Feeling the Winter Blues? 5 Unique Ways to Pamper Yourself Out of a Depressive Funk

New year, new beginnings… same old pandemic. Suffice to say 2020 hasn’t been anyone’s favorite winter, so it’s totally understandable that the winter blues have hit hard this year. 

Feeling the change of the seasons mentally isn’t a rare issue. Around 5% of American adults experience seasonal affective disorder. Though the winter blues may not be as severe, you shouldn’t ignore them.

That’s why we’ve got five unique ways to pamper yourself out of your funk.

1. Exercise

We know it’s cold, wet, and dark outside. This seems like terrible advice but stick with us.

Getting your body moving releases endorphins. These clever little chemicals interact with receptors in your brain. This triggers a positive feeling in your body, which can be likened to that of morphine.

In other words, it’s a way of getting a natural high in your body and is sure to lift your spirits. You don’t have to go outdoors either if you don’t want to. Swimming, going to the gym, or even some yoga indoors will all work as well. 

2. Light Matters

Though we’ve just said you don’t need to go outdoors, you really should at some point. Research has shown that not getting enough daylight is bad for humans, mentally and physically. So if you’re stuck in an office, at home or work, from sunrise until sunset, then you’re bound to feel the blues.

Try and get outside at around midday every day if possible. Just for 10 minutes to half an hour will do the trick. This will give your body enough sunlight to produce the vitamin D it needs.

Vitamin D helps our brains work better and is linked to better emotional health. You can try a supplement if you still don’t think you’re getting enough light. Alternatively, there’s a huge range of indoor lighting available, which simulates natural light.

3. Eat Well

Not in a “new year, new me, I’m suddenly going to stop eating cake kind of way.” 

Eating well doesn’t mean dieting. We mean making sure you’re getting enough of all the nutrients and vitamins your body needs to function. Without them, you’re bound to feel worse mentally.

So don’t cut the delicious treats, but do add your veggies, fruits, and complex carbohydrates. 

4. Sleep Routine

It can be so tempting, especially on wintery weekends, to sleep in all morning, which leads to staying up too late and not getting enough sleep.

Sticking to a solid sleep routine ensures you’re getting enough sleep to maintain your overall health. Wake up at the same time on weekdays and weekends. If you struggle to get to sleep, establish a relaxing bedtime routine like a bath and reading.

It might seem difficult at first, but your body should get used to the new routine within a couple of weeks. 

5. Treat Yourself

If all else fails, treat yourself. In fact, do it anyway. Treating yourself is a surefire way to lift your spirits a little.

How you treat yourself is entirely up to you! A new outfit, some tasty food, or even sending yourself flowers from FTD flower delivery. Be kind to yourself!

Other Ways to Pamper Yourself

Pampering yourself is all about making you feel good. There are so many other ways to pamper yourself we’ve not mentioned, like seeing your loved ones, indulging in a hobby, or starting a project, to name just a few of thousands.

You can find loads more self-improvement and wellbeing ideas on our blog.