How To Beat Winter Anxiety And Depression

During the winter, many people experience the so-called winter depression, it is caused by a lack of sunlight.. One of the reasons you may be feeling worse during this time is because of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Unfortunately, everyone knows that in winter the days are much shorter and there is really little sunlight. Because of this you might feel more anxious and depressed from October to March.

Symptoms of SAD

Symptoms may include:

• low mood
• more irritable
• feeling depressed often
• low interest in hobbies you used to enjoy
• low self esteem
• higher anxiety
• feeling worthless
• trouble sleeping
• low energy

One in 15 people in the UK is said to have SAD. If you fit the description of someone who is depressed during the winter. Relax, you are not alone.

How to beat Winter Anxiety and Depression

1. Eat Well
It can be tempting to carb load when it’s cold, but this isn’t doing any favours to your mental health and self esteem. Make sure you are eating a balanced diet rich in fruit and veg. Soup is a repair, because we have supplied vitamins, warming up and improving the mood

Read more about which foods you should eat with depression and anxiety here.

2. Get Outside

No-one wants to go outside when its freezing, rainy and dark.

The norwegians have a very interesting saying. They say the weather is actually always good. Only the man is poorly dressed

So wrap up as best you can and make the most of the sunny days when they happen! You need to know that vitamin D is produced when sun rays fall on your skin. Yes … you need sun.

3. Exercise
Exercise is probably THE best way to help you with SAD. It has been proven to lift your mood by releasing chemicals in your brain such as seratonin and endorphins. if there is a gym near you, use german. Don’t choose anything on the other side of town because … you won’t go..

maybe you don’t feel like going to the gym. The more you don’t want to when you have winter anxiety. Trust the gym to produce endorphins and it will make you feel better.

If there is any reason why you can’t leave the house use youtube. Many fitness classes are available in the institute

4. Start A New Hobby
There are lots of indoor winter hobbies that are less acceptable in summer. Binge watching documentaries, jigsaw puzzles (don’t judge me), knitting, caligraphy, playing the piano, learning a language.

5. Remember To Socialise

it is known that in summer people are more likely to go beyond the four walls. In winter you can too! You may not want to, but remember that when you stay at home, your social life will shrink.

Make sure you make the effort to see your friends. You could organise a cosy film night in with some good food and wine…… then they all have to come to you!

6. Try Light Therapy Box
Some people have found light therapy helps alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety during Winter. Lightbox is compensated by natural light. During the shorter days of this light there is simply little and we lose it

7. Go To Your Doctor
If SAD is severely affecting your life, you should go and see your doctor.

8. Meditation App
These can help reduce anxiety and stress. There are many mental health apps on the market, including breathing exercises, mindfulness, calming techniques and stories to help you sleep.

9. Journaling

Journaling has many benefits for mental health. It can make you feel calmer, clear your head and help you identify and solve problems more effectively.

10. Remember Self Care
Self care is so important every time of year, but even more so when you are dealing with SAD. Run a nice bath with some lavender oil, a good book, a candle and a glass of wine.

11. Go On Holiday
If all else fails, book a holiday so you can catch up on all the vitamin D you missed out on!