4 Steps to Avoid the Winter Blues

Ethan #snowboarding #Brighton

The cold has come early this year bringing with it snow and shorter and darker days.
Some of us are more affected by others during this seasons. Yet, each of us has our moments.

Here are a few tips to help you stay healthy, happy and sane this winter.

1. Keeping moving. Enjoy the winter weather with outdoor sports skiing, snowshoeing, etc. Also exercise regularly-- yoga, walking, lifting weights--even when curling up in front of that warm fire with a book might sound more inviting. Be sure to get lots of sunlight or use an artificial happy light.
2. Eat well. Although our options for fruit and vegetables change in the winter, and our caloric needs shift, it's important to continue to eat balanced, warm and healthy meals in winter. Hearty vegetable soups, warm drinks, and baked roots are great places to start. Get plenty of Vitamin D3 or supplement.
3. Spend time with family and friends.You may have desire to hibernate, yet it's important to spend time with others in community. Exercise together, do a group service project like shoveling others driveways, or cook a wonderful meal.
4. Spruce up your routines. Continue with routines that support your wellness. If you don't have any, check out this post on daily routines(dinacharya). Make sure to incorporate abhyanga (self massage), nasya (oiling your nostrils), and routine. Even though winter is a time for some of us to get stuck, we still need some routine.

If you'd like to learn more about fighting off the winter blues, stop by my workshop at Mindful Yoga this Saturday. I look forward to continuing to offer tips and practices to help you through the winter and being the healthiest you can be.

#avoidingwinterblue #wintersports