Some people really love winter. For others,  winter is a time of  year with long, cold nights and short, sunless days. If you’ve ever wanted to  crawl under your blanket and stay there until March, you’re not alone – many of us feel the winter blahs this time of year.

But what can we do about them? Follow along with these helpful tips – they’ll inspire you to make the most out of the winter months without feeling too down about it!

Let the Light In

This time of year, many of us are craving a little more daylight. To counter this, try a light box, which is meant to mimic the sun’s light. These products can produce upwards of 10,000 lux (the measurement of brightness) and can help reduce your blahs!

Get Moving

A great way to boost your dopamine and norepinephrine is to be active whenever you can. Whether it’s  a quick walk, having a snowball fight, or going sledding, exercise can help boost your mood!

Avoid those Refined Carbs

Refined carbs might be tempting this time of year, but these carbs can spike your blood sugar levels and make you feel weighed down and lethargic. Instead opt for complex carbs found in beans, peas, whole grains, and lots of veggies.

Try Meditating

Aside from being a great way to relax and unwind after a stressful day, meditation also helps you deal with the winter blahs because it engages with the part of the brain responsible for melatonin production!

It might take a little effort, but with a plan in place and some trusted techniques, beating the winter blahs might be easier than you think – just don’t forget to make time for snuggling up with a good book and some hot cocoa too!