Stay active to fight the winter blues

Winter is beautiful, but it’s not my favorite time of year. Hibernating doesn’t sound like a bad thing this time of year.

While I think I might enjoy a dormant state, I’m one of those folks who some winters have to dream of spring projects like growing flowers and vegetables to brighten up my days.

While I understand it is a necessary time of year and appreciate living in a climate with four seasons, I prefer the other seasons.

The simplest means of beating the winter blues is to force yourself to stay active, even when it’s dark and cold.

Fortunately, I’m an active person and have friends and family who help keep me busy.

I enjoy my work and my volunteer activities. Being social doesn’t mean getting outside all the time. I enjoy emailing and texting, but sometimes it doesn’t replace hearing someone’s voice.

I’ve learned I have to lighten up and I know I crave more daylight. Daylight actually gives us the feel-good hormone serotonin. One of the many great things about my home is the large beautiful windows which lets in a lot of sunlight.

I have to work at cooking and eating properly, it seems to improve my mood. Taking my vitamin D also helps.

There are other ways you can fight the winter blues as well.

Exercise. Bundle up for a walk, swim indoors, or head to the gym. Getting moving doesn’t necessarily mean being outside. Work on inside projects you enjoy which stimulate you. Many like to listen to upbeat music.

Try to stay social and look for opportunities to help others. Be kind to yourself and relax. Read a book. Talk with a friend.

If none of these work in your fight to do away with the winter blues. head for a sunnier climate or at least dream of a trip. Talking to a friend or family member also helps.

Barb Horton is a staff writer at the Daily American Republic. She can be reached at bhorton.dar@gmail.com.