Guest post by Grace Cruz

While there is still some time left for autumn to arrive, the colder months aren’t too far away! As we enjoy the last few weeks of sunshine and warmth, there are many factors to take into consideration for winter. Since the days become shorter and nights longer, many people in Canada and other cold winter climates experience winter blues or seasonal depression (SAD). This can result in feeling low all the time, having no energy for social interactions, low motivation, and weight fluctuations. If you’re in the know and have experienced this disorder, you’re not alone. Modern medicine and technology have devised several ways to help people with SAD take preventive measures to counter the onset of this temporary illness. This blog post will introduce you to 8 ingenious methods for tackling seasonal depression to help you get your health in check before winter arrives.

8 Ways to Tackle Seasonal Depression

1. Install UV lamps: UV light is also called artificial sun because it serves the same purpose. Your body is negatively affected by the depletion of natural sunlight in the winter and reacts to the lack of vitamin D production and processing. UV lamps are a great way to keep your hormones balanced to avoid too many mood changes. You will also notice how your optimism does not begin to wane like it usually does in the cold season, since the UV lamp also gives your skin much-needed warmth.

2. Take vitamin A, B12, and D supplements: Taking health supplements throughout the year is necessary, but even more so in the cold months. Your body can’t produce enough vitamin D due to the daylight shortage, so providing it with an alternative source is a good way to fill this gap in nutrients. There are water-soluble liquids and powders of vitamin D that you can take once a week to keep your levels up. Vitamins A, C, and B12 are vital supplements that you should also be taking in the cold season to maintain your overall health, immunity, and mental health.

3. Use CBD for sleep: Sleep can precipitate a major crisis in the body during winter because some people sleep too much while others can’t fall asleep. For those wishing to regulate their sleep cycles so that they wake up fresh and not fatigued, CBD oils can work wonders for you. If you don’t wish to ingest oils directly, you can use a CBD vape pen Canada dispensaries showcase. These devices are portable and easy to use, especially in the bitter winter chill where your muscles may stiffen due to the cold.

stack of pancakes with bananas and maple syrup

4. Get plenty of exercise: Movement is your best friend during the winter, which is why you need to exercise often. It helps the body stay warm and releases happy hormones like endorphins and dopamine. You can take up indoor activities like dance lessons, Zumba, yoga, and other bodyweight workouts. Better yet, join the fitness revolution with a club and enroll in a challenge that you can participate in at the gym or virtually. Take at least 30-45 minutes a day to work out, even if it consists entirely of at-home exercises. Your body will be able to keep warm, digest food better, and function fluidly with the boost of happy hormones.

5. Be around loved ones: One thing that we all have experienced in the winter is how it starts to feel lonelier as the nights grow longer. The lack of sunlight and long working hours may separate you from your loved ones, but try to make time for some family bonding. Emotional love and support matter a lot in such weather because it can feel quite isolating. Make sure to keep in touch with your family and friends and meet them regularly, online and in person. Your mind will be at ease and the chances of seasonal depression striking will lessen significantly. One thing you can do is arrange game nights and small house parties on the weekends to keep your spirits high.

6. Stock up on comfort foods: To keep yourself happy, one of the best things you can do is give yourself the grace to gorge on comfort foods. Since our bodies are instinctively made to crave carbs and hot meals in the colder seasons, depriving yourself due to stringent diets will only trigger seasonal depression. Instead, add all the colorful veggies, lean meats, and hearty ingredients you desire to keep you and your family well-nourished. You’ll see how everyone lights up at the idea of their favorite pie or casserole!

three friends jump for joy in snow-covered backdrop

7. Make a list of activities: Keeping the entertainment quotient up indoors when it is cold outside is one way to help yourself from feeling blue. When your mind is constantly occupied making new memories, it won’t pay as much mind to the changing seasons. Tag in your family to board games, karaoke, movie nights, and some indoor dancing. These activities also can help set the mood for the holiday season and other festivities where you have a change to put your dancing shoes on!

8. Use lighter colors indoors: Color therapy has a lot to do with your mood and mental health. Darker colors are usually associated with warmth, but they can also absorb the little light that we receive in winters. Instead of turning your home into a dungeon, try using lighter colors but with heavier textures and layers. In this way, your home will look well-lit and spacious instead of claustrophobic. To add some depth and personality to the lighter palette, including a small splash of burgundies and maroons. These colors will highlight the season and give more character to your living space without making anyone feel depressed due to the dark home decor.

Wrapping Up:

Pinterest pin image of 3 friends jumping for joy in winter — **Like this? Please pin!**

We all know how winters in this country can get bitter and challenging. However, if you have the correct preparations in place, you can stay warm and enjoy a white winter with your loved ones. Looking after your health in the Canadian winter is your first and foremost priority. When you take the steps mentioned above, you’re giving your body the chance to acclimatize to the changes to come. Set these habits now so that they don’t feel like a major task later!

Grace Cruz is an content writer with 5 years’ experience in the business. She specializes in the healthcare and wellness niche and aims to provide valuable and new information to readers. Writing allows her to establish better connections with readers, ensuring a thorough understanding of the subject and encouraging them to live happy and healthy lives.

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