winter blahs already, any tips?

sanura
sanura Posts: 459 Member
edited September 2024 in Motivation and Support
so here in Canada, winter has arrived and I feel like crap! I've been sleeping too much, eating too much and not exercising...any tips for getting going again? especially would appreciate tips specific to winter.

Replies

  • lotusfromthemud
    lotusfromthemud Posts: 5,335 Member
    Yep, I feel you. I was born and raised in Florida, and now live north. My first winter I was almost hospitalized due to severe SAD/depression. I'm feeling much better now. Here are a few things.

    D drops. (any drugstore should have them.) Life-changing. The regular pill supplements of vitamin D don't absorb as well. (obviously, you should check with your doctor about dosing)

    Also, I adjust my sleep schedule as much as possible. This means that I am sometimes in bed crazy early/awake crazy early...but I quit fighting it this year, and have felt much better so far. On days when the sun is out (rarer and rarer now) go outside. Bundle up and absorb actual sunlight whenever you can...it makes a huge difference. And, even if you feel awful, muscle through and get a workout in. You need those endorphins now more than ever.:flowerforyou:
  • I know it sounds like a broken record around here.. hehe but exercising will help a lot. Your body will release the natural chemicals that produce happiness. Also taking your vitamins daily helps as well.

    My wife struggles every year with winter depression and since she started doing these things over the past couple of years, it has helped her tremendously.

    My wife can't tan but she was also told that tanning would help her too... IDK
  • asltiffm
    asltiffm Posts: 521 Member
    I have found that getting out into the winter weather and being active is the biggest help. It helps desensitize you to the cold a bit and the cold has a way of making you feel alive. At least that's my opinion.But it's best done with waterproof/insulated foot wear so you don't numb your toes.
  • redefiningmyself
    redefiningmyself Posts: 476 Member
    I'm feeling similar. I think I'm going to try vitamin d drops.
    I also changed some of the lightbulbs in the house to the full spectrum bulbs. I also sit in a window and try to absorb as much sunlight as I can - whenever I can.

    Also, I just sleep extra. Throughout history people would have slept more this time of year as well - it wasn't really until the invention of the lightbulb that that changed. so why fight nature?

    oh and I keep logging and taking things a day or a meal at a time. At least that keeps me accountable even if I'm not at optimal level.

    I'm looking forward to what other people say.
  • redefiningmyself
    redefiningmyself Posts: 476 Member
    bump
  • Shirley61
    Shirley61 Posts: 7,758 Member
    Hi from Ontario, Canada.:bigsmile:
    I know how you feel, about winter. Your MFP pals
    have given you great advice. Once more thing,
    try Omega 3 supplements they also help with
    the down in the dumps feeling and your Vitamin
    D3 also helps. Exercise is key and will get you
    going. Yesterday I made it to the YMCA for a workout
    because I was feeling sluggish and it really helped.
    Good Luck and stay strong.:happy:
  • megamom
    megamom Posts: 920 Member
    I work the night shift and sometimes it seems like days til I see the sun, go to sleep before the sun has peeked up and get up as it is going down. I agree with what everyone says. Do check on proper dosing of the vit D and some people have been taking huge amounts and over doing it. Take up snowshoeing, ski walking, or hit the gym.
  • sanura
    sanura Posts: 459 Member
    thanks everyone! I bought the d drops, and will hopefully get outside this weekend!!!!
  • sanura
    sanura Posts: 459 Member
    hey everyone!
    I am really feeling a lot better, quite shocking really!! I'm even dancing and eating vegetables again!
    thanks so much for the tips, and to anyone else checking this out, Vitamin D drops work!!!!
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