Wyoming winters seem to go on forever, and with the Holidays behind us and warm weather months away, your mood can fall as fast as the temperatures. Real Simple magazine offers eight ways to beat the blues, with science to back them up.

  1. Brighten up your surroundings: Your body could be craving more daylight, so open the blinds and set up closer to the windows. Sitting next to an artificial light, like a light box, can also help beat depression.
  2. Watch what you eat: Some foods, such as chocolate can help relieve anxiety and enhance your mood. Candy and carbs may provide short-term relief, but may increase anxiety and depression in the long run.
  3. Simulate dawn: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs in the winter season. It can cause depression, irritability, lethargy, and cause difficulty in waking up in the morning when it's still dark outside. A Dawn Simulator can gradually lighten your bedroom over a period of time and make it easier to get out of bed.
  4. Exercise: Get up and moving. Studies show even walking about 35 minutes a day five times a week can improve symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Working out under bright lights can also help.
  5. Listen to music: Upbeat tunes can help improve your mood.
  6. Plan a vacation getaway: Even the process of planning a vacation to sunnier climates can help increase happiness.
  7. Reach out and help others: Volunteering your time to improve the lives of others can help improve your own mental health.
  8. Bundle up and get outside: Even when it's cold, getting outside can improve your focus, reduce SAD symptoms, and lower your stress levels.

You can read more from Real Simple HERE.

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