How do you keep yourself from falling into a mental slump during the winter?
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Vitamin D
Consider taking a Vitamin D supplement. Studies have linked Vitamin D deficiency and depression. Out of the many receptors in our brain, some of these are Vitamin D receptors which begins to explain the link between Vitamin D and the state of our mental health. Many of us do not receive enough Vitamin D even during the summer, let alone during the shortest days of the year, so getting your levels tested may provide insight into why you don’t feel your best during the winter. Read more about vitamin D on this post.
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Take up an indoor hobby or activity
Pass the time during the short days and even better, have something on your calendar on a regular basis that you can look forward to. Maybe it’s a good excuse to finally take that art or cooking class you’ve been considering or buy a yoga package at a studio nearby!
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Embrace hygge
Hygge, according to Hygge House, is “a Danish word used when acknowledging a feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary as cosy, charming or special.” Think sitting by the fire while it snows outside or even just the comfort wrapping up in warm blanket. This is the most cost effective suggestion for beating the winter blues, because hygge is a feeling. It’s finding warmth and intimacy during the coldest days. Try to think of the winter as an excuse to do all of the coziest activities, rather than think of all of the things you can’t do until it warms up. Give it a try! This may mean incorporating a habit of enjoying a warm cup of tea into your evenings or hosting a casual dinner party for friends instead of braving the cold to go out.
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Incorporate more warm meals into your diet
Is there anything more comforting than a delicious warm bowl of soup or stew in the winter? Now is the time to break out the ol’ crockpot and get those veggies simmering. There is an endless amount of comfort food to make. For some inspiration, take a look at these crockpot recipes on the New York Times Cooking and these tips from Healthyish for making the best crock pot meals!
Authored by Ellen Davenport
Resources
http://hyggehouse.com/hygge
https://www.vitamindcouncil.org/health-conditions/depression/#.XCqbu2hKjkc
