6 Tips to Beat the Winter Blues for Moms
Are you a mom that is suffering from the winter blues? Are you more sad than not most of the time? Do you have low energy or have negative thoughts or feelings especially in the winter months? Being a mom is hard work and overwhelming at times, can also be exhausting and even lonely. If this describes you, follow along to learn 6 tips to beat the winter blues.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that affects people in the winter months. The days are cold, dark, and short. They are often not filled with a lot of sunshine which leaves us feeling depressed. When we don’t get enough sunlight, we can get deficiencies in Vitamin D. Decreased levels can cause symptoms of fatigue, depression and anxiety. We typically spend less time socializing with friends and family and also less involved within our communities. We tend to hibernate which causes us to feel isolated and more likely to be lazy and unmotivated. Spending more time inside causes us to eat more comfort type foods that tend to be less healthy which causes even more fatigue to set in.
You may already be suffering from postpartum depression and the fact that it is winter doesn’t help. There is a definite connection between postpartum depression and SAD. It can actually be much worse if you are dealing with both issues. This post is not intended to diagnose, treat or substitute a visit to your physician or trained therapist. It is intended to help you beat the milder symptoms of the winter blues or SAD.
6 Tips to Beat the Winter Blues for Moms
- Move your body. Exercise releases endorphins (feel good hormones) and elevates our mood. The extra oxygen that is pumped into your blood wakes your body up. Try jogging around the block, yoga with your baby or turn on some feel good music and dance around your house. Whatever you choose to do, it will make a positive impact on your mind and body.
- Get outside in the sun. Go outside for a few minutes a day when possible or at least sit by a sunny window. When your body gets sunlight, it produces the essential nutrient known as Vitamin D. When the body is deficient in Vitamin D, it causes symptoms of weakness, bone and muscle pain, fatigue and depression. This is a necessary vitamin that has many powerful effects on multiple systems of the body.
- Socialize! Call that old friend that you have been meaning to connect with but haven’t had the time. Hang out with people that are uplifting and just overall fun to be around. Laughter and positivity are contagious! Be around other moms with babies and consider play dates. This will not only boost your mood, but also help with socialization for your baby.
- Eat Healthy. OK, I know this is a given, but hear me out. When we think of winter foods, we think of comfort foods, right? Mom’s meatloaf recipe, Grandma’s dumplings, and your favorite apple pie! Am I right? Yes, these are all very tasty, but will most likely leave you plopped on the couch in a food coma. There are many wintery mood boosting foods that you could experiment with. The slow cooker isn’t just for crockpot lasagna. Try some of these healthy comfort foods to boost your mood this winter! I can’t wait to try some of them even after winter is over!
- Reach out to a professional. Consult a physician or a trained therapist for severe symptoms. You may also consider support groups for moms experiencing the same symptoms. Consider getting your Vitamin D level checked. A normal Vitamin D level provides many benefits and is usually fairly easy to correct.
- Do Self Care. I know this one is difficult especially when you need to provide care for everyone else. I’ve been there as well as a mom of three. But like the saying goes, if you don’t take care of yourself, you cannot care for others . So, put yourself first, and you will be stronger and happier to care for those littles. Go to that painting class, take a bubble bath, sneak in a time out. Even if is for 10 min, relax, try some breath exercises. If you mind won’t quiet, or negative thoughts are there, allow them to be, observe them and allow them to leave. Put on that lipstick! Get those highlights! A full spa day is allowed and even encouraged!
Mamas, remember you are not alone if you are experiencing the winter blues, postpartum depression or both. There are many other moms out there going through the same thing as you. Be kind to yourself and don’t beat yourself up. It is not something you can help or even want but just know there are ways to cope until you start to see some sun(light) at the end of the tunnel!