Many of us look forward to the beauty snow brings to the landscape in the colder months — turning the streets into a winter wonderland. With the snow, however, also comes shorter, colder days that can take a toll on our minds and our bodies. It is a time of year when it is important to slow down and foster a kind, loving relationship with yourself to make it through, happily, to spring. There are many ways to battle issues which arise as a result of the winter months and we should feel empowered to do so — as opposed to letting winter get us down.

Wintertime Blues

Wintertime depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a common plight many suffer from year after year. It is caused by vitamin D deficiency, a vitamin we absorb through our skin when exposed to natural sunlight. If you feel yourself fall into a depressive slump in the wintertime, it may be time for you to invest in a vitamin D lamp or begin taking supplements to help battle the dark days.

The shorter, darker days can cause most anyone to end up sleeping more in the wintertime. We might associate this with depressive symptoms, which should be taken seriously if that is the case, however getting extra sleep in the wintertime may be what your body needs. Although the best sleep happens when you sleep long enough to reach REM sleep, it can also be beneficial to take more naps or simply go to bed a little earlier. The hope is that you will feel more rested during the few daylight hours available in the winter season.

It may also be helpful to brighten up your environment, not just with lighting, but your decor as well. Taking on an interior decorating project might be just what you need to give you some motivation and freshen up your living space. For example, if the paint in your house is dark in color, you might consider repainting with a brighter color. If that seems like too much, just getting some paintings or other decor items that are bright and cheerful may help to bring up your mood.

You Are What You Eat

We are creatures of this natural world and are affected by the changes of the seasons, no matter how much we try to resist. Even in our global economy, the lack of available local, fresh produce leads us towards less nutritious meals in the winter. The idea of comfort foods rich in cream, carbs, and sugar leave our bodies feeling heavy and bogged down. It is alright to indulge once in a while, but all winter long will leave you feeling unlike yourself once the days of spring appear.

Continuing to get enough exercise is one way to help you to maintain your diet. If you have a tendency to gain weight in the wintertime, your body will react and feel differently when you are hitting the gym. No one likes to feel the backslide of the progress they have made in their training, and it may just be enough for you to keep yourself in check. Although the organic produce at the store may be looking sad and limp, choose fresh veggies over cans of sodium-laden soup and frozen pizzas.

Take Advantage of Downtime

Winter is a great time to plan procedures, check-ups, or any health items on your to-do list. Not only is it a good time to get a head start on using up your health insurance deductible, it’s also a good time to relax and recover since the weather tends to keep you indoors.

If you have been waiting for an opportune time to get the knee or shoulder surgery your doctor has been recommending, winter is a good time to do so. Although skiers would disagree, winter is a great time to enjoy some downtime with a good TV series or that book you have been meaning to read. The luring feeling of summertime sunshine isn’t outside your window to tug at your feelings of FOMO, allowing you time to rest and recuperate.

Winter is also a good time to treat skin issues and schedule cosmetic procedures that need to be protected from the sun until they are fully healed. If you have considered getting a large tattoo (or one removed), the winter time will keep you out of the ocean, lakes, and rivers until it has time to heal. Although we miss the sun in the wintertime, UV exposure can emphasize scarring and should be avoided after any changes to your natural skin have been made.

It is always important to be aware of and take care of your mental health, especially during the winter. Feelings of loneliness and isolation are also common after the weather turns cold when it becomes more common to stay home, eat comfort food, and go to bed early. Being proactive to avoid finding yourself in a slump is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Make a plan before the heavy swing happens at the end of autumn and you find yourself in a familiar state of mind. Use the benefits of winter to your advantage to rest and recuperate!