: How to Overcome the Winter Blues

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(421 Words)
Many people feel sad during the colder months, a condition known as the winter blues. It is important to work to address these symptoms because they can turn into a form of depression. Try the following strategies to overcome this.
Get light
Some people feel the winter blues because of the lowered amount of sunlight they are exposed to during the winter. This may be especially poignant in areas where the sunlight is significantly cut down. You may feel better if you make an effort to get out into the sunlight when you can. Even if it is cold, wrap yourself in your warmest jacket and force yourself out.
You can also try to bring some of the light into the house. Buy some bright lights. They even make some specifically made to help people in the winter.
Address your thoughts
You can work to change the depressive thinking that is characterizing your winter blues. For instance, you may be thinking “This winter and coldness is going to last forever.” Of course, it will not. Instead change your thoughts to the fact that the winter will not last forever and then it will be warm and bright again. When you think of something bad in your life, then instead replace it with something good. For instance, try to think of three good things in your life every day.
Exercise
A lot of people find that exercise can help with depressive symptoms. This may be especially true during the winter blues when so many people are less active than they are during the warmer months. You may be much more out and about when it is comfortable outside and stuck in the house when it is colder. Get a treadmill, exercise bike or even some exercise videos so that you can get moving and start sweating. You may feel stronger and find that your winter blues start to go away.
Do fun things
You may not be able to do some of the things you would do in the summer, but that does not mean you cannot have fun in the winter. Go out and build a snowman. Have a snowball fight with your kids. You can also invite your family over for some special get-togethers. You can even just call a close friend.
If you find that your winter blues are turning into something more serious, then you should contact a professional. Early intervention can help prevent a major problem. Otherwise the above techniques may help you overcome the winter blues.