Canada is known for the harsh winters that can sometimes feel as though they last forever. The lack of sunlight and time indoors during this season can sometimes lead to the Winter Blues. The exact cause of winter blues is not fully understood, but it is believed to be linked to reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter days and longer nights. This decrease in sunlight can disrupt your body’s internal clock and affect certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, which plays a role in our mood regulation.
Symptoms of the Winter Blues
You may find yourself having difficulty concentrating, facing a lack of energy or wanting to withdraw from social activities, and other symptoms linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder. It’s important to note that not everyone experiences the winter blues, and the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. If you suspect you may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder or any form of depression, it’s recommended to seek professional help from a healthcare provider. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments.
Tips for Getting through the Winter Blues
In order to cope with the winter blues, you can do a few things with your time during the winter. The first thing you try may not work, but that does not mean there is no remedy out there for you! Explore our checklist below and see what habits you can fit into your daily life this winter:
Stay Active
Engaging in regular physical activity can boost your mood and energy levels. If you aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week, you’ll hit a good stride and build a very healthy habit along the way.
Get Outside
Make an effort to get outside during daylight hours, especially in the morning. This could even just be a short walk to get some movement throughout the day.
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Keep Warm
Staying warm with hot drinks and thick clothing will push away the cold weather that you may face and bring you to a cozy place to enjoy the winter months.
Eat Healthy
Eating a balanced diet can have mood-boosting effects. Try your best to avoid overconsumption of sugary and processed foods because doing so will lead to a more maintained and predictable energy level.
Try a New Hobby
Keep your mind active! With a new hobby, you will take steps to learn and challenge yourself. Try puzzles or even learning an instrument and you may find a new passion in your life that will carry on after the winter ends.
Stay connected with Friends and Family
Make an effort to engage in social activities. Joining clubs, volunteering, or participating in a group, like indoor sports leagues or book clubs, can provide opportunities for social interaction and combat feelings of isolation.
Keep a Journal
Journaling will help you to organize your thoughts, prioritize your needs, and identify any triggers that you face regularly. This clarity can lift your mood and give you insight into things to avoid in the future.
Let the Sunshine In
Open curtains or blinds to let sunlight into your home, so you can sit by a window while working or relaxing. This will make the most of a sunny day and leave you feeling more energized.
Stick to a Schedule
Prioritize regular sleep patterns and ensure you get enough restful sleep each night.
“Keeping a regular schedule will also expose you to light at consistent and predictable times,”
Deborah Pierce, M.D., M.P.H.
With predictable routines, you will feel more in control and stress levels can fall, as a result.
Speak to a Professional
The symptoms you face may be more extreme and require additional support. Asking for help from your doctor will lead to options that you did not know you have access to.
Surviving the winter blues is possible. By implementing these strategies, you can emerge from the winter months with a renewed sense of well-being. Remember, everyone’s experience with the winter blues and seasonal affective disorder is unique, so be patient and kind to yourself as you navigate this journey.
To learn more about everything you need for a Canadian winter, click here.
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