I find that there are three types of people who react to the onset of Winter: the first embraces the cold, grabs their snowboard, ski or skates and heads off for some adventurous fun, the second plans their escape and goes in search of some Winter sun, finally the third group are the people who carry on with their days and it’s these people who need to pay a little extra attention to looking after their physical, mental, and emotional health. Getting through the Winter season can be difficult so these are a few methods I use to beat the Winter blues.

How to Beat the Winter Blues

Keep Moving

When the days are short and the weather is cold, it is natural that our bodies want to slow down. However avoiding physical activity can cause us to start feeling heavy and lethargic. So why not bundle up and enjoy the fresh air while taking a walk.

Fresh air and fitness often go hand in hand, offering people a way to get in their daily exercise while also enjoying the beauty of nature.

If you’re not already signed up then head to your local gym and challenge yourself to find a new machine or fitness class that you like there. Don’t leave this for a New Year resolution as you will be more likely to fail. 

Remember, you shouldn’t stop exercising just because the days aren’t quite as sunny and the leaves are beginning to drop. As the seasons start to change, you’ll find the perfect reason to revitalize your energy levels.

Eat Well

Winter weather and busy schedules often mean turning to comfort food, there is nothing wrong with this but keeping your body well-nourished will give you the energy you need to power through busy days and will help boost your immune system during the cold and flu season.

I love a hearty soup, stew or ramen and these are 5  of my current favourite recipes:

Chicken Noodle Soup

Tomato Soup

Prawn Noodles

Turkey Casserole

Beef in Red Wine

Stay hydrated

During the colder months, it’s natural to reach for coffee, tea, or cocoa, but don’t forget to also drink plenty of water, your body still needs to stay hydrated to function properly. 

However, when the festive season is just around the corner a big mug of hot chocolate is my go-to beverage. Head to Whittards for some of their delicious and decadent Luxury Hot Chocolates.

For an extra bit of indulgence add marshmallows and whipped cream Any piece of confectionery will do the trick but there is definitely something extra special about the Whittard Marshmallows It is nearly Christmas after all.

Manage stress

Even if you love this time of year, all the hustle and bustle can be stressful, so ideally you should aim to take at least thirty minutes every day to do something relaxing. This could involve taking a hot bath, reading your favourite book, or enjoying a hot chocolate. Take the time to do whatever helps you relax and unwind.

It’s the little things you do for your face, body and hair that make all the difference, so start from the top of your head and work your way down to the tips of your toes. Use a little bit of luxury to beat the Winter blues.

Stay Productive

If you have trouble focusing on work then create a comfortable and productive workspace. Try to find a room or a corner that is specifically for work related projects, this will make it easier to concentrate and you’ll find you get more done. Avoid working in a bedroom (or at least on your bed – keep this for sleeping.)

Ensure that your workplace is also well-lit. Unfortunately, as there isn’t as much daylight during the Winter you’ll have to create your own. A good desk light might be suitable but it is important that the room isn’t too dim or cosy as this will make you too relaxed and therefore unproductive.

Writing to do lists are a key method to staying productive. There is nothing more satisfying than crossing off the tasks you have completed, this in itself will encourage you to do more. 

Finally, identify the things that distract you most and then avoid them as much as possible. If you work better in a quiet environment then keep the TV, radio and mobile phone switched off. If you’re working on a laptop then turn off the Wi-Fi so you don’t receive any irritating emails. Use a calendar to plan regular tasks, but be realistic – don’t give yourself twenty jobs to do if you’re only going to manage three – it will only make you feel like a failure later on.

Rest and Reflect

Animals hibernate during the Winter for a very good reason – it ensures they can take the time to relax, recover from the previous year, and prepare for the future. As you’re entering a new year and preparing for the return of warmer weather, it is important that you take the time to reflect on where you’ve been and what you want your future to look like. 

A great way to do this is to have a reliable sleep schedule, wake up and go to bed at the same times, even on weekends. Your internal clock will adjust and your sleep quality will improve. Be aware of what you’re eating and avoid a large meal before bed as well as nicotine, caffeine or excessive alcohol.

How do you beat the winter blues?

Let me know in the comments.