Five Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

When the graceful snowfall quickly turns into the blizzard from the North Pole, it's easy to get irritable and downright depressed when your stuck inside. Although school's out during the usual snowstorm, getting to work in the early morning winter hours can be stressful. Coming home after a long day to be greeted by the cold once again can do a number on your overall outlook. Surefire signs of the winter blues include lack of motivation, low energy, a lowered stress tolerance level. Some people attribute the seasonal sensitivity to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition that leads to serious energy lags, mood swings, and other symptoms associated with depression.

When you need a pick-me-up (and the coffee just isn't cutting it), there's always room for an attitude and outlook adjustment. Beating the winter blues is easier when you simply accommodate for it; if you know you're going to get down quickly, taking preventative steps may be a wise choice. Here are five easy ways to beat the winter blues, Mary Poppins-style (okay, maybe not quite that chipper):

1. Don't oversleep. It's oh-so-easy to take multiple naps and sleep longer hours when it's dark and dreary. Avoid the habit, and you'll fare well in the long run. Oversleeping doesn't provide you with the extra rest you think you're getting. Unless you're a super-athlete or work extended hours, limit your sleep cycle to the standard 6-8 hours. And stick with a sleep cycle! Too many disruptive patterns can create mood disturbances themselves.

2. Buy a sunlamp or specialty lighting fixture. It's true, sunlight really does cure the blues. For those who are stuck indoors most of the day anyway, adding a sunlamp or small natural light source to your office or room can work wonders for your skin and general mental outlook. Light therapy is often used by doctors in severe cases of SAD. Try a few BioPure lightbulbs for a change in indoor scenery.

3. Exercise your cares away. A natural antidepressant, vigorous exercise can boost your mood immediately. Lighter, ongoing exercise will keep you in tip-top shape before Spring break creeps up on you!

4. Up your Omega-3's: Your diet is critical to long-term health and overall wellness. Omega-3's are a natural source of essential fatty acids. They keep you healthy, and some studies have shown a natural link between fish oils and depression. Ask about a high-quality fish oil at a local health food store or grocery center.

5. Treat yourself to a massage! Regular massage therapy will stabilize and reduce stress naturally, giving you the perfect reason to step out of a routine for a while. A massage can not only relieve general aches and pains, but you'll sleep better and can detox naturally over a period of time. Make a commitment to take charge of your health this winter by adding an appointment or two to your monthly regiment.

Whenever you feel that slide of mood decline creeping up on you this winter season, don't despair! Anticipation can help you plan ahead for a healthy, happy, and even enjoyable few months.