3 Ways to Boost Cold Weather Moods
By Genevieve Cunningham
There are a lot of good things that come with the cold weather. For those who love comfort, the cold weather brings cozy blankets and big sweaters. For those who enjoy food, the cold weather brings soups and hot drinks. But the cold weather isn't all fun and games. It also comes with a biting wind, more illness, and for many -- moodiness. Moodiness isn't fun, but it tends to rear its ugly head more during the winter than any other time of year. If you suffer from winter moods and you'd like to manage them for a happier, healthier season, take a look at these three ways to boost your moods and feel better than ever.
Still Get Outdoors
Some of our moodiness during the winter can be attributed to the lack of sun. We don't get outside as much in the winter, which means we aren't exposed to as much natural light. And natural light -- also known as the sun! -- is crucial for mental health and stable moods. If you want to beat the moods, make sure you're still getting outside and soaking in the sunshine. Even a few minutes per day is enough to bring out better health and keep the mood swings at bay.
Stay Busy
During the winter, we tend to spend more time indoors and in front of a screen of some kind. This might seem like a good idea at the time, but excessive screen time only contributes to poor moods. Try to stay busy during the cold months of the year. Pick up a hobby that doesn't require a screen -- knitting, crafting, a musical instrument. Keeping your hands busy gives you less time to focus on the negatives in your life and more positive energy to get you through the cold.
Eat Well
It's tempting to fill up on all of the goodies of the winter -- the sweets, the heavy casseroles, the sweet drinks. But feeding your body poorly contributes to poor moods. We are what we eat, and so if we eat junk, we also feel like junk. If we continue to fuel our bodies with healthy foods, we'll feel better from the inside out -- moods and all!
The winter certainly brings some challenges into our everyday lives. While some love the bitterness of the cold, others sink into the blues and poor moods. Use these tips to fight off the normal moodiness, and feel better than ever this entire season and the rest of the year too.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Nashville, Tenn.