Beat the Winter Blues in South Devon

We are blessed to live in a beautiful area with amazing scenery and a climate that is generally kinder than the rest of the UK.

However, we do still have to live through winter and even in Devon, the post-Christmas blues, short dark days and icy temperatures can leave even the most positive person feeling just a little bit glum.

If you’re sighing more than you usually do or are finding that your get up and go has got up and gone, have a look at our top tips for getting that spring into your step.

1. Get outside

Sounds obvious but sometimes it just seems like too much of an effort. Go for a long walk on a beach, try your local park run or take the family to one of the many attractions that open during the winter months.

2. Eat Well

Tempting as it is when you’re cold, indulging in comfort foods like such as pizza might improve your short term mood, but can make you feel lethargic over the winter months.

More complex carbohydrates, such as broccoli, spinach, courgettes and lentils take longer to digest, meaning they don’t cause the sudden spikes in blood sugar that can play havoc with your mood. It’s also important to make sure you get your 5-a-day. 

3. Do something that makes you laugh

Snuggle up with a heap of popcorn and watch a comedy movie together that the whole family can laugh at. Play some games. Christmas might be over but that’s no reason not to get the Ker-plunk or Frustration out.

4. Book a Staycation

Why go anywhere else when it’s all on your doorstep. Have something planned to look forward to like a weekend away, an activity break or some summer sunshine. Visit South Devon can give you some inspiration.

5. Get a little help from your friends

Be sociable. Be around people that make you feel better. Get your children to invite a friend over so that you hang out with the parents. Social interaction can help beat depression as well as lowering blood pressure and stress levels.

6. Brighten someone else’s day

Putting a smile on somebody’s face can be infectious and makes us look outside ourselves. Whether it’s visiting an elderly relative or neighbour, volunteering for a good cause or just smiling and saying Good Morning to someone, you can make a difference to a persons day.

If it’s a bit more serious . . . . .

We all feel the blues occasionally but for some people it can be a bit more serious. If you are suffering seasonal depression help and advice is available. Alternatively speak to a trusted friend or a healthcare professional. Don’t suffer in silence.

This story appeared on February 4, 2019 and is tagged as: blues | sad | winter