Seasonal Tips

Spring Into Action!
Four Tips to Help You Get Through the Winter Doldrums

No matter if you live in Portland, ME or Phoenix, AZ, after weeks of shorter days and colder nights, winter can begin to wear on you.

Although we are in the home stretch, and the beginning of spring is almost in sight, many people are experiencing a case of the winter doldrums. If you're one of these people, for your own health and well-being, it's important to identify ways to lose those blues and reenergize yourself. Fortunately, MS LifeLines is here to help you do just that!

1. Break from the norm.

When the days are short and the temperatures frigid, it is easy to get caught up in a daily routine.

Wake-up. Get ready for your day. Go to work. Hunker down for the evening. Sleep. Repeat.

Sometimes, experiencing the "same old, same old" each day for an extended stretch can take a toll on your mental well-being. To buck the trend, whenever possible, try to spice up your routine. Meet some friends out for dinner at your favorite restaurant. Join a book club. Take the kids to see a movie. No matter the activity, the key is to set aside some time to enjoy life and shake things up a bit!

2. Dine on some food for thought.

Are those holiday pounds hanging around like houseguests who have overstayed their welcome? Has your "holiday diet" become your daily routine? If so, now is a great time to get invigorated and take steps to become a healthier you. Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Opt for a healthy snack. Drink plenty of water.

The power to make a change is with you! You know your body and what you're eating better than anyone else. Of course, if you need specific dietary advice, talk with your doctor or a nutritionist.

3. Get moving! Hibernating is for bears, not for you.

When the weather is so dreary, sometimes it can be difficult to find the motivation to stay active. That's why it's important to energize yourself, get back into the swing of things and start exercising.

If you don't already belong to one, you may want to consider joining a gym. The same is true for developing a workout schedule and routine. Maybe enlist the help of a personal trainer. Or, if gyms aren't your speed, maybe you can take a brisk walk around the local mall or ride an exercise bike in your basement.

Of course, if the weather doesn't bother you, and it isn't too cold and wet, you can always take a walk outside or go for a quick jog. If you enjoy winter sports, try snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Remember, making time for regular exercise is always smart practice. It can improve both your physical and mental well-being.

As always, talk with your health care provider to determine the exercise regimen that will work best for you.

4. Soak in the sunshine.

The sun isn't on vacation during the winter, but sometimes it sure feels that way. If only to stay warm, many people spend an inordinate amount of time indoors during the winter. As a result, if you're not proactive, you can go days without adequate exposure to sunlight. To help you get your daily fix of sunlight, set aside some time to go outside during the day and soak in some rays. Whether you go for a 10 minute walk or simply step outside for a breath of fresh air, do your best to schedule an appointment with the sun whenever possible. It can go a long way towards improving your mood!

Of course, no matter the season, it's always a good idea to learn more about nutrition, exercise and other ways you can improve your health and live well with MS.