10 Strategies to Counter Winter Blues

Winter months bring holidays and new beginnings, which can be enjoyable.  But the fewer hours of daylight and gloomier weather can take a toll on our moods and energy levels.  Our outdoor activities and social interactions are often hindered during this period.   This is commonly known as the “winter blues.”

Here are some strategies to improve mood and well-being in months with less daylight:

1. Light Therapy: Exposure to natural light can be limited during winter. Check out the Huberman Lab episode “Using Light for Health.”
2. Get Outside: Bundle up and take a short walk or engage in outdoor activities to get fresh air and natural light.
3. Regular Exercise: Reap the benefits of exercise. Find a routine that you enjoy, whether it’s an at home workout, going to the gym or engaging in sports.
4. Maintain a Healthy Diet: Give your body the fuel it needs. Consider epigenetic coaching to find out what works best for you.
5. Socialize: Maintain social connections. Meet with others virtually if an in-person meeting is not possible.   Join clubs or groups that share your interests.
6. Upgrade Your Environment: Make your living space warm and inviting – something you enjoy spending time in. Create an energizing atmosphere that sparks joy.
7. Establish a Routine: Regulate your body’s internal clock by maintaining a consistent daily schedule. Have regular mealtimes, exercise routines, and sleep patterns.
8. Stress Management: Adopt practices such as meditation, deep breathing, mindfulness to help reduce stress and improve overall mood. Consider incorporating EFT Tapping.
9. Plan Winter Activities: Engage in activities you enjoy during the winter, such as skiing or ice skating.
10. Seek Professional Help: Seek guidance and support if you’re struggling. Consider searching for a practitioner on heal.me or betterhelp.com.

Remember, in the Northern Hemisphere, the day with the least amount of daylight is the Winter Solstice (around December 21^st).  The amount of daylight increases each day until it peaks on the Summer Solstice (around June 21^st).  So if you’re feeling blue and it’s after the Winter Solstice, remind yourself that the amount of daylight is increasing!  Check the sunrise and sunset times on a weather app and notice the change from day to day.

If you’d like to try EFT for Winter Blues, check out my video on YouTube.