Health and happiness

With winter in full swing, I’ve found myself feeling very low. The cold weather and short days really get me down, making me feel tired all the time. How do I get through this?

It’s not uncommon to feel sad, irritated or less energetic during the cold, dark winter months. For some people, these ups and downs are manageable, but others may actually be dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that may require lifestyle changes or professional help.

Keep active

On cold, dark days, it can be hard to pull yourself out of bed. But it’s important to keep moving and active. Keeping up with work, school, or social obligations gives you momentum and focus that can make it easier to get through tough days. Exercise has also been proven to reduce symptoms of depression and make you feel better. So hit the gym or set aside some time for exercise or yoga at home.

Treat yourself

The winter weather can keep you housebound for a good few weeks. But just because you’re not going out as much, doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Why not plan a movie night for yourself and your friends or indulge in a hobby? Instead of feeling trapped, make a list of the things you enjoy and find ways to engage in those activities.

Talk about it

One of the best ways to feel better is to open up and talk about how you’re doing. If you’re feeling blue or having a hard time getting motivated, talk to a friend about it. Most likely, they’ll have felt the same way at some point, too, and you can help each other by sharing tips. If your sadness is continuing over days and weeks, you might want to consider seeing a counsellor.