Seven Ways To Beat the Winter Blues Without Medication

Psychiatrists claim that weather influences the mood of a person. The best example in this context would be the winter season. Only a steaming mug of coffee can lure you out of your blanket in this season.

Seven Ways To Beat the Winter Blues Without Medication


Winters are synonymous with cold and gray days. Thus, people often feel lethargic and depressed during this season. Winter blues are a typical form of depression with symptoms like an increased need for sleep, mood slumps, and appetite fluctuations. One can easily opt for antidepressants. However, they may cause more significant damage in the long run. So, let us discuss a few ways to beat the winter blues without the need for medications.

1.   Exercise

Studies show that lethargy brings about a severe attack of winter blues. So, it is essential to stay active, even during the most cloudy and depressing days. It is a good idea to set up a routine for exercise. Many people perform activities early in the morning. It is the best time to exercise, and you get a chance to absorb the sunlight. Even a brisk walk for 15-20 minutes will help. Exercising releases a hormone named dopamine that promotes happiness.

2.   Consume Complex Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates like pizza will make you feel even more lethargic during the winter. Complex carbohydrates do not cause a sudden spike in blood sugar and take a longer time to digest. As a result, they prevent frequent need to eat. Broccoli, spinach, and lentils are a few classic examples of complex carbohydrates.

3.   Consume Vitamin D Supplements And Fatty Acids

Research shows that people staying in Iceland are least affected by winter blues. The reason for this phenomenon is that they consume fishes that are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. Salmon and cod are a few classic examples of such types of fish. Fatty acid is one of the best antidepressants available in the market. It also helps the brain cells perform better. Sunlight is the best vitamin D. Since sunlight is almost impossible to find during the winter months, you need to consume generous amounts of vitamin D supplements.

4.   Go For Light Therapy

Bright light therapy can provide at least partial relief from depression. It is natural to oversleep during winter. Oversleeping may lead to winter blues. People need to spend at least thirty minutes near the lightbox every day, during autumn and winter. It is a good idea to use ultraviolet-filtered light units. Spending thirty minutes at a stretch in the natural light may have side effects. Lightboxes enriched in bluish light are better.

5.   Take Tryptophan Supplements

Light therapy may be more effective upon combining it with tryptophan supplements. Tryptophan is an amino acid that gets converted to serotonin in the human body. Serotonin regulates human mood and happiness. People who suffer from winter blues go through low patches of happiness and mood swings. So, tryptophan supplements help to deal with winter blues.

6.   Perform Yoga

Psychiatrists recommend yoga as one of the best ways to overcome winter blues. The different asanas stimulate the release of a hormone named melatonin. This hormone affects the part of the human brain that deals with happiness. It also results in reduced activity in the part of the brain linked to stress.

7.   Check Your Mindset

Countries that undergo the most bitter winter embrace winter as a time to slow down. People may also use this season to plan for the upcoming year. It provides the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with family.

Conclusion

Follow the steps mentioned above to beat the winter blues without medication and improve your quality of life. These steps will also help you progress steadily towards a happy future. 

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