Boosting Your Energy Levels This Winter

Many of us struggle with reduced energy levels in wintertime. It’s cold and grey, our mood is often lower, we’re fighting off winter colds and coughs, we’re stressed out about the holidays, and we’ve always got a lot to do. If you feel tired when you get up in the morning, lethargic throughout the day, and struggle with a daily afternoon slump, you certainly aren’t alone. But, while lower energy levels are quite common, you don’t have to live with it. You can do plenty to boost your energy levels, even when the winter blues set in and your to-do list reaches capacity.

Get Some Fresh Air

Even when it is cold and grey outside, spending some time out in the fresh air will boost your energy levels, increase blood flow, improve circulation, and help you feel more alert. Even a short walk around the block can have fantastic results.

Exercise

If you can face it, there are still plenty of benefits to outdoor exercise in the winter, whether it’s a long brisk walk or a run. Just make sure you are well wrapped up and wear waterproofs when you need to. If not, indoor exercise, either at the gym or at home, can boost your energy levels, improve your immunity, and reduce your stress levels. Try to get a little exercise every day, and some cardio exercise at least three times a week for the best effects.

Give Up Some Bad Habits

Bad habits often contribute to a lack of energy. Some, like caffeine or sugar, might make you feel more awake for a short amount of time, but they often lead to a slump shortly afterward or overtime a dependency. Other bad habits, like alcohol, can make it harder to get to sleep and mean that you are never at your best. If you need help with any of your bad habits outpatient addiction treatment could be an option.

Get Extra Vitamin D

One of the leading causes of reduced energy levels, as well as seasonal depression, is a lack of vitamin D. You might notice this more if you live in an area with long winters or that doesn’t get many hours of sunlight in the winter months. Getting outside is still your best chance of getting vitamin D naturally, but a supplement

Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

Of course, the easiest way to boost your energy levels is to get more sleep. But, it’s not always easy when you are overtired and stressed. You might find it hard to drift off or find that you spend the night tossing and turning.

Practicing good sleep habits, with regular bedtimes and waking up times, and a relaxing bedtime routine will help. Try leaving your phone in another room and only going to bed when you are ready to sleep.

Some dips in energy are entirely normal. If you’ve been especially busy, had a big workout, or a late-night, it’s only natural that you’d feel more tired than normal. But, a few small lifestyle changes can still help.