Do you find that every Winter you feel frumpy, tired and BLAH all the time? Me too!  I used to wonder what the hell was wrong with me until someone told me about the Winter blues.

What are the Winter blues?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or the Winter blues is an actual diagnosed condition (I know, it sounds MADE up right?) for when you find yourself feeling down during the cooler months for no apparent reason. If you ask google doctor for the symptoms you’ll find that they include the “tendency to overeat, the desire to sleep more and carbohydrate cravings which can lead to weight gain.”

Uh…. Duh! It’s Winter. It’s cold. And dark. And these are exactly what our bodies need to do to survive long winters.  Except it’s not really about survival anymore is it?  We have food at our fingertips, whenever we want. We’re expected to keep on with life, as busy as ever, exactly as do throughout the rest of the year.

So feeling down and depressed at this time of year can become a bit of a problem.

How to cure the Winter blues

Sunshine

Vitamin D helps the body produce serotonin and just generally makes us feel GOOOD.  When it’s freezing outside; pour a thermis of hot chocolate (I make mine with just honey, milk, hot water and cocoa), take a rug and find a sunny spot in the backyard.  My boys LOVE this.  They think we’re having a special picnic for them and really I’m just trying to defrost my tired-mama bones in the sun.

Sleep

I know I don’t need to sell you on the importance of sleep. Every time I read ‘get more sleep’ as a piece of advice for better health I want to throw something… at someone…  But no seriously, even if you have a nightmare of a sleeper there usually are ways to catch a couple more zzzzs so you don’t go completely crazy.  Go to bed earlier. I KNOW it feels like the only time of day you get for you, but sometimes sleep is exactly what you need rather than watching Netflix into the wee hours.

Comforting healthy foods

Hands up if Winter makes you reach for the red wine and chocolate? Mine is UPPP! Whilst I absolutely am not saying you should give these up, if you are also reaching for comfort food all day long (also guilty) it’s no wonder you’re feeling a little bit frumpy.  Try to choose healthy food that is also comforting; root vegetables, stews and lots of dark leafy greens.  My solution to this is to add the green stuff to everything.  That way you don’t feel like you’re missing out by trying to eat a salad that just doesn’t cut it in Winter and you’re still getting all the good stuff in when your immune system needs it the most.

Movement

I know that snuggling under a blanket on the couch is the most attractive option when it’s cold out, but there are a number of reasons why you still need to move during winter.  Our immune system takes a beating during the colder months and by getting your blood flowing you’re also helping your body to get rid of all the crap that builds up in your system.  It will also help you to not feel like a stiff old bear by the time spring hits.

Want to join me in staving off the Winter blues?  Check out my free 7 day Winter yoga retreat; we’ll be warming up, supporting our immune system and looking after ourselves really well. Sign up to start your free 30 day trial today.