Ways to Fight the Winter Blues

The excitement of the holidays dies down in January, while temperatures dip to their annual lows. For some people, their mood matches the dreary weather and won't lift until the last snow flake melts. A few ideas can noticeably brighten dark days, however, and help a person get by until the flowers bloom again in spring. Try them all to find one best for you.

Smoothies

• Convenience and comfort foods in the form of doughnuts, macaroni and cheese, chips, etc., generally accompany the winter blues, says Natural News. Yet, sound nutrition is often the overlooked answer to happier days. Breakfast doesn't have to be a big production, either. Prepare a simple smoothie starting with organic milk, juice or plain water. Add a half-cup of frozen berries for their sweet flavor and array of immune-boosting antioxidants. Throw in a quarter-cup of ground flaxseed or hempseed which provide blues-busting omega-3 essential fatty acids.

Head South

• Follow the lead of the snow birds, those individuals who lock up their northern latitude homes to live in a warmer climate for the winter. You may not be able to leave for more then a week, but even a few days on the beach or golf course could renew your spirit. Check online for economical airfares. Frigid Fargo, North Dakota, for example has daily flights to Orlando, Florida starting at $99 (as of early 2011).

Get Out in the Sun

• Much has been written about full spectrum light bulbs to help alleviate seasonal affective disorder (SAD). These lights are a viable alternative when the real sun isn't shining in your neighborhood. However, the brightness outdoors on a sunny winter's day is much more beneficial than a light bulb, reports MSNBC. Instead of hiding yourself in the house, bundle up in your thermal underwear, put a leash on Rover and go out for a brisk walk. You'll feel more alive when you return, thanks to the power of the sun, fresh air, exercise and the fact that you did something especially nice for your furry friend.

Melatonin and Yoga

• The tiny, pineal gland in the center of the brain produces a hormone called melatonin that governs the body's sleep cycle. During the winter months, the lack of light can result in abnormal melatonin production, leading to sleepless nights and a lack of energy during the day. Certain yoga techniques like the sun salutation or spinal twist help stimulate the pineal gland to produce melatonin. Additionally, a low dose melatonin supplement taken in late afternoon or evening may reset the body's internal clock, enabling one to sleep more soundly, reports Natural News.

Socialize

• Resist the temptation to withdraw from family and friends when you're feeling down and out. "Finding a trusted person to confide in and share your struggle with can make an enormous difference in your recovery from depression," say the experts at Overcoming Depression. Perhaps you don't have many friends, though, and even your best buddy isn't a particularly good listener. Rather than isolating yourself, seek out new association through various avenues. Volunteer your talents and you'll bolster your self-esteem while meeting people at the same time. Join a gym. Take a writing, cooking or dance class. After reviewing the results of numerous studies on the health benefits of friendship and social networks, a 2009 article in "The New York Times" summed them up by stating, "Friendship is an undervalued resource. The consistent message of these studies is that friends make your life better."