Although February is the shortest month of the year, it seems like it’s the longest! The harsh cold is dragging on and most people (not everyone, but a good majority) feel “blue”, depressed and aren’t as patient as they normally would. We’ve tried many things to shake off those blues, so we decided to share the ones that work best for us:
- Take Vitamin D: The number one reason most people feel “yuck” during the winter months is because we don’t have a regular daily dose of sunshine. Vitamin D, known as the “sunshine vitamin” has 3 major functions: It helps to absorb, transform and metabolize minerals such as calcium, magnesium and zinc, which are vital for the function of bones and enzymes. Secondly, it promotes proper cell development and thirdly, it helps to regulate the immune system[1]. You can take it in tablet form or you can decide to prioritize foods that have high levels of Vitamin D.
- Exercise: You don’t have to do a marathon every day to feel the benefits of exercising. 20 minutes a day is all you need. When you move your body, it releases happy chemicals into your brain, better known as dopamine. If you don’t have time to do a proper workout session in the morning or after work, make it a lunch time habit and go for a walk!
- Make time for yourself: This one can be hard to do, especially if you have kids or have a very stressful job that requires all your free time. However, if there’s a will, there’s a way! Even if it’s just getting your nails done or going for a facial on a monthly basis, making time for yourself and giving yourself a little treat goes a long way. How do you feel after you get your facial? You feel relaxed, zen and taken care of. This can totally change your mind-set and give you a boost!
- Disconnect from technology: When you disconnect from the virtual world (meaning not looking at your phone or using your computer) don’t you just feel so much better? Instead of wasting 3 hours on Facebook that evening, why don’t you catch up with an old girl friend and have a real human contact? It may sound silly, but we pay too much attention to the virtual world and we forget that REAL human connections are so important. Plus, when you decide to get out of the house and meet up with a friend, you get the chance to catch up, talk about your day and unload! 🙂
Don’t forget, whether it’s just seasonal blues or you’re prone to feeling depressed, there are always ways to make it better and you are definitely not alone!
Written by Emilie Drolet – Manager at The Meta Esthétique Studio Ltd
[1] Power, Laura : VITAMIN D – THE WINTER DEFICIENCY, November 2005, online: http://www.laurapower.com/page24.html
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