4 Fun Ways To Beat The Winter Blues Without Medication

It sounds quite impossible, but using these fun ways you can beat the winter blues even without using any pills.

I assume you are here because you’re suffering from the winter blues, or you have already suffered from it, and you don’t want to experience it again. 

As I looked outside this morning through my glass window, I realized we couldn’t avoid that the day gets shorter, the sun sets earlier, and people tremble from the cold temperature or what the Germans call here “arschkalt.”

When I enter or sit on the train, I couldn’t help but observe my surroundings, all I could see are grey. 

Yes, everywhere, there are almost grey or dark jackets and grey atmosphere. 

No wonder we get a grey mood too.

We may not be able to hinder how nature changes during wintertime, but there are ways to beat and survive the winter blues during these cold months of November until February.

Working in the medical field, I know how this season affects my patients and their mood, especially older people who have a higher tendency to be a bit melancholic regardless of the season.

So, if you’re suffering from this winter blues or anyone in your family, I have listed some interventions in which you would overcome it without medicines from your respective doctors to manage the winter blues.

Here are fun ways to beat the winter blues naturally:

– BE ACTIVE

I know, some of us (sometimes I) would love to burrow under our covers and cocoon our pillows, but no matter how soothing that idea is, we should minimize being alone and hide in this cold season.

In the city where I live, I figured out that there are clubs (no, not nightclubs) wherein one can join in occupying oneself and keeping oneself busier than staying at home all day.

Speaking of joining a club, you could meet other members, for example, in a dance club, and get socialized. In that case, you wouldn’t be alone; you’ll be social and active too. (I’m considering joining one also …hmmm maybe writing club.)

If joining some clubs like painting or writing clubs is not a cup of your tea because it’s too passive, why don’t you try sweating yourself in a gym? If you don’t like spending any dime, wear your running shoes and your sports attire, go out, inhale and exhale, enjoy the beauty of nature, how it changes, and accept them.

Try making some brisk walk, if you feel like it, go for a sprint. Later on, you wouldn’t realize you’re enjoying it already, and without knowing it, you’re already beating the possibility of having the winter blues.

– TRAVEL

Escape the winter. People do it a lot during this season. My colleagues at work have already planned their vacation.

Some embrace it as it is, and they stay. But some get away from it – one of the fun ways to beat the winter blues in this season.

They travel to countries, which provide a bit of warmth and entertainment. Some getaway places that I often hear are the Canary Islands or anywhere in Spain, Portugal, Thailand, or anywhere in Asia. 

Yet, instead of travelling to sunny countries or cities, enjoy snow and winter and have a visit to a winter wonderland. I heard Prague is the right place for that.

– EAT WELL

We all know we need the sun to activate Vitamin D in our body, and this vitamin is essential in regulating our mood. During this season, some people turn to replacements like supplements. Some of my patients take 20000 units in a week, and it improves their mood. Omega-3 is also beneficial in boosting our mood and is said to have an anti-depressant effect.

However, you don’t have to take these supplements if it’s not necessary, what you need are the lists of foods that are rich in Omega-3 like fish, dark leafy vegetables like spinach, and walnuts. 

It’s cold outside, and you thought of staying at home with a glass of wine or a bottle of beer to get some warmth. In case you don’t know it, alcohol is a depressant, so think about how many glasses you want to consume, or better, nothing at all, if you’re already feeling low. 

You can start watching what you eat as one way to handle or beat the winter blues without using any medicines. 

4. Set your mind right and meditate.

Sometimes, it’s all in our minds. True, there are risk factors that cause depression from the environment like the season itself, but with the right mindset, we could overcome it. We should accept how nature works and look forward to the next season.

Think of winter as a dormant time to spend with loved ones in a cosy warm home or with friends discussing how you could make the best out of wintertime instead of being frustrated about how cold the weather is. 

Influence others with your right mindset, enjoy winter, and don’t treat it as a curse from nature.

Anyway, aren’t you looking forward to experiencing white Christmas? 😉

Some studies have shown how meditation increases activity in one part of our brain, which is responsible for happiness and lowers stress. 

So, if you think going to the gym is a bit of a luxury or a waste of time, you could do some meditation instead of the comfort of your home, and it helps to beat the winter blues without even using any medications. 

I hope you get some ideas on how to avoid or beat the winter blues. Before diagnosing yourself that you have it, assess yourself first. There are checklists that you’ll find online to know if you have this form of Seasonal Adaptive Disorder or acquire knowledge by researching and reading about the disorder.

Depression is a serious matter, and it should be dealt with professionally. If you think you have already severe depression, seek help professionally or discuss it with your loved ones or someone close to you. Observe everyone in the family, be with each other, and be a support person for one another. [bctt tweet=”Nothing is better than knowing that you are not alone, and you don’t have to carry the burden all by yourself.” username=”blogsyourmind”]