Winter can be a difficult time for anyone. The days are darker, the weather is colder and unfortunately, this can lead to seasonal affective disorder. This currently affects 3 in 100 people in the UK alone, which proves its cause for concern.
Whilst winter has some great moments to look forward to such as Christmas, Halloween and New Year’s Eve, for the most part, it is bleak and rather dull. So, it comes as no surprise that people’s moods can drastically reduce as they wait for the warmer British weather.
Now that spring is here and the flowers are starting to bloom, it’s time to try new things to boost your mood and feel good again. Here are some of the best ways to get out of the winter blues.
Get active
It is well documented that regular exercise is good for depression. It helps to boost mood and ensures people feel good in their mind and body. Adults are recommended to exercise for 150 minutes every week to keep fit and healthy. How you decide to exercise is completely up to you.
For those that prefer to keep active by themselves running, weightlifting and cycling are all great options. However, some people notice significant improvements in their mood when they spend time with others. This makes team sports a good option. Try playing football, cricket, netball or hockey and have fun with your friends as you make yourself feel better.
Get a new hobby
When you’re bored, you may find your mind goes into overdrive and you make yourself feel worse. However, when you develop a new hobby that you can focus on, you can give yourself a break. Challenge yourself with a new hobby like coding with an Arduino kit or playing an instrument.
As you develop your skills in these hobbies, you’ll feel proud of yourself which will boost your mood further.
Try a healthy diet
Diet and mental health are heavily linked. A bad diet can increase your chances of depression, so eating healthy is the best way to start spring. Ensure you are getting your five-a-day, don’t overeat and try not to eat too many unhealthy foods – we know this can be tough.
For those who find dieting hard, you could try hiring a nutritionist or pay a subscription company to send you meals every week.
Spring is the season of new life and new beginnings. This makes it the perfect time to try something new and improve your mental health going forward. Try these methods and find yourself feeling more positive as you enjoy the brighter nights and warmer weather.
Alicia Saville did her degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
