LOGAN – In recent days, the weather here in Cache Valley has been mostly overcast, gloomy and foggy.
Can the winter blues be far behind?
Not if you follow the advice of behavioral experts like those at the mind, beauty and wellness website Fresha to beat the winter blues.
“As the winter months roll in,” according to a Fresha spokesperson, “many of us find ourselves facing shorter days, less sunlight and a tendency to spend more time indoors.
“Taking extra care of yourself during this time becomes crucial for maintaining your mental and physical well-being. It’s important to focus on the little things that can help lift your mood …”
During gloomy winter months, the suggestions of Fresha experts for the New Year range from the obvious to the insightful as they recommend keeping active, embracing the outdoors, taking time to rest and recharge, investing in your diet, cleansing and reviving, staying in contact with others, embracing warmth and avoiding alcohol.
Staying active tops their list of advice, because exercise triggers the release of natural mood-enhancing endorphins. Even low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling and yoga can improve both physical and mental health.
Spending time outdoors in natural light – even dim natural light – will boost the body’s serotonin production and increase energy.
The Fresha experts also recommend meditation, relaxation techniques, mindful breathing and listening to soothing music as ways to reduce winter stress and tension.
Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients – especially the Vitamin D in fish, egg yolks, red meat and juices – can help to lift your mood during gloomy winter months.
Other often-overlooked ways to improve your self-esteem are small acts of hygiene self-care, such as brushing your teeth, showering and wearing clean clothes.
Rather than allowing the winter weather to provoke isolation, the Fresha experts recommend socializing and volunteering as ways to create a sense of normalcy.
When it’s cold outside, common sense says stay warm. Listen to that instinct by wearing layers of clothes and having hot food and drinks to improve your mood.
Finally, the Fresha experts warn that alcohol can worsen feelings of depression and anxiety, particularly in winter months. Alcohol can also negatively impact your rest during sleep.
For additional information about ways to beat the winter blues, please go online to https://www.fresha.com
Fresha is the world’s largest marketplace for beauty and wellness, with its home office in London and satellite offices in New York, Vancouver, Sydney, Dublin, Amsterdam, Dubai and Warsaw.