If you tend to get depressed in the winter because of the cold temperatures and lack of natural daylight or if you constantly get sick during the colder months; then keep on reading because this post was written specifically for you. To help you out, today I’d like to share with you some of my favourite ways to not only boost immunity in the winter but also a few tips on how to beat the winter blues. My hope is that these tips help you beat the winter blues and make the most of the winter season, even if you so happen to hate it at the moment. Discover how below…

Before I dive into these tips on how to beat the winter blues, I’d like to preface this post by admitting that I was the first person to dread the colder seasons. I lived for spring and summer and would put myself on survival mode as soon as the temperatures dropped below 13 degrees C. So, if you feel similarly about winter, let me tell you this: there is hope ;).

I mainly learned how to survive the winter times and even enjoy it while living in Canada for 10 years… When you know that winter can last up to 9 months over there, It’s best to find a way to make the most of it to keep yourself happy and sane :p.

So, if you would allow me, here are my top tips on:

How to Beat The Winter Blues

1. Step Outside DAILY

I know it might be the last thing you want to do, but making sure you expose a little bit of your skin to natural daylight is essential to beat the winter blues. Indeed, it will help your body produce vitamin D, which helps improve your mood and keeps your immune system nice and strong. Use your lunch breaks and get at least 10/20 minutes of natural sunlight daily. The more time, the better.

2. Stay Active

Once again, I know that for many it is extremely hard to find the motivation to move when it’s freezing cold outside. It’s much more natural to become a couch potato in the winter… Well, trust me: daily movement is totally key to your vitality but also happiness in the winter. It’ll help your body from falling sick via boosting your immune system. And when you sweat through movement, you not only release unwanted toxins from your body, but you also naturally release endorphins. These little guys will also naturally make you happier and boost your mood. So, this winter: stay active! Feel free to check out my IGTV Channel where I have shared a few tips on how to move your body more regularly > @deliciouslyvibrant.com.

3. Eat More Fats

YAS, I said fats! Healthy fats are not only essential for the health and metabolism of your whole body, but getting enough fat in the winter is essential to keep you well insulated and warm from the inside out. Eating enough fats will also help you stay focused, make you satiated (preventing you from overeating), and help you better manage your stress levels. Healthy fat is your best friend, not your enemy. Check out these posts for more info on the topic: Healthy & Warm Winter Breakies or this post Winter Food Hacks To Stay Warm.

4. Keep Your Gut Happy

I’ve mentioned it before (HERE) but maintaining a healthy gut is crucial not only to keep your immunity strong, but also your brain and mind happy! There is a direct link between the health of your digestive system (gut flora aka bacteria living within you) and your mental state. To help you stay positive and happy (i.e. beat the winter blues), make sure you maintain a healthy gut microbiome via eating/taking probiotics daily, getting enough sleep, eating as many whole and un-processed foods as possible and avoiding foods, which tend to feed the unhealthy bacteria in your gut (e.g. sugar and sugary treats).

Click below to get a infographic mini-guide on which foods to eat in the cold winter months to help your gut and maintain a strong immune system:

Download Your Winter Pantry Essentials

5. Try Vitamin D Supplements

This is actually recommended by many healthcare practitioners in Canada for the very fact that in the winter (because of the position of the sun & your skin being less exposed to the sun), it is harder for our bodies to synthesize vitamin D. Yet vitamin D is very important to help beat the winter blues and avoid getting S.A.D (Seasonal Affective Disorder). So, if you find you really struggle with SAD, then please consult your favourite healthcare practitioner or local health food store to add some vitamin D supplement to your daily self-care routine.

6. Get Social

Don’t be a hermit. On the contrary, plan many occasions to spend some time with your family, friends and loved ones. There is no better way to boost your mood and feel connected but via spending some quality time with the people you love. Plan games nights, try a new hobby or get moving together outside via winter sports and other winter-only activities.

7. Sleep & Rest Adequately

It is unbelievable how much of a difference a great night sleep can do not only to your mood, but also to your general state of health! Most people get sick because they are running on overdrive and don’t prioritize good sleep. Getting great sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health this winter. It’ll keep you healthy both physically and mentally. Here are a few more tips on how to get better sleep > Improve Sleep Tips.

8. Change Your Mindset

Instead of dreading winter, learn to appreciate it by changing your mindset about it. I always say if you can’t change a situation, just change the way you look at it and suddenly that situation will change as well :). There are many things that only winter offers us; e.g. warm cozy evenings by the fire, winter seasonal foods, winter sports/activities, fuzzy sweaters and knits, comforting bowl of soup/stews, etc. These are a few things that you can only enjoy in the winter times, so why not make the most of it?

9. Try a New Hobby

Another tip to try in the winter to beat the blues is testing out a new hobby. Maybe there is a drawing/painting class you’ve always wanted to try? Or a dancing class? Joining a reading club? Trying out winter shoeing? The sky is the limit. Satisfy your curiosity and craving for something different by taking on a new hobby this winter. It’ll make you get out of the house, meet new people and improve your mood too!

10. Have Self-Care Dates

Since it’s cold outside, another great way to spend your time is via scheduling more me-time and more self-care. How about some massages? Getting your nails done or cozying up in bed with a great book? Taking a nice long bath? Once again, let your heart guide you on what it is you need most and make sure you carve out some time for self-care this winter season.

And there you have it guys, these were some of my favourite tips on How To Beat The Winter blues. I hope you find them helpful and please if you have any other tips you’d like to share, leave them in the comments section down below.

Stay warm,

Sarah.