Stave off the Winter Blues

Winter Wellness and Mood Support

In the cold-weather months when daylight wanes and snowflakes and blustery weather keep you indoors, you should not sacrifice your health and well-being just because you feel the familiar tug of hibernation. You can stave off the feelings of the winter blues, make staying healthy a priority and keep your spirits high by taking care of your body with a few simple wellness tips. There are many simple things you can do to achieve this. Frequent hand-washing, avoiding excessive contact with public places or people who you know are sick are all great ways to defend yourself against colds and the flu. It is also a good idea to keep your immunity strong with adequate sleep, hydration, a balanced diet with whole foods, getting plenty of vitamin C by eating fresh fruits and vegetables, getting outside on those crisp sunny days for fresh air and vitamin D. Also, avoiding processed foods, sugar and fructose, keeping active, taking probiotics and avoiding antibiotics if possible, and finally relaxing, laughing and enjoying life are good ways to promote winter wellness. During these winter months, my staff will often find me sitting in front of my office window where I can catch the mid-afternoon sun, it is a great place to do my reading and research. Although I may not be actually getting vitamin D through the glass it does a great deal for my well-being and it is one way that I combat Seasonal Affective Disorder.