Singing the "Winter Blues?"

I don’t know about you, but I love to listen to music and I even enjoy singing a little here and there. Mind you, I am no American Idol, but I still like to accompany some of my favorite singers, as if I were the perfect back-up singer for them.

At this time of year, I know many people who have said they are “singing the winter blues”. During the Spring, Summer, and even Fall months, most people feel more energized with longer daylight hours and signs of nature’s creatures stirring about. However, during the winter months, many people experience much less sunlight, bone chilling cold temperatures, and nearly no signs of life by nature’s critters. Even if you don’t live in a state that is plagued with chilling temperatures and sky scraping snow mounds, most people receive much less sunlight during the winter months, which can lead to experiencing “winter blues”. Those who suffer from the “winter blues” may feel more lethargic, more moody, and even experience self-blame.

As a self-image life coach, I am going to share with you some very simple and effective tactics to help combat the “winter blues”:

1) Exercise – Studies have shown that people who engage in at least 30 minutes of cardio exercise can experience increased energy levels and happier moods. This is due to an increase in serotonin levels, which regulates mood and energy in the body. So, whether you pop in that aerobic DVD or hop on that treadmill, finding just a few minutes a day to exercise can help keep away those “winter blues.”

2) Diet – Another effective way to steer clear of “winter blues” is to eat more complex carbohydrates (e.g. grains & rice) and simple carbohydrates (e.g. fruits). Those individuals who eat more junk foods (e.g. soft drinks, cookies, chips, etc.) may experience a momentary increase in their serotonin levels, but then their energy level will drop significantly, leaving them feeling lethargic. So grab a nutri-grain bar instead of a cookie, and enjoy prolonged energy.

3) Meditation – Take just five to ten minutes a day and actively meditate. This can leave your body feeling relaxed and refreshed. For example, when I meditate, I envision myself on a warm and sunny beach. The thoughts of being on a beach lead to a physical reaction in my body, as if I were on a beach. The result is a more pleasurable feeling and sensation.

4) Morning Sleep Schedule – A final effective way to avoid the “winter blues”, if you are not a morning person, is to adjust your sleeping patterns to the schedule of the sun. In other words, try to wake up as the sun is rising. Many people sleep-in well after the sun has risen, and this cuts down the amount of sunlight they receive in a given day. The bottom line is that if you are not an early bird, you may want to consider becoming one during the winter months. This can fend off the "winter blues".

Warmest wishes!