Written by: Giulia Simolo
Sometimes you can’t help it. All that cold weather and being forced to get out of bed on icy mornings can make you feel groggy and downright depressed. But there’s no reason to plunge into a bad mood just because it’s cold outside. There are ways to feel better and maybe even enjoy the season. Here’s how to get a spring in your step.
Get moving
Although you probably hate the idea of exercise at this time of year, it really has benefits. For one thing, it’s a great way to bid adieu to the winter blues because exercise releases endorphins or ‘feel good’ chemicals as they’re often called. You don’t have to go to a gym to work out, but can achieve some environmentally-friendly workouts at home. Try to find a fun exercise/sport that you enjoy doing so that exercising doesn’t feel synonymous with your least favourite chore. Spending time outdoors or getting involved at a sports club in your area is a great way to start moving – and soon you’ll be reaping the rewards of becoming more active because you’ll be feeling healthier and having fun. Best of all, you don’t waste electricity by using fancy machines and you’re not increasing your carbon footprint by having to drive to the gym.
Comfort bites
Sometimes the best way to make you feel good during the cold months is to indulge in some delicious comfort food. But note that comfort food doesn’t have to include all the fatty carbs that are bad for your health and waistline. Healthier, organic food can boost your mood just as efficiently. And, just imagine tucking into a delicious creamy butternut soup or thick, nourishing Thai curry. Check out some wonderful organic recipes on Organic Comfort Food For Life.
Boost your surroundings
Winter is the perfect time to add some colour to your home and mood-boosting hues of yellow, red and pink will help you feel more cheerful. Why not paint a room a bright new colour? That’s always a quick and easy way to revitalise a home. It’s anyone’s guess whether your mood will be boosted by the fabulous new colour on the walls or by the freshness of a new room. Either way, you’ll feel revitalised. For great paints that are environmentally-friendly and safe for your family, try ProNature Paints or Breathecoat.
Get some sun on your back
Winter usually brings to mind images of staying indoors, vegging out on unhealthy food in front of the TV or computer, and sulking because you’re cold and there’s nothing to do. But stop this negativity! In SA we’re lucky because we still get glorious sunshine during the cold months, so why not enjoy some time outdoors, walking, jogging or picnicking with the family? It’s a great way to conserve energy that would be used for appliances and rather spend quality time with your loved ones. Besides, it has been proven that the sun can boost your mood. In a study published in Biological Psychiatry it was found that while people who received artificial light therapy found relief from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), those that also received real sunshine achieved better results.
Enjoy some pampering
What better time to indulge in a bit of TLC than during winter? It’s a great way to take care of yourself and feel better about things. So book a pampering day at an eco-friendly spa, stay indoors on a cold night and give yourself a pedicure, or splurge on some great winter organic must-haves. These could include buying a delicious box of organic chocolates such as Honest or purchasing environmentally-friendly linen from Towel Warehouse that will make you enjoy the longer nights.
The liveeco team
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