, this significant loss of daylight takes a toll on our mental health. 

Sunlight affects our mood in three significant ways; it provides vitamin D, boosts serotonin levels, and regulates our sleep-wake cycle.

Serotonin is known as the “happy chemicals” that our body naturally releases; decreased vitamin D can cause depression, and changes in our sleep cycle can result in exhaustion or mood disturbances.

To counteract the harsh side effects of having less daylight, try spending more time outside during the day or using artificial light such as a light therapy lamp.

Try to Make The Most Out of The Weather

Winter isn’t all bad. The cold weather actually offers many things that the summer can’t.

Some examples of winter exclusive activities include:

• Skiing
• Sledding
• Building a snowman
• Listening to holiday music
• Watching holiday movies with a blanket
• Snowboarding
• Ice skating
• Drinking hot chocolate
• Sending holiday cards

Any time you do something that brings you joy or comfort, serotonin will flow, and your spirits will be lifted.

Have Holiday Themed Get-Togethers

Throwing a holiday-themed party is a great way to elevate your mood during the winter.

You don’t necessarily need to have a holiday coming up to get together with loved ones. Many people throw a party as soon as the temperature drops and call it a “winter party.” 

When you throw a party, you get to have the excitement of planning, baking goodies and decorating. You can serve hot chocolate at your get-together, listen to holiday music and play games.

If you enjoy socializing, a party is a perfect solution to your low mood situation.

Use Your Time Indoors Wisely

Being stuck inside all winter can be frustrating and boring if you don’t know how to use that time wisely.

You can take advantage of this “free time” by catching up on chores, organizing, decluttering, and working on some home projects.

Spending time sprucing up the house provides mood-lifting feelings of motivation and satisfaction.

Additionally, use this time wisely by practicing some self-care. Self-care is always a great way to elevate your mood. Consider doing things like picking up a new hobby, adding yoga to your daily routine, and relaxing with hot baths and facials.

Boost Your Mood With Cannabis

Cannabis is known for getting people high and relieving pain, but it also does heaps for your state of mind. 

Cannabis is another valuable serotonin booster that can elevate your mood during winter. 

Unfortunately, not all strains offer the same benefits. Some cannabis strains can leave a person feeling anxious, so choosing the right product while at the dispensary is essential.

When trying to improve your mood with cannabis, opt for a sativa strain since they offer energizing and uplifting effects. Some examples of popular sativa strains are bruce banner, super lemon haze, and jack herer.

You can learn more about how to select the best strains at Marijuanadoctors.com.

Visit New Places In Town

During the summer, most people want to spend their time outdoors enjoying the weather before winter comes back, leaving them stuck inside for months. 

Instead of being cooped up in your own home all season, consider visiting some local places that you have never had the chance to see yet.

Many individuals put off visiting places like their town’s museums, libraries, and aquariums. Winter is the perfect time to stop by these places. Activities that grow your knowledge and expand your mind can do wonders for your mental health.

Conclusion

Seasonal depression, or the winter blues, is a common condition affecting nearly one-fifth of Americans yearly.

Living with depression or feelings of sadness for a quarter of the year seems like a waste of valuable time here on earth. Luckily, there are many things you can do to elevate your mood during the winter months and enjoy the season. 

Consider using cannabis to boost your mood, visiting a new place in town, having a holiday party, partaking in snow activities, catching up on home projects, or using light therapy.

To read more  about the informative blog click here: http://peopleor.com/