This next one is a little harder: staying active. "Regular exercise has been proven to reduce stress, help improve self-esteem levels and relieve depressive tendencies as exercise releases endorphins which gives your body a positive feeling of happiness," psychologist Matthew Gill writes. This exercise doesn't need to be that rigorous – a brisk walk would probably do in most cases.
Walking outside also relates to this next piece of advice for battling winter blues. Psychologists say it's important to get as much sunlight as possible. NIH recommends getting outside, especially early in the day.
In some cases, spending just an hour outside might seriously help with your mood. What's more, sunlight can also help regulate your sleep cycle, so if you're having trouble sleeping – don't skip that walk after lunch.
Socializing is another big part of battling the winter blues. It's important to feel connected and supported by friends, family and colleagues. Scotti recommends offering to help someone else or not being afraid to ask for help.
"Bake cookies for a nursing home, donate to the food bank, call a lonely old neighbor, or bring in a neighbor's trash can, or shovel their driveway," Scotti lists some suggestions. You can also ask your friend to bring some soup when you're not feeling like cooking dinner. "People seriously love doing stuff like this, so just ask," Scotti urges.
