Winter blues

January is sometimes thought of as the most depressive month. The hype of the holidays is over, the weather is not always pleasant, and the bills start piling up. It's normal to have a few days of the winter blues here and there, but if you feel as though your depression symptoms don't go away, you should seek professional help. Here are some helpful tips to manage the winter blues.

Eat for energy. Lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and low-fat foods help keep you energized and help avoid energy drain from the rising and falling of blood sugar levels. Alcohol, sugar, starches, and high-fat foods may temporarily lift your mood, but leave you feeling tired afterward. Drink plenty of water too. Eating when you are feeling down is also only a temporary mood booster. If you are feeling down, don't reach for an unhealthy snack if you aren't hungry. Do some physical activity, talk to a friend, or participate in a hobby.

Reach out and be social. Talk to friends or family members. A simple email, quick phone call, or lunch meeting doesn't have to take a lot of time, but it can help you feel happier.

Do something fun that you can only do in the winter. Try ice skating, build a snowman, go sledding, or sip hot chocolate by the fire. Enjoy some of the things that we can only do this time of year.

Be physically active. Not just for your New Year's resolution, but all year long. Make it into a habit and stick with it. Physical activity helps boost mood and relieve stress. It doesn't matter what physical activity you do, just find something you enjoy and do it.

Change your negative thoughts into positive ones. Read a new book about happiness. Put a smile on your face. Watch a funny movie or television show or read some jokes online. Those simple things can help make the winter months more bearable.

Relax or plan a fun event for yourself. Plan something exciting for you - a weekend trip, a sporting event, or something you enjoy. If that isn't possible, just relax. Try to spend a few minutes everyday doing nothing. Read a book, try yoga, or do something else that relaxes you.

Open the blinds, use full spectrum light bulbs, or get outside. More light equals more feel-good neurotransmitters and can improve your mood.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition that affects people in the fall and winter months. This can zap your energy levels and make you feel moody. Treatments for SAD can include light therapy, medications, or psychotherapy. Staying physically active, letting more light in your house, social contacts, positive thinking, or doing things outdoors can also help control the symptoms of SAD. If you are concerned that you are having depressive thoughts due to SAD, see your physician.