With the holidays behind us, it's easy to come down with a case of the "Winter Blahs." We build up to such excitement going into Christmas and New Year's, that three more months of winter and not as much going on can be somewhat of a letdown. So, here are a few ways to chase away those Winter Blahs.

Spencer Platt, Getty Images News
Spencer Platt, Getty Images News
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Here's a good description of the Winter Blahs or Winter Blues from sparkpeople.com:

"The "winter blues" are characterized by the mild depression, lack of motivation, and low energy that many people experience during this cold season. Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to both prevent the blues from coming on and get yourself back to normal if they’re already here."

Exercise

As if we needed another reason to get fit! Exercise isn’t only for maintaining your weight and staying healthy. It’s great for relieving the stresses of life.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Try to incorporate more complex carbohydrates (whole wheat breads, brown rice, veggies, fruit) and get your daily 8 cups of water.

Get Some Sun

Most people know that sunlight provides us with Vitamin D. Lack of sunlight can cause many people to become depressed—without knowing why! Try to spend a little more time outdoors. Keep your shades up during the day to let more light in.

Avoid Binge Drinking

Staying in with a cold beer or a nice glass of wine may seem like the only thing to do in the winter months, and many people who feel down also tend to turn to alcohol when they’re feeling down. But alcohol is actually a depressant, and rather than improving your mood, it only makes it worse.

Relax!

Try to spend a few minutes each day doing nothing! Read a book or magazine, sleep in on the weekend, go to bed early, try some meditations, or take a yoga class.

Embrace the Season

Instead of always avoiding the cold and the snow—look for the best that it has to offer! Take up a winter sport like ice skating, snowboarding, hockey, or even sledding!

 

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