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You remain tired and this does not go away.
- The fatigue never seems to go away, no matter how much you sleep.
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You don't wake up feeling rested, even if you've slept a lot.
- The nights seem too short, and you don't wake up refreshed in the morning.
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You want to sleep more.
- It seems like you can never get enough sleep.
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You feel sad.
- A constant feeling of depression hangs over you.
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You have trouble concentrating.
- Your mind wanders and it's hard to focus.
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You don't feel like doing anything.
- Even the things you normally enjoy now seem boring.
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You get angry and irritated quickly.
- Little things can push you to the limit.
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You have more of an appetite.
- Comfort food in particular seems more appealing than ever.
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You have less desire for sex.
- Intimacy is hard to find.
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You feel less like meeting people.
- Social activities seem like a huge task.
The cause of winter depression
But why does this happen to us in winter? The answer lies partly in biology. Our bodies react to the decrease in daylight and the changes in the seasons. This can disrupt our internal clock, leading to the symptoms of winter blues.
Tips: how to prevent the winter blues
With winter just around the corner, we don’t want to discourage you. Instead, we want to provide you with 10 powerful tips and tools to beat the winter blues and face the coming months with energy and positivity.
Tip 1: How to prevent the winter blues: Go outside early in the morning
Start your day with a dose of natural light. Early morning light contains a lot of blue, which inhibits the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. This keeps you more energetic throughout the day.
Tip 2: How to prevent the winter blues: Exercise outdoors
Nothing beats a brisk walk in the fresh air. Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins and improves your mood.
Tip 3: How to prevent the winter blues: Multivitamin
Nourish your body with healthy food and consider a multivitamin supplement to fill any deficiencies. Check out our
Winterpack: These are all the vitamins you want to supplement during the winter months!
Click here.
Tip 4: How to prevent the winter blues: Take your bike
If possible, swap your car for a bike. Cycling is not only good for the environment, but also for your own well-being.
Tip 5: How to prevent the winter blues: Light in your home and at your workplace
Provide sufficient light in your living and working environment. Daylight lamps can help to banish the darkness.
Tip 6: How to prevent the winter blues: Eat a varied diet
Eat a varied diet rich in nutrients. Pay particular attention to your intake of omega-3 fatty acids and proteins.
Tip 7: How to prevent the winter blues: Vitamin D3
Consider a
vitamin D3 supplement, especially if you live in a region where the sun is scarce in the winter. Why? Vitamin D is also called the “sunshine vitamin”, is important for many vital functions. Among other things, it contributes to the maintenance of strong bones and has a positive effect on the immune system.
Tip 8: How to prevent the winter blues: Relaxation
Practice relaxation and mindfulness exercises regularly to reduce stress and calm your mind.
Tip 9: How to prevent the winter blues: Rest and regularity
Structure in your daily routine can help stabilize your mood and energy levels.
Tip 7: How to prevent the winter blues: Enjoy
Last but not least, don't forget to enjoy yourself! Plan something you're really looking forward to, like a city trip or a holiday in the sun perhaps.
Vitamins against winter depression
In addition to these tips, it is important to know which vitamins can help against winter depression. Vitamin D, for example, plays a crucial role in regulating your mood and energy level. Make sure you get enough vitamin D. This cannot be obtained from food and certainly not from the sun in the winter (in the Netherlands).
That's why we recommend the winter pack: