We have officially entered the dark days of winter without the twinkle from Enchant or Snowflake Lane. The post-holiday and New Year excitement has worn off, and some days are harder than others to accomplish the basic tasks. It can be easy to let this time of year make you feel down or unproductive, but there are manageable ways to stay on track to avoid the winter blues.
First things first, stick to your routine! Wake up, make your bed and wear something you feel confident in. Even if you watch one too many episodes on TV, still get in those 20 minutes of reading you promised to do in the new year. Raining outside? Throw on a rain jacket and get out anyways. Sometimes it can feel like a drag but doing these things and sticking to a manageable routine will almost always be beneficial.
If you are looking for ways to spice up your routine or get you jumping out of bed in the morning, exercise is key to boost your serotonin. A good workout increases the dopamine levels in your brain, resulting in feelings of excitement and contentment. If you are tired of your usual workout regime, switch it up by trying a new workout class.
Another crucial method for beating the winter blues is regulating your sleep schedule and the lack of sun can make mornings difficult. If you are having trouble waking up in the morning, perhaps using a sunrise alarm clock is the answer for you. Conversely, if you find yourself going to sleep later and later, set a screen time alert on your device so you know when to stop. Try reading a book or writing to help turn your brain off at the end of the day. Though these all seem minuscule, each of these tips has an effect on your day, so start small for a bigger impact in the end!