The winter season often lacks sunlight, opportunities to get outside and key nutrients, making you more susceptible to the blues. Shorter days and colder weather can be a trigger for many people to start feeling down, or initiate their Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In fact, 35 percent of Canadians report suffering from the winter blues in varying degrees.
But here’s the thing — many of us can boost and improve our mood with a few habit swaps to help you take advantage of the longest Calgary season, instead of loath it. So, grab a blanket and your favourite hot beverage, to learn how you can chase away the winter blues and enjoy Calgary this season.
1) Stay Active
You might be comfy and cozy inside, but the truth is: ANY physical activity improves your mood. Just 30-minutes/day or 2.5-5 hours/week of activity can help lower symptoms of depression and anxiety, while improving concentration and alertness — not to mention the physical benefits too. Another perk is that outdoor activities are less busy in the winter, so think about hiking, skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or just getting your steps in without the crowds any way you can.
Snag our free, 21-page Outdoor Winter Motivation Guide for tips, activities, Parks bingo and more to get you moving in and around Calgary this season.
2) Use Indoor Light Exposure
Getting outside during daylight might be impractical due to work or dropping temperatures, so make your home as bright as possible to “extend” your day. Light therapy lamps can help — some people treat SAD by sitting close to a light box for up to 2 hours/day. Keep in mind that these lights are stronger than typical home and office lights.
Even if you don’t have light therapy lamps, sitting closer to windows and looking for ways to reflect more natural light in your home can help chase away the blues.
3) Pick Up A New Hobby
Focusing your mind on something new allows you to think differently and problem solve. While we’re big fans of discovering winter activities — like cross-country skiing, skating, tobogganing, building snowmen or even mastering indulgent hot chocolate — any new craft or activity allows you to get excited and channel your focus toward. Perhaps you buy a Paint-By-Numbers with a nature scene, or start caring for a wide variety of houseplants, or learn how to cross-stitch/knit/crochet. Give your mind something to look forward to.
4) Get Outside
We can hear you saying, “But… it’s cold,” yet one of the easiest ways to fight the winter blues is to get direct sunlight and fresh air. Whether it’s sunny or overcast, taking a quick walk around the block can do you wonders. Wanna do even better? Studies show that if you can find a green — or white — space, your anxiety, fatigue and even depression can improve.
Use our YYC Adventure Atlas to find a park near you. Or, check out some of our city’s most highly recommend parks, like Griffth Woods, Fish Creek Park or Bowness Park, to spend more time in Calgary’s urban nature.
5) Be Social
Yes, everyone is busy, it gets dark at 4pm and it’s cold out. But isolating yourself isn’t going to improve your winter blues. Find like-minded people to spend some time with, who encourage healthy habits and want to explore Calgary and beyond with you. Saying yes to social activities, even if you don’t stay for long, can help improve your mental health.
Our free Parks Of Calgary Pioneers community is a great place to connect with locals who are looking to stay healthy, active and connected. Or, invite a friend, family member or acquaintance to visit one of our favourite local businesses together.
6) Use Supplements When Needed
Always speak with your doctor first, but it’s nearly impossible for our bodies to get enough Vitamin D naturally during short winter days. Supplements can help you improve your mood while you get all the nutrients you need. Taken along with a nourishing diet, increasing Vitamin D can improve your winter blues symptoms, doctor-approval pending.
7) Talk To Someone
While some people experience mild winter blues and others develop Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), it’s important to get help when you need it. Speak to your doctor and find a therapist, counsellor or expert to talk to, so you can protect and treat your mental health as you would any other ailment on your body. There are medical, pharmaceutical and behavioural treatments for the winter blues, so make sure you know your options to get the care you need.
8) Give Yourself Grace
It’s normal to need more rest during the shorter days of winter. One of the most important healthy habits is learning how to truly relax. Carve out time in your schedule to focus on that, whether it’s a 10-minute meditation practice, a trying a new cup of tea or indulging in your favourite wellness practice.
Want To Connect With Supportive, Welcoming, Like-minded Calgarians?
Join our free, private Parks of Calgary Pioneers community for the inside scoop on all things outdoor activities, Calgary parks info, city wildlife, local businesses and potential meetups with like-minded folks. We’d love for you to join the conversation.
