How To Break Out of the Winter Blues and Feel Your Best

Have you been feeling blue or a little bit down? Are you lacking the motivation to do even a virtual fitness class? Maybe it started when the weather turned from warm and sunny to dark and cold, or maybe you made it through the holidays, and then it hit. Chances are that you have the winter blues, and you’re not alone. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 10% to 20% of Americans get the winter blues around this time of year. The good news is there is a lot you can do to snap out of it (like our online workouts!), but first, it’s important to know what you’re up against.

Know What You’re Dealing With

There is a fine line between mild winter blues and a medical condition called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a more severe form of the winter blues that can last up to five months out of the year. 

SAD is a diagnosed mental condition directly correlated with the shortening of days. It interferes with one’s ability to function daily and enjoy life. Lasting up to five months a year, it does eventually clear up in the spring and summer, but due to the severity and length of time, medication is often used to help elevate the condition. 

The key difference between true SAD and the winter blues is that while you might feel down at times, the winter blues do not prevent you from still enjoying life in the winter months. It’s important to know the difference between the two and speak to your doctor, especially if you think your blues are more serious than just the mild winter doldrums.

If it’s not SAD and you just feel a little deflated this time of year, we can help with some easy fixes. Let’s explore ways to put that pep back in your step today. 

Get Moving 

It’s no secret that we love to get moving over here at Edington Family Fitness. Exercise is one of the best ways to snap yourself out of a bad mood and positively affect your well-being. When you do any type of virtual fitness, especially cardiovascular exercise, your body releases endorphins - your feel-good hormone. These endorphins are like a shot of happiness that will instantly break up your mood. Use our selection of Edington Family Fitness online workouts to get your endorphins flowing today for an immediate boost.   

Get Outside

We all need fresh air, even if it’s cold fresh air. Get outside at least once a day. A brisk walk outside is an instant mood boost. Why? Again, you’ll get those endorphins flowing, but more fresh air also means more oxygen. The more oxygen you get in your body, the more you increase your serotonin levels - another happy hormone, and you’ll come in feeling recharged. 

Follow a Healthy Diet

It’s easy to jump headfirst into the cookie jar or that bag of chips in the winter months. We are all hit with constant temptations during the holidays, and once the holiday season is over, we’re left feeling blah, so our subconscious tells us that sugar-laden foods will aid our sadness. The opposite is true. A poor diet - one that’s heavy in the wrong kind of carbs will only keep us down and the scale up. An exercise program like Edington Family Fitness can not only get you moving but also help curb cravings for foods high in sugar and carbs. It can go a step further and even get our bodies on the road to detox and recovery after overindulging during the holidays. Exercise paired with a healthy diet full of plenty of protein, fresh fruits, healthy fats, and vegetables will keep you feeling and looking your best even in the winter months. 

Drink More

Water that is. It’s easy to get dehydrated over the winter months, but we don’t want that. Staying hydrated helps your skin look healthy and glowing. Plus, it removes toxins, prevents headaches, and reduces joint and muscle pain. Flush your system and put that bounce back in your step with plenty of water. Alcohol, on the other hand, is a depressant and can leave you feeling worse. If you’re already feeling down, opt for a tall glass of water over an alcoholic beverage. 

Make a Point To Be Social

It’s very tempting to hibernate all winter, but don’t turn into a bear, make a point to get out and remain social even in the winter months. Spending time in good company is one quick way to give yourself a boost. Keep a list of friends and family that you can call on short notice for a quick social outing - a family fitness outing would be even better!

Laugh

The saying goes, “laughter is the best medicine,” and it’s true. When you start feeling down, try a good laugh. Turn on a funny movie or try a workout called laughter yoga. Refer to your list of friends and family and reach out to one that always makes you smile. 

Volunteer

While we all know that volunteering helps the greater good, it also directly affects you and can help snap you out of the winter blues. According to the Mayo Clinic, volunteering releases dopamine - a neurotransmitter responsible for how you feel pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation. By volunteering, you develop a sense of purpose, your self-esteem improves, and you get out and meet new people. 

Dance

If all else fails, crank up your favorite tune and dance it out. Think we’re joking? We’re not. Dancing is a quick way to get in that cardiovascular exercise and in turn, that big rush of endorphins. Studies like one done at the University of Missouri have proven that upbeat music and dancing improve mood by reducing stress, anxiety, and signs of depression.

Plan Something Fun

Cabin fever is a real thing, and having something fun to look forward to is essential to breaking up those winter blues. It doesn’t have to be a big vacation - although who wouldn’t mind that? But having a plan to get out and do something that you enjoy will keep you buoyed and motivated through the dark winter months. 

Edington Family Fitness programming provides an efficient total body workout through functional virtual fitness that combines strength development and high-intensity intervals. Coach Shellie is a professional athlete and certified trainer with a passion for helping people become the best version of themselves. Edington Family Fitness delivers online workouts to you and/or the whole family that can be done anywhere.