Beat the winter blues!

Did you change all your clocks yet or there’s still one that’s one hour ahead? Man, gaining this one hour of sleep doesn’t help with the one hour jetlag, and short days ahead.

How to prepare yourself for this winter times ahead? Here are a few ideas…
1. Keep active: plan activities especially after 5pm, when it gets super dark outside.
I always try to add more stops on my way back home, or make evening plans. Stop for groceries after work, schedule drinks/dinner with a friend, or try a new workout class. Because it gets dark at like 4:30pm, it feels like the day is over. It is NOT. Fool your brain and schedule evening rehearsals or plans that start at 5pm or 6pm.
2. Get outside: don’t be a caveman. Walk/run outside if not too cold. Maybe check out a new park or walk the long way home. It’s a good opportunity to get to know your city/town better, and try new restaurants and bars.
3. Keep warm: coffee and tea are great and tasty. Choose the herbal tea options in the late afternoon or evening. There are so many fun cozy drinks! Try Matcha, new teas, hot chocolate, or make your own hot cider!
4. Eat healthily: boost your mood with a colorful plate, loaded with fruit and veggies. We get most of our immune system powers from FOOD. There’s plenty of vitamin C in our foods (broccoli, cauliflower, kale, kiwi, orange juice, sweet potato, strawberries, tomatoes) so forget the supplements, and just eat better. Recipes are coming up!!
5. See the light: turn on ALL the lights and candles. You can also use scented candles or use Christmas lights for some mood lighting.
6. Get some vitamin D! If you live in north America, and most European countries, you ARE vitamin D deficient during the winter months. Differently than vitamin C, we cannot get enough vitamin D from our food so you should take supplements!
7. Take up a new hobby: it will keep you busy and distract you from the darkness. Knitting is super awesome because you can knit a scarf. Or mittens. You can also find a buddy and do this new hobby together. Personally, I like baking during the cold months because it keeps the house warm, smells amazing, and there are yummy things to eat.