Top 5 Ways to Banish the Winter Blues
Summer is nothing but a distant memory and a faraway dream, it’s getting colder and colder by the day, Christmas is over, we’ve already broken our New Year resolutions, and it’s dark. All. The. Time. If you’re anything like us, you might all be feeling a case of the Winter Blues. We feel your pain! We can’t magic sunshine I’m afraid, but we’ve put together a few ideas to help lift your spirits through these agonising dark and freezing days!
1. Plenty of fresh air
Over winter, we spend more and more of our time cooped up indoors. Constantly being exposed to central heating, sharing close quarters in a stuffy office and not getting enough exercise can all contribute to adverse effects on your health. Fresh country air does wonders for your health and wellbeing, it’s proven! Trees remove pollution from the air, making it healthier for us to take into our lungs. According to research, the fresh air created by trees is especially beneficial to those living in urban areas, where the air is more heavily polluted. Breathing fresh air that plants produce lowers the chances of coming into contact with these pollutants. Any form of exercise lowers stress and increases your immune system, so going for a brisk country walk could do you a world of good. Research also shows that spending time in fresh air, surrounded by nature, increases energy in 90 percent of people. So get kitted out with country clothing and walking boots for a country walk in the crisp winter air…
2. Make your home warm & cosy
After your brisk country walk, make sure you come home to a nice warm and cosy household! When was the last time you treated yourself to a divine duvet or a plump pillow? Are you lucky enough to get home to a roaring, crackling fire? An open fire place just makes you feel good. Fact. There’s something nostalgic and heart-warming about curling up with a book or a glass of wine in front of a dancing fire. It instantly creates the perfect dreamy atmosphere to escape the burdens of everyday life, while any remnants of the cold melt away. Wrapped up in a fort of pillows and a snuggly duvet in the ambience of an open fire leave you feeling safe and content, improving your mood and helping you sleep.
3. Healthy, heart-warming food
It’s so important to eat healthy nutritious food, but through winter we all get what I like to call – natural layering syndrome. We need to stay warmer, so after your next huge bowl of chips, join me in saying “my body made me do it”! The easiest way to get a large whack of your five a day, and to have a filling lunch, is by making your own soup. Soup Maker sales over took Juicer sales as people woke up to the health benefits of nutrition-packed soup detoxes, without the ‘hanger’ (the anger that accompanies a growling stomach) that comes with a juice detox.
4. Escape
If you have the time and money, the ultimate way to beat the winter blues is to escape it. Literally. Get on a plane and do as the birds do, fly as far into the southern hemisphere as you possibly can; migrate to warmer climates to regain some sanity. Make sure to take lovely luggage with you too!
5. Lots and lots of tea!
Tea makes everything better. Having a brew over a chat with family or friends is the best medicine for a cold winter day. Not much else needs to be said really. Put the kettle on, grab a biccy and wait for summer to arrive!
