Winter and stress go hand in hand, because the season is known for major blues. Fewer hours in the day make you lazy, anxious and depressed for no valid reason.
Things only get worse when you stop exercising and stay indoors. Cold and flu can further aggravate the blues.
Additionally, holiday celebrations bring added workload and stress due to endless to-do lists. All in all, winter seems to be a perfect recipe for a health disaster.
But you can do a little to beat the blues and enjoy the festive season to the fullest. You have every reason to slow down and spend quality time with your loved ones this time of year.
But it all comes down to embracing a holistic mindset and avoiding medication to preserve your health and sanity. Here are some stress-free winter tips that health enthusiasts rely on.
LOAD UP ON B VITAMINS
Boosting your diet is the first step to holistic wellness. But winter isn’t exactly the time for healthy eating because festive indulgences tickle your taste buds.
You tend to load up on sugary and processed foods, which give a temporary kick but ruin your mood in the long run.
However, a conscious effort to load up on B vitamins can help strengthen your defenses against stress.
Start with dietary sources such as leafy greens, eggs, beef, salmon, oysters, clams, chicken, turkey, legumes, and yogurt.
A comprehensive vitamin B complex supplement goes the extra mile to promote a healthy mood and keep the winter blues at bay.
ADD MORE OMEGAS
In addition to B vitamins, omega-3 is a healthy addition to your winter diet. You can rely on food sources like nuts, fatty fish, avocados and olive oil to boost your nutrient levels.
Supplements can cover dietary deficiencies, so ask your doctor for a recommendation. Omega-3s sharpen memory, improve mood, and protect your brain against cognitive decline.
Not surprisingly, wellness enthusiasts consider them a key weapon in their health arsenal. They also nourish and heal your skin as it battles the dry, cold winds of winter.
PRIORITY TO YOUR GUT HEALTH
Gut health does more than boost your immunity to effectively fight off colds and flu. It can also boost your mental well-being in the long run, so you have one more reason to balance the bacteria in your gut.
Research shows a link between gut inflammation and mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression.
Fortunately, a change in diet is enough to keep the good guys thriving out there.
Eating probiotics replenishes them, and you can get plenty of them from fermented food sources like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, tempeh, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, and sourdough bread.
Likewise, prebiotic foods like asparagus and artichokes support the diversity of your gut flora.
TRY CANNABIS AS A STRESS RELIEF AID
The winter blues are real, so you need to have a viable plan to deal with them. But taking anxiety pills goes against the rules of holistic wellness.
You can try cannabis as a safe, natural and effective stress reliever instead of drugs. From relaxing muscles to calming nerves, increasing fitness motivation and promoting sound sleep, cannabis supports your well-being in more ways than one.
The best part is that it is now legal in many states. You can order weed online or buy it from a local cannabis distributor.
You can also try different types and product options to choose what works for you. But remember to stick to a dose routine and consume wisely.
LET THE SUN SHINE
Another measure to keep your mood and immunity on track during the winter is to get enough vitamin D.
But maintaining a healthy level of the sun vitamin is easier said than done when the light isn’t as bright.
Moreover, you tend to stay at home most of the time during the season. Exposure to the sun is a good way to get more vitamin D.
Also, get out and make the most of it on sunny days. You can also visit your healthcare provider for a health checkup and optimal supplement regimen.
Oily fish, liver, red meat, egg yolks, and fortified foods are some dietary sources to keep your vitamin D levels on track.
INVEST IN CAREFUL MEDITATION
Nothing is better for mental well-being than daily sessions of mindful meditation. It relaxes your body and clears your mind by clearing negative thoughts and unhealthy patterns.
Fortunately, integrating them into your winter routine is easier than you might imagine, no matter how busy your schedule is.
You can start by waking up an hour earlier and investing some extra time in deep breathing and meditation.
Anytime five-minute sessions can help you beat momentary stress at work or during the daily rush between celebrations.
BALANCE EXERCISE AND SLEEP
Everyone understands the importance of exercise and sleep for overall well-being, but it’s easy to miss out on both during the winter.
Exercise is vital to keeping the festive weight gain at bay and getting that happy hormone boost.
You can get enough of it by giving up laziness and finding ways to stay active indoors. Setting up a home gym is a great idea, and you can also get in on the action with yoga and aerobics. In addition to getting regular exercise, commit to getting enough sleep.
It can be challenging during the holidays, but saying no does. Avoid parties and late-night indulgences, as they can cause sleep deprivation.
Get the usual eight hours in bed to keep stress away forever. Staying stress-free in winter is easy, provided you take the right approach.
Medicines are the last thing you should rely on, even though the pill that pops sounds easy. Tailor a holistic health program that matches your needs with a clean diet, drug-free stress relief, regular exercise and adequate sleep.
You can keep the winter blues at bay with these simple measures and enjoy the best of celebrations. Remember that you deserve to take care of yourself, so do more to invest in your health with these simple hacks.
