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I want to address something that many of us struggle with during the winter months - the dreaded winter blues. Fear not, I have a solution for you! In this blog post, I'll be sharing with you my personal checklist of things to do to beat the seasonal blues before they even start.

To be honest, a few years ago I was affected by the winter blues quite severely. I've always been a positive person, but a few years ago, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I experienced hormonal imbalances and fierce anxiety, particularly as winter approached. The thought of the dark, gloomy days made me claustrophobic and sad. It was a really tough time for me.

But then, I had a life-changing conversation with my doctor. He recommended something called light therapy, also known as a happy light. This therapy involves exposure to bright light that mimics real light, and it can work wonders for combating the winter blues. My doctor advised me to start using the happy light in the middle of August, before winter even arrived, to stock up on those mood-boosting benefits. And let me tell you, it made a world of difference. I haven't experienced the same winter blues since.

Of course, light therapy is just one of the strategies I use to combat the winter blues. Another important aspect is spending time outdoors. Even when the days are shorter and the weather is colder, try to get outside during daylight hours. It may be a change in routine, like switching a morning walk to lunchtime, but the benefits of getting that sunlight exposure are worth it.

Regular exercise is also crucial for boosting your mood and regulating your emotions. It doesn't have to be a hardcore workout - a simple 20 to 30-minute walk outside can do wonders. In fact, I have a walking program that I encourage people to try, starting with a 30-day walking challenge. It's a great way to establish a daily exercise habit and keep those winter blues at bay. You can find the link to the program below this video.

Maintaining a balanced diet is another piece of the puzzle. Avoiding the sugar roller coaster and focusing on whole foods can help stabilize your mood and energy levels. Don't forget about omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseed, which have mood-boosting properties.

And let's not forget the importance of sleep. Keeping a regular sleep schedule is key to maintaining a positive mood. If you're struggling with sleep, don't worry - I'll be diving deeper into sleep hygiene in a future episode, so stay tuned.

Lastly, managing stress is crucial for beating the winter blues. Whether it's through meditation, breathwork, or something as simple as taking a walk (yes, walking is amazing for so many things!), finding ways to reduce stress will make a big difference in your overall mood.

So there you have it - my checklist for beating the winter blues. By incorporating these habits and tools into your daily routine, you'll be setting yourself up for a happier, more positive winter. And remember, it's never too early to start preparing. The middle of August may seem early, but trust me, stocking up on those mood-boosting benefits will be well worth it.

I hope you found these tips helpful, and if you want to dive deeper into any of these topics, be sure to subscribe to our channel. We have more videos coming up that will provide even more insight and strategies for living a creative and fulfilling life.

Stay positive and beat those winter blues, my friends! Until next time.

Verilux® HappyLight® (affiliate link)