10 Tips to Battle Winter Blues

Cabin Fever. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The Medical Profession refers to Winter Blues as a disorder. I see it more as a natural response to the changes that occur during the winter season. We become much like bears and other animals that hibernate in winter, so that we will emerge well rested and refreshed in spring.

There are several changes that occur during the winter season that although subtle may affect our general mood and outlook.

- Lack of Natural Sunlight

All living things need sunlight to grow. The winter months not only shave off 3-4 hours of Natural Sunlight per day, but there can be several grey days in between where no sunshine occurs at all.

- Temperature Drop

Temperatures in most places go down several degrees, making it less comfortable to be outdoors for extended periods, and requiring the addition of more clothing.

- Skin changes

Because we can't avoid going outside all of the time, we can expect some dry skin to occur and we will need to apply more lotions and moisturizers. Also we need to apply lip balm or Chapstick because cold exposure can make our lips and even our cheeks chap.

- Appetite Increases

To prepare to keep us warm, our bodies naturally store more fat during winter months. Most of us feel an increased desire for food, more frequently, particularly after we have been outdoors. So now that we know why we feel different during the winter months, what can we do about it?

Here are 10 things I do to help lift my spirits during the drab winter days and long nights.

1. Soak in the tub. - I love to take a leisurely bath on winter nights. I use my favorite bath oil (Avon Skin So Soft) because the scent helps relax me and lift my spirits, while the oil helps my skin stay moist. I love that I accomplish two things at once.

2. Read, Read, Read - My library card gets heavy use during the winter months. I pretty much take a book everywhere I go. It is a great way to relax and take your mind off things.

3. Start a knit or crochet project - It is pretty easy to learn if you don't already know how. It's fun to make little projects for the house, gifts for friends for the holidays. About.com has lots of articles, patterns, and tutorials for beginners. You can purchase a needle(s) and yarn at most Wal-Mart stores.

4. Rent, buy or borrow DVDS and watch movies you have been waiting to see - In the spring and summer months we have vacations and lot's of outdoor activities to keep us busy. Winter is a great time to catch up on what movies we didn't get to see.

5. Start an exercise routine - we have to do something to battle the hungry horrors and exercise stimulates chemicals in the brain that help improve mood. I'm not talking about joining a gym although you can if you so desire. Just a few simple exercises a day can make a difference in how you feel.

6. Drag out your cookbooks - I love to get my cookbooks out and find new winter recipes to try everything from chili and soups to cookies, cakes, and desserts.

7. Experiment - Last year I went online and found some recipes to make my own organic cleaning products. It was a lot of fun, and I found a few new essential oils to help lift my mood naturally.

8. Start a journal - write down daily events, your thoughts and emotions and things you find interesting throughout your day. This can also be very therapeutic.

9. Talk on the phone - Call friends and family that you haven't talked to in a while and re-connect. They would probably love to hear from you and of course you are more likely to find them at home in the winter time.

10. Start a Face book or MySpace account. -This allows you to connect with others from the comfort of your own home. I'm still surprised how many of my High School friends I find this way.

So there you have it. 10 suggestions to help you beat the winter blues. Maybe you can use one or two to stop Old Man Winter from dragging you down.