As January sets in with shorter days, less sunlight, colder weather, and less time outside even the best of us can feel effects of the winter blues. We wanted to compile a list of everything we know about boosting your mood. You’ve heard all these things before but maybe this reminder will find you well and help you out of a seasonal funk one of these days.
Unplug
Take a long walk without your phone. Delete your social media apps for a day. Spend some time in nature away from technology. Studies show that taking a one-week break from social media can improve your well-being, depression, and anxiety. Swap scrolling for a new book, coffee with a friend, game night with your family, or a walk with your dog – getting outside for some Vitamin D plays a critical role in our mental state! Never underestimate the power of social interaction and a little Vitamin D.
Exercise
Endorphins are one of the most underrated anti-depressants. Exercise gives you energy and regulates our sleep, anxiety, and self-esteem. It also boosts your metabolism, which boosts your energy levels. Our NAD Melts make a great workout buddy. It provides a quick and natural burst of energy to help with focus and performance.
Affirm
Self-talk is an important piece of our mental health and wellbeing. Positive affirmations can help quiet negative feelings to reduce stress and promote confidence. If you find yourself in a negative loop of self-doubt, bring awareness to the pattern. In the words of a wise teacher ”we are what we think”.
Tune into Yourself
Although seasonal depression and anxiety are often brought on by external elements, a helpful mechanism is to turn inward. Journal, meditate, and stretch. One of our favorite supplements for these moments is Blu Chill. It’s gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that produces a calming effect. Blu Chill is fast acting and may be dosed as needed for acute anxiety or to promote relaxation.
Go With Your Gut Health
Your gut is your second brain, and there’s plenty of research to support that a healthy gut is a healthy mind. It has a huge influence on our mental health, cognition, and mood. Avoiding processed foods and sticking to a whole foods diet is key to fighting off seasonal depression. L-glutamine can help keep you on track. It helps curb sugar cravings and helps boosts neurotransmitter formation for mood support.
Sleep
It’s important to remember that winter is nature’s moment to rest and reset. Studies show that sleep quality and mood are related so don’t feel bad about extra sleep hours. When you’re feeling down, your body might be asking for rest. Deep Blu Sleep can help. It contains L-theanine, passionflower, lemon balm, 5HTP, and melatonin to induce a good nights’ rest, naturally.
