If you are anything like me – this season’s colder weather and shorter days can often leave you feeling more fatigued, sad, and unmotivated.

During the winter months, less hours of daylight and busy holiday schedules often result in less time outdoors in the already limited sunlight. The sun is our primary source of vitamin D – and low levels of Vitamin D have a strong correlation with depression.

Even though you aren’t able to change the weather, you can practice good self-care and make lifestyle changes to help you feel better!

Try these 5 strategies to help beat the winter blues and boost your mood:

❄️ Maintain a consistent sleep routine.

When your circadian rhythm is disrupted, your cortisol rhythms and hormone production are also impacted. Try going to bed at a consistent time each day, don’t use electronics in your bedroom, follow a simple bedtime routine, sleep in a cool and dark room, and expose yourself to light as soon as you wake up!

❄️ Eat foods that can help boost your mood.

Eating protein at the start of your day can enhance your mood and prevent sugar and carb cravings later in the day. Consume foods high in vitamin D like fatty fish, yogurt, milk, and orange juice throughout the day.

❄️ Do some type of physical activity every day.

Studies show that moving your body daily can help boost your mood, decrease symptoms of depression, and reduce stress levels. Bonus if you can get some physical activity outside! You can go for a walk, do yoga, do some chores outside, play with the kids, etc. Even spending just 10 minutes outside each day can make a notable impact on your level of energy and mood.

❄️ Try the 10x10x10 plan.

Have trouble working up the motivation to work out? Try breaking up your daily exercise time into smaller increments. Instead of doing one 30 minute workout, break it up into 10 mini-workouts (possibly in the morning, afternoon, and evening).

❄️ Hang out with your people.

Human contact and socialization are important for our mental health. Loneliness and isolation tend to increase the effects of the winter blues. Find time each week to catch up with the people you love.

What helps you stay motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle and be active during the winter months?