4 Practical Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

Winter in New York can be a magical time, but sometimes there’s more going on than what meets the eye. Do you typically feel down during the colder months? If you experience notable mood shifts when temperatures plummet, you may be one of the 10 – 20% of adults dealing with the dreaded “Winter Blues.” 

This condition is less severe than Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but it can still cause a significant slump in mood and an overall sense of unease. While these symptoms are common during winter, it’s easy to shrug them off. But doing so can have a negative effect on your sense of well-being. If you’re hoping to beat the winter blues, it is important to learn about the condition and understand your self-care options. 

What Causes the Winter Blues? 

So, why do people start to feel anxious or depressed in cold weather? Scientists believe there is a correlation between seasonal depression and a lack of sunlight during the winter months, which can contribute to higher levels of melatonin in the body. This hormone regulates the sleep cycle in humans, but excessive amounts can lead to tiredness, lethargy, and subsequent feelings of sadness. 

One of the most common ways to beat the winter blues is to get more sunlight—or at least the same benefits of sunlight—whether it’s through more time outdoors, red light therapy, or a vitamin D3 injection. 

What Can You Do About the Winter Blues?

Exercise

Not only is exercise good for your physical health, but it can also positively impact your mood. The feel-good endorphins released after a sweat session can help you beat the winter blues while keeping your body moving during dreary weather. 

Practicing Mindfulness

Meditation and mindfulness have helped many people combat the negative emotional effects of life during a pandemic, and they can help for treating seasonal depression, too. Taking 5 – 10 minutes out of your day to practice quiet meditation and mindfulness can bring mental clarity and help you become more resilient.

Light Therapy

LED light therapy has become a popular self-care method for those hoping to improve their mental health, and it can also be beneficial for trying to beat the winter blues. Topical red light therapy is often used to treat wrinkles by jumpstarting the skin’s natural healing process, but emerging research also shows that it can have antidepressant properties. If you already enjoy this treatment for its skincare benefits, extra sessions in the winter can provide a much-needed mental boost. 

Therapeutics

Short days and cold temperatures can take a toll on their own, but sometimes the body’s chemistry needs a little boost to make the effects less disruptive. Supplemental treatments, such as vitamin D3 injections and immunity-boosting drips, can help restore and rebalance the vitamins and minerals your body needs to feel its best. 

If the winter blues get you down each year, you don’t have to go through it alone. The team at Modern Age is ready to help you feel your best every season with thoughtfully developed treatments and a soothing environment. Start with a free virtual or in-person consultation, or dive into our Aging Wellness Assessment to get to know yourself better.