How do you beat the winter blues?

Question

I don't experience any sort of depression or anything...I was just wondering what people do when they get bored during the winter. Sometimes you can't always be outside...too cold, too snowy, etc....so what do you do? I love board games, definately hot chocolate, cuddling up with my boyfriend in front of my fireplace, cooking a romantic meal.........

Answer 1

Full spectrum lights are good, but expensive.
The next best thing is florescent lights, but some people can't tolorate them full strength, the flicker or glare can cause discomfort or worse.
A good compromise is to get compact florescent lights and put them in one or two light fixtures which you leave on all day. If you have a window or access to daylight, leave it open. If not, use also ordinary incandescent lights in other fixtures if the flicker or glare of floruescent lights bothers you. The flicker of compact florescent lights isn't as bad as straight tube lights, because the coil formation sets up internal interference and evens out the flicker.
Resist the temtation to overeat, or eat rich foods. These signal the body that it is time to hibernate. Prior to the invention of agriculture, some of our ancestors hibernated thru the winter, and some of winter blues is a throwback to that.

Answer 2

With good planning it is possible to beat the winter blues.

The winter blues or SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder is thought to be caused by an excess of the sleep hormone Meltonin. This is usually reduced by sunlight upon waking up through light increasing production of brain neurotransmitter Seratonin. The more seratonin, the less melatonin and vice-versa.

Consequently the best way to beat winter blues is to increase levels of seratonin. the following are techniques that I have found to work for me and/or based upon research I have read up on:

1) Using a sun-lamp. Choose one with LUX units greater than 10,000. Is most effective when used within the first half hour of waking up. (source an article in new scientist).

2) Keep stress levels low by staying on top of things in life reducing mental anxiety. Studies have shown that stress increases level of the stress hormone cortisol which reduces the production of seratonin and will consequently increase levels of melatonin. Exercise will help in this.

3) Diet: avoid foods with a high G.I - Glycemic Index as this will cause a resultant sugar rise and crash. Similarly stay clear of stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine except in emergency cases. Taking a one-day multi vitamin high in B-vitamins can help.

b) I have also found drinking tea high in both Rosehip and hisbisus herbs to be a mood enhancer.

4) Failing this the following may help: St Johns wart is a herbal tea that may reduce symptoms of SAD

b) Alternatively see your local Doctor for advice about anti-depressants. Bear in mind that anti-depressants are a category of anti-psychotic drugs.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional merely an informd consumer. Therefore do not take any of my advice as valid medical advice but rather as akin to a casual conversation with a friend.

Answer 3

Sometimes it takes a prescription antidepressant if your symptoms are severe.

Otherwise, you can try using a full spectrum light lamp, take extra vitamin B, get plenty of exercise, and stay on a schedule.

Answer 4

Hot chocolate and getting a team together for some indoor basketball... and more hot chocolate^^

Answer 5

Move to Florida

Answer 6

lots of sex......if the wife needs a rest from that then i read books.

Answer 7

drink red red wine.