5 Tips for Dealing with the Winter Blues - Hired Power

The winter is still here! Try not to be discouraged with the earlier days and lack of sunlight. Even though spring should be making an appearance soon, there are some things that you can do to help you deal with the winter blues.

• A lot of people actually may have a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression that occurs during the winter months. A lack of sunlight is part of the reason for SAD. Sunlight is filled with vitamin D, which impacts your mood. During the fall and winter months, there is limited sunlight. A wonderful intervention for SAD or simply feeling blue during the winter is called light therapy. There are sun lamps available for purchase at many reputable online merchants. A sun lamp provides a special type of light that can help with the symptoms of SAD and winter blues.
• Winter is cold and dark, but you don’t have to be bored. If you don’t want to be in the cold outdoors, you can try to make the most of indoor fun. Remember, self-care is an important part of recovery, so make the most out of indoor fun.

Try a few of these activities during the winter

• Host a game night
• Have a dinner party
• Go to the movies
• Try bowling
• Frequent a coffee joint
• Get tickets for a concert, ballet, opera, or whatever you prefer

Your diet has a lot to do with your mood. Eating fried, sugary, and processed foods will not help your mood. In fact, these types of foods can make you feel more depressed. Moderation is key, so feel free to eat sweets. Try to supplement sweets or hearty foods with fresh veggies, fruits, and whole grains. Remember to stay hydrated too.

If you can manage a trip to a warmer climate, book it. There is nothing like escaping to a beach paradise when it’s snowing in your hometown.

Spend time with friends and family. Even if you don’t get along with certain people, make sure you don’t isolate. Plan time with uplifting friends and family, and they will bring you warmth.

Hired Power is an expert in bringing compassion to addiction treatment. Recovery is a year round responsibility- there are no vacations. Our team is here to help you create a lifestyle to sustain long-term abstinence. Call Hired Power today at 800.910.9299. Hired Power is the expert you need to help you become empowered in your recovery journey.