Overcome “Winter Fatigue”

Another cold, gloomy winter morning has you feeling low on energy and enthusiasm. You got a full 8 hours of rest, you woke up on the “right” side of the bed, and you have an exciting day at work waiting for you. But why do you feel so down? There’s actually a term for this feeling: Seasonal Affective Disorder, and it’s quite a common occurrence for those living in colder climates. However, just because the groundhog will inevitably see his shadow and curse us with more winter weeks, business will still go on! You’ve still got responsibilities, errands to run, and tasks to complete! Here are a few pointers to help you beat that feeling of grogginess in the wintertime.

Let there be light!

Mornings are darker and nightfall begins at 5pm, so extend your day and maintain your energy with the use of light therapy. Keep all work and home areas bright during normal daylight hours so that your body doesn’t get tricked into thinking that it’s bedtime.

Eat fresh.

Now that it’s cold out, all you crave is steamy, wholesome chili and beef stew, but these foods usually leave you feeling warm, full, and ready for a nap. Keep your diet light with fresh fruits, plenty of water, salads, and other energy fueled foods to keep you on your feet and full of nutrients.

Layer, layer, layer.

The trick to feeling successful is dressing the part, but cold winter winds can interfere with your desire and ability to be fashionable during this time of year. Don’t let that stop you! There is no solution for needing to lug through your job’s parking lot in chunky snow boots, but once you get inside, switch to some shoes that are dry and compliment your outfit. Also, layer up in several cute, but warm pieces so that you can be trendy and cozy at the same time. Layers can also be added or removed throughout the day so you’re comfortable at all times.

Prepare to face the cold.

It’s safe to say that winter conditions are fairly the same each year, so you know what to expect and should be prepared for it. Don’t let winter’s inconveniences be such a burden on your day. Everybody hates having to scrape ice from their windows. After dragging yourself out of bed and outside to head to work, you don’t need yet another thing weighing down your enthusiasm. So, plan ahead. Start your car about 10 mins before you leave the house so that it can be nice and toasty when you get in, and so that the ice on your windshield can at least be partially melted. You know road conditions could vary, so wake up early enough to give yourself extra time to get to work without rushing.

Set a goal to work on during the colder months

In the winter time, you’re less likely to want to go out in the evenings as much. Use this extra time to work on a goal of yours. Whether it be working out every day, reading a series of books, saving money, or starting a new project, the wintertime is the easiest time of year to be focused on yourself, because your friends and family tend to have less distracting expectations for you. Consider it “productive hibernation.”
Remember that seasons are only temporary, and winter will come and go before you know it.  Use a calendar to mark off each passing day and remember that spring will be here soon enough. Hang in there and don’t let winter win!