4 ways to

Beat the Winter Blues & Boost Your Energy

The winter months can bring many joyful moments, especially around the holidays. However, once the rush and excitement of the holiday season are over and you settle into a new year, cold weather, overcast skies, and long evenings may have you feeling blue. You may sleep more, eat more comfort food, and feel other symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. It all starts with learning how to beat the winter blues. There are a few ways to give your energy that much-needed boost to keep you fit and motivated.

 • 1. Increase Hydration

While you might connect proper hydration with warmer weather, drinking enough water can be important for your physical and mental well-being all year round. The amount of water you require typically depends on your height, weight, and level of activity, so it is a good idea to consult your physician about whether you are drinking enough daily.

If you find it hard to stomach plain water, there are a few ways you can improve its flavor. Try making fruit-infused water by letting lemon, lime, or strawberry slices steep in a jug of water overnight. You can also add cucumber or additives specially designed to satisfy your flavor cravings. 

 • 2. Decrease your Sugar Intake

The cold, gloomy weather might make you feel like staying in bed with a good book and a bag of your favorite cookies. While this can temporarily satisfy the winter blues, you might experience a sugar crash later in the day that can cause sleepiness, irritability, and headache. Eating large quantities of foods that include added sugar may also cause dental issues and increase the risk of high blood pressure.There are several ways you can decrease the amount of sugar you eat daily.

Try replacing sugary desserts with fruits that have a satisfying crunch, such as fresh apple slices. Add a smear of low-sugar peanut butter for extra flavor and avoid dried fruit, as it often contains added sugar and corn syrup, which can quickly raise blood sugar levels.

 • 3. Regulate your Sleep

While a brief afternoon nap can be restorative, too much sleep can make you feel disoriented and leave you unable to focus. Cut back on napping and work on getting six to eight hours of regular sleep every night instead. Rising at the same time every day can help you feel more alert, especially when you pair it with an energy supplement like Le-Vel Thrive, which is designed to increase both physical and mental wellness.

If you have trouble falling asleep at the same time every night, turn off your electronics an hour before and read a familiar book or meditate instead. Screen time can interfere with sleeping patterns, so say no to television, texting, and tablet games before bedtime.

 • 4. Exercise Daily

If you made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight or become more active, there is no better time to start honoring it. Download a health app to your smartphone that helps monitor your activity and your calorie intake. Those apps can be especially helpful for weight loss.

Block out time for exercise daily so it becomes a habit. Let friends and family know you are committed to improving your health. Supplements may also help you achieve your fitness goals. However, it can be important to find one that suits your needs and that makes a good fit for your current lifestyle. For example, if you want to try a supplement patch instead of taking capsules, then reading Thrive reviews may help you make the best choice about whether one is right for you.

Beating the winter blues can be a challenge. Especially when cold temperatures and snow make it seem like spring will never arrive. However, when you know how to stay fit and improve your overall well-being, you can enjoy each day and feel more positive all season long.

Klaudia xx

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