Baby it’s cold outside! It’s getting dark earlier each day, and the winter blues are setting in. Many people find that their mood drops in the winter months. If you’re not as happy as you could be, there may be simple remedies you can try. Here are some easy ways to beat the winter blues. 

Get social

We tend to retreat indoors when the temperature drops, and we can easily become isolated. You can keep in touch with people via social media and text messages. But nothing compares with human contact. Even if it seems like an effort to drag yourself off the sofa and get ready, make an effort to spend time with friends and family. It may not be the weather for alfresco lunches or rooftop cocktails. But there are plenty of things you can do indoors. Go and watch a movie, cozy up by the fire in a rustic cafe, or go bowling. Seeing friends will cheer you up, and make you wonder why you’ve been so keen to hibernate all this time. 

Do something kind

Nothing lifts your spirits like doing something to help others. At this time of year, it’s particularly important to try and do a good deed every day. Donate to charity, or offer a few hours of your time and volunteer. You could help out in a thrift shop, or pack food boxes at a shelter, for example. Devote a little more time to gift shopping than you normally do and try and find that perfect presents. You don’t have to spend a lot to find something that will mean the world to your best friend, our mom or your other half. If you’re stuck for ideas for Christmas presents for him, listen out for hints, and do some research online. It’s great to receive gifts. But it’s arguably more satisfying to give people presents you know they’ll adore. If you’ve already done all your shopping, why not spread a little more cheer and donate a gift to a charity that works with children, homeless people or the elderly. You’ll find details of Christmas appeals online. 

Sweat it out

It can be hard enough to find the motivation to work out in the summer, let alone when it’s dark at 3 pm, and it’s throwing it down. However, if you can give yourself that little push to get moving, you won’t regret it. Exercise triggers a series of positive reactions in your body and mind, which help you to feel happier. When it’s dark, your serotonin levels can drop. Serotonin is a chemical released by the brain that lifts your mood. Sweating it out at the gym or taking a spin class can help to boost serotonin production. You may not feel that brilliant when you’re red-faced and struggling for breath. But afterwards, you’ll feel much brighter. 

Winter can get us down from time to time. If you’re feeling a little low, try these simple mood-busters. It’s amazing the difference they can make.