Avoid winter depression with these clever tips. Declare war on the winter blues and bad moods now. Stay healthy with natural home remedies and get fit through the winter.
Winter is slowly arriving and with the cold season, not only the temperatures but also the immune system and the mood often fall into the red.
What is winter depression?
The lack of sunlight and the gray weather are triggers for winter depression. These so-called seasonal depressions in winter often occur together with listlessness and fatigue and many people suffer from this annually recurring depressive mood. However, these winter depressions can be avoided with simple tips.
1) Healthy eating
Especially in winter, it is important that we equip ourselves with all vitamins because an adequate supply lifts the spirits and prevents depression. We need vitamin C for the formation of the happiness hormone serotonin, as well as for a strong immune system, which is why citrus fruits such as tangerines or oranges are both healthy treats and real vitamin C bombs. Other good suppliers of vitamin C are seasonal vegetables such as kale, savoy cabbage, or white cabbage.
How about a green smoothie made from kale and oranges? But vitamin B6, which can also be found in cabbage, green beans, and lentils, forms the depression killer serotonin. Do you like cracking walnuts in winter? This is great, because the omega-3 fatty acids found in walnuts and flaxseed are not only good for the brain but also good for avoiding winter blues. Also, note our home remedies to strengthen your immune system.
2) Supplement vitamins
We cannot get all the vitamins from our food in winter, which means that we are welcome to help with supplements. Most people are vitamin D deficient because vitamin D is only found in sunlight. This means that we are supplied with it even less in the dark season. Vitamin D deficiency manifests itself as a lack of drive and fatigue. Also, read our tips against tiredness.
Vitamin deficiency is considered to be one of the main triggers for depression in winter or for the so-called seasonally dependent depression. Here vitamin tablets help to replenish the memory. In general, it can be helpful to take additional vitamin tablets every day, but these do not replace a balanced diet. For those who prefer not to take pills at all, natural antidepressants and mood enhancers might be something for you. Black cumin oil is suitable as a home remedy for physical and mental well-being.
3) Warm baths or showers for depression
Cold and wet weather outside in winter makes you depressed? There is nothing nicer than pampering yourself with a warm bath and switching off. A cold bath or a relaxing bath is healthy for the body and soul. Bath bombs can color the water and lift spirits. The right scents declare war on winter depression: lavender has a calming effect, while citrus scents put you in a good mood. Why not bring summer into the bathroom with summery scents such as coconut or passion fruit? Scented candles placed on the edge of the bathtub create a pleasant atmosphere. Note our other ideas for body relaxation with bath additives and peelings.
Is no bathtub available? No problem – there are also great shower gels, peelings, and body lotions that sweeten your winter with the right scents. Incidentally, it doesn’t always have to be warm here, because contrast showers and a few minutes of cold showers revitalize you even in winter and get your circulation going. You can also massage yourself in the shower with massage sponges or use shower jelly. Fragrant body milk or body butter is particularly important to protect the skin from drying out. Applying lotion slowly helps to consciously perceive the body. For the ultimate wellness feeling, you can turn your bathroom into a wintry spa on your own four walls.
4) Invigorating drinks are good for winter blues
In winter, a good cup of tea is a must. Fresh ginger and lemon are the big hits here because they are not only healthy and strengthen the immune system, but they also help against winter depression. Simply pour warm water over ginger pieces and lemon slices and leave to infuse. Yogi teas, chai, and other Indian spice blends provide the energy boost you need. Try our great tips for making tea with temperature and brewing time.
Golden milk is also a miracle weapon: mix warm almond or oat milk with a little turmeric, ginger, vanilla, a pinch of aniseed and coriander, and if you like, a little cinnamon. Would you like even more spice? Some pepper and chili in the Golden Milk is healthy and gives you power. This Indian insider tip not only warms you from the inside and tastes wintry, but also impresses with its beautiful yellow color. But the classic is cocoa, which is also a true mood enhancer. Discover the healthy effects of cocoa as a miracle cure.
5) Get out into nature! The immune system is also happy
Especially in winter: put on a winter jacket and explore the area, because how do you say it? There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. A wintry landscape invites you to walk and dream. Maybe one of the other parks offers good motives for photos?
Maybe you meet one or the other animal that you can still observe? Walks and fresh air help against brooding and circling thoughts. Connecting with nature brings new ideas and turns winter depression into winter motivation. The immune system and our mood will thank us if we don’t just hide away at low temperatures, but become active.
