Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a legitimate ailment for many Kiwi’s during our chilly Winter months, but for most, a few small changes are all that's needed to turn that…
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a legitimate ailment for many Kiwi’s during our chilly Winter months, but for most, a few small changes are all that's needed to turn that frown upside down and lift your spirits.
We’ve asked around and collated these five tried-and-true winners to beat the Winter blues and look after your mind, body and soul as we move out of Winter and into Spring.
Tip 1: Lighten up
If your feelings reflect the gloomy weather, bring more light into your life. Research has found that spending 30 minutes in the light can have a similar effect on mood to antidepressant medication.
Rug up when the sun is out and get outside for a stroll, exercise and fresh air can do our mood the world of good!
With Winter comes rain, and gardens can grow insane. Tend your gardens and prune back tree branches and other obstacles that are blocking the sun from shining indoors. Open blinds and curtains to let the light in and move chairs closer to windows where you can soak up any sun when it is about.
Tip 2: Stay active
Don't give up your daily exercise routine just because it's cold out.
There’s a science behind the saying healthy body, healthy mind. When you exercise, your body releases endorphin's and this can help you feel happier.
Many doctors recommend a brisk walk for just 30 minutes a day can help you have a more positive outlook on life.
And if it’s raining out, remember there are plenty of ways to get active indoors, why not join up to a gym, or grab some free weights or a yoga mat and have a go at some of the many online fitness tutorial videos?
Tip 3: Wrap up warm
As the months grow cooler you can wind up spending more time indoors which is a great opportunity to do an audit on your wardrobe and stock up on cosy knits and coats needed to keep the wind and rain out.
Make sure you’ve got key pieces in your wardrobe that help you layer up and keep you warm from head to toe. It’s also a great time to clear out those items you haven’t worn in a year or two and give them to those less fortunate.
Tip 4: Turn up the heat
If you haven't already prepared your home for Winter consider home insulation options that will help take the chill out of your home environment.
The cost of installing double glazed windows, insulation or a heat pump can be a pricey cost upfront, but these investments will pay for themselves in the years to come as you save on your heating bill and keep colds and flu at bay meaning less frequent visits to the Doctor.
Tip 5: Fly away to sunnier skies
Nothing beats the Winter Blues more than literally escaping them!
If you're really craving warmer, sunny skies why not consider taking a holiday to the Pacific Islands or Australia? Flights have dropped in price over the last few years so it can be much more achievable to hop the country and escape to sun, sand and surf in Hawaii, Vietnam, or London in the summertime.
Simply planning the holiday itself can help to banish the blues, and that's before you even get to the airport!
