If the shorter days and cooler temperatures have you feeling down, you\u2019re not alone. Wintertime can usher in the winter blues and even depression for many. Despite this, winter doesn\u2019t have to mean guaranteed misery. Here\u2019s how to improve your mood, no matter what the temperature is outside.<\/p>\n
The cold weather blues, or winter blues, are a period of low mood that comes on in the fall or winter. Science isn\u2019t totally clear about what causes the condition, but it likely has to do at least in part with a reduction in the amount of sunshine that winter brings.<\/p>\n
Symptoms of the winter blues include classic hibernation behaviours like sleeping more and craving comfort foods. Beyond that, however, they can also cause you to feel gloomy and unmotivated, avoid socializing, and have difficulty sleeping. If this sounds like you right now, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019re among the 15% of Canadians<\/a> who experience them.<\/p>\n Despite their prevalence, winter blues aren\u2019t the most common mental health concern. One in four Canadians<\/a> screened positive for a mental health condition like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 2021.<\/p>\n But, while mental health concerns are common, many who experience them are reluctant to discuss them due to stigma. Public campaigns like Let\u2019s Talk, which takes place this year on January 25, are aiming to change this. This initiative focuses on spreading awareness of mental health issues to end this stigma while raising funds for organizations that provide mental health support.<\/p>\n Winter blues are time-limited by definition, but they can still linger. November and its noticeably darker days often introduce them, and many find they don\u2019t fully shake them off until spring starts in March. So, while they can ebb and flow throughout the colder months, you might find yourself experiencing them for upwards of five months.<\/p>\n While often confused with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)<\/a>, the winter blues aren\u2019t a form of depression. Despite often leaving you feeling sad and low, the blues don\u2019t interfere with activities of everyday life \u2014 unlike depression.<\/p>\n SAD, on the other hand, is a form of depression<\/a> that comes on in the fall or winter and spontaneously recedes in the spring or summer. And it comes with all the signs and symptoms of traditional depression<\/a>.<\/p>\n These can include having low energy, concentration issues, sleep difficulties, a loss of pleasure in previously enjoyed activities, and suicidal ideation \u2014 just to name a few. Winter-pattern SAD\u2019s classic presentation, however, is overeating, oversleeping, weight gain, and social withdrawal. Scientists aren\u2019t sure exactly what causes SAD, but like the blues, a lack of sunlight likely contributes.<\/p>\n If you feel that you may be experiencing SAD or another form of depression, Maple can help. Maple<\/a> is a telehealth platform that can connect you with Canadian-licensed doctors<\/a> and specialists. This includes mental health therapists and mental health physicians you can speak to from your phone, tablet, or computer.<\/p>\n You can know that shorter, darker, colder days are coming and still be caught off-guard by the winter blues. There are things you can do to prepare, however.<\/p>\n Staying physically active and eating healthy are important baselines for keeping you feeling well. Additionally, certain natural supplements and vitamins for winter blues, like folic acid, vitamin D, B6, and B12 may also be beneficial.<\/p>\n More research is still needed, but some studies<\/a> show that folic acid, vitamins B6, and B12 may have a protective effect against depression. But, hold off on adding folic acid to your routine just yet. Over-supplementing with folic acid can cause side effects<\/a>. Since many foods are already enriched with it, you\u2019ll want to speak to your healthcare provider before adding it to the mix.<\/p>\n However, the research speaks for itself when it comes to vitamin D. A methodical review<\/a> of numerous studies demonstrates that vitamin D supplementation has a clinically significant effect on depression symptoms.<\/p>\n Among other things, vitamin D promotes the production and release of serotonin. Both a hormone and a neurotransmitter, serotonin helps stabilize your mood, and is sometimes called the \u201chappy hormone.\u201d<\/p>\n But that\u2019s not all. Vitamin D is also a key ingredient in the synthesis of dopamine and norepinephrine, two additional hormonal neurotransmitters. While their functions are different from serotonin, both are involved in mood regulation and depression.<\/p>\n If you prefer to get the benefits of these mood-modifying brain chemical neurotransmitters from your food instead of a supplement, choose foods like eggs and fatty fish like salmon and sardines. These are high in vitamin D<\/a>, as are fortified products like orange juice and dairy.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re wondering how to beat the winter blues, look no further. With some intentional changes, you can kiss your low winter mood goodbye. Here\u2019s how.<\/p>\n From boosting your mood to replenishing your vitamin D levels, sunlight benefits many aspects of your health. Whether it’s a week-long jaunt to the Caribbean or the simple act of remembering to raise your blinds every day, add some sunshine to your life to help shake off those winter blues.<\/p>\n Winter may have you craving comfort food, but a daily dose of mac \u2018n cheese won\u2019t exactly leave you with a spring in your step. Instead, focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods.<\/p>\n Foods high in fibre like fruits, veggies, and whole grains will keep your digestion on point while helping you feel fuller, longer. Pair them with proteins like beans or chicken and healthy fats like salmon and nuts for nutritious and satisfying meals.<\/p>\n And, don\u2019t forget chocolate. Eating chocolate<\/a> positively affects your mood and may even lower your risk for depression. Varieties over 85% cacao<\/a> seem especially promising as they may function as prebiotics, nurturing \u201cgood\u201d bacteria in your gut that beneficially affect your mood.<\/p>\n Regular winter exercise is an integral part of banishing the winter blues. But, setting yourself a daily exercise goal can be pretty daunting. To help make it easier, try the 10x10x10 exercise plan.<\/p>\n Aim for just 10 minutes of a workout \u2014 even a walk counts \u2014 by 10am every day for 10 days. You\u2019ll likely surprise yourself with how quickly the practice becomes manageable. Plus, it\u2019ll give you an energy boost to start your day.<\/p>\n The benefits of listening to music are extensive. From reducing anxiety to improving mood, few things brighten your mood more quickly than a cheerful song.<\/p>\n Beyond your emotions, upbeat music also affects the brain\u2019s functioning \u2014 improving both alertness and memory<\/a>. So the next time you\u2019re feeling low, put on some of your favourite tunes and feel your bad feelings melt away.<\/p>\n It can be tempting to try and numb unwanted emotions with drugs or a couple of drinks. But, these depressant substances will only leave you feeling worse in the long run.<\/p>\n Drugs and alcohol tend to enhance whatever you\u2019re already feeling, so if that\u2019s sadness, they\u2019re more likely to amplify it than erase it. What\u2019s more, hangovers can leave you in an even worse place emotionally<\/a>. Your best bet is to abstain until you\u2019re in a better frame of mind.<\/p>\n Getting outside on bright days helps you boost your vitamin D levels. Even when it\u2019s overcast, being out in nature can promote feelings of calm<\/a> and reduce your sense of isolation. And, since it\u2019s winter, you\u2019ll likely be walking or moving to keep warm, which counts as exercise \u2014 bonus!<\/p>\n The mental health benefits of volunteering are substantial<\/a>. Not only is volunteering associated with increased happiness and lower depressive symptoms, but it also helps you build skills and self-confidence. Consider taking a couple of hours a week to help yourself by helping others.<\/p>\n Winter can feel long, especially once the holidays are over. To break up the time and give yourself something to look forward to, consider planning an event. There\u2019s no need to stress yourself out by throwing a huge party though. An intimate dinner or a family outing somewhere new could do the trick.<\/p>\n Lack of sleep<\/a> is both miserable and tied to depression. To help you get the seven to nine nightly hours you need, aim to go to bed on the same schedule every night and wake up at the same time every morning. That, coupled with proper sleep hygiene, should help you get the sleep dreams are made of.<\/p>\n Humans are social creatures, and feeling connected is crucial for maintaining good mental health. Counteract your winter drive to isolate by reaching out to your friends and family.<\/p>\n A phone or video call is great, but seeing a loved one in person is even better. Make plans for a walk, a meal, or even a cup of tea to strengthen those social connections.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve tried all these tips and still feel low, you may be able to improve your mood with light therapy. Before you go all in on a light box, you should speak to your healthcare provider. Not all light therapy lamps are made for SAD, which means they might not provide the help you need.<\/p>\n Not only can your provider guide you to the appropriate product, but they can also offer additional therapeutic modalities to address your depression if you\u2019re dealing with SAD.<\/p>\n If you find that your cold weather blues are interfering with your life, or if winter\u2019s darkness leaves you sad despite your best efforts, you need more help.<\/p>\n While it might be common, feeling depressed for half the year isn\u2019t normal, and it\u2019s not your fault. With Maple, you can connect with a Canadian-licensed mental health physician<\/a> for help addressing your symptoms.<\/p>\n Mental health physicians are specially trained to diagnose and manage common mental health conditions like depression. They can also provide prescriptions, if necessary, delivered to the pharmacy of your choice or your doorstep for free.<\/p>\nHow long do the winter blues last?<\/h3>\n
Winter blues vs. seasonal affective disorder vs. depression<\/h3>\n
How to avoid the winter blues<\/h3>\n
11 tips to beat the winter blues<\/h3>\n
1. Brighten up your life<\/h3>\n
2. Watch what you eat<\/h3>\n
3. Try the 10x10x10 plan<\/h3>\n
4. Listen to upbeat music<\/h3>\n
5. Avoid drugs and alcohol<\/h3>\n
6. Get outside<\/h3>\n
7. Volunteer<\/h3>\n
8. Plan an event to look forward to<\/h3>\n
9. Get enough sleep<\/h3>\n
10. Lean on your support system<\/h3>\n
11. Look into light therapy<\/h3>\n
How Maple can help with the winter blues<\/h3>\n