Thursday, Feb 18 | 3:34 PM
Ah, wintertime in the big city… Many of us dread the short, cold days of the winter months. While NYC can feel absolutely magical during the holidays, its magic can quickly fade once we fall back into our daily routine in January. Some people are lucky enough to be able to jetset and escape the winter doldrums by lounging on a sunny beach somewhere far away. Not all of us can be so fortunate, though. If you’ve been slogging along and feel the Seasonal Affective Disorder setting in, you’re not alone. Here are our top tips for surviving the winter blues.
Get that blood pumping and get your body moving. Remember what Elle Woods said: “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” So the best way to survive the winter blues is to start exercising regularly. Find a workout you love and do it often. Join the gym, find a yoga studio you love, try boxing— the sky’s the limit. Not only does working out increase your physical health, it also improves your mental and emotional health as well, so get moving.
If you can get outside, do so. Fresh air and sunlight can do wonders for you. Our bodies need bright light to regulate our circadian rhythms. Sunlight can be scarce in the winter months, though, so consider investing in a happy light. Studies have shown it’s an effective tool for battling depression. Plugging in and getting some artificial light can signal to your brain that it is time to be awake and energized.
When you’re feeling down and spending a lot of time indoors, it can be tempting to let your normally healthful habits slide. It’s easy to mindlessly eat junk food in front of the television, but resist the urge. Eating sugar and processed foods can really zap your energy and mental functionality, so do your best to cut these out of your diet. Eat well and you’ll feel well. Remember, you are what you eat!
