If your mood has plummeted along with the temperature, you’re not alone! As well as the cold, rain and even snow, winter can bring some serious changes to our health and wellbeing. The winter blues are usually heralded by fatigue, a need for more sleep, carb cravings, and even depression. We’re sharing these 5 hacks to help you beat the winter blues.

Winter can be a dark and gloomy time and you may find your body craving more daylight than usual. Sitting next to an artificial lightbox for 30 minutes a day can be an effective mood stimulant. Even just opening curtains and blinds, trimming back overhanging trees and bushes, and sitting close to windows could also provide the extra boost of daylight your body needs. 

New research shows getting the right nutrients over time can help improve your mood, calm stress, ease anxiety and even help fight depression. Foods like chocolate, salmon, green tea and blueberries can help to brighten a dark mood, relieve anxiety and even soothe your senses.

Regular exercise – even a fast walk for 35 minutes 5 times a week – has been proven to boost the production of those “feel-good” chemicals in your brain – endorphins and serotonin. Exercise also helps distract you from anxious thoughts and even improves sleep. 

Finding time in our busy schedules to get outside can prove challenging, and even more so in winter when it’s cold and dark. But scientists agree, just a few minutes a day can improve both moods and physical health, leading to reduced stress and increased self-esteem. Any kind of green space—whether it’s a hiking trail or your local park—can make you happier and boost your mental health!

Shorter days and early darkness can trigger our bodies’ production of melatonin – the hormone that regulates our sleep cycles – making us feel sleepy. It’s important you keep your energy up during winter by clocking in at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night, eating regular, healthy meals, and exercising daily. 

Simple changes to your lifestyle can make all the difference when it comes to beating the winter blues. If you’re considering making changes to your lifestyle this year – perhaps buying a new home or selling your existing one – get in touch with a Mortgage Express broker/adviser to talk about finance and insurance options.

Disclaimer:

While all care has been taken in the preparation of this publication, no warranty is given as to the accuracy of the information and no responsibility is taken by Finservice Pty Ltd (Mortgage Express) for any errors or omissions. This publication does not constitute personalised financial advice. It may not be relevant to individual circumstances. Nothing in this publication is, or should be taken as, an offer, invitation, or recommendation to buy, sell, or retain any investment in or make any deposit with any person. You should seek professional advice before taking any action in relation to the matters dealt within this publication. A Disclosure Statement is available on request and free of charge.

Finservice Pty Ltd (Mortgage Express) is authorised as a corporate credit representative (Corporate Credit Representative Number 397386) to engage in credit activities on behalf of BLSSA Pty Ltd (Australian Credit Licence number 391237) ACN 123 600 000 | Full member of MFAA | Member of Credit and Investment Ombudsman (CIO) | Member of Choice Aggregation Services.