With chilly weather, shorter days, and dark mornings, it’s natural to hit a seasonal slump. If you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone. Research shows that the winter blues are very common — in fact, about 20 percent of American adults experience seasonal mood changes¹.
So how do you keep your mood up as the temperature drops? Try these seven simple tips to feel happier, more balanced, and more peaceful this time of year.
SWITCH UP YOUR MORNING SIP
Getting cozy with a warm cup of coffee or tea is the perfect way to start a winter day. Freshen up your routine by trying a new brew. If you usually use coffee pods, try a French press instead or add a dash of cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor (cinnamon also reduces inflammation² and keeps your blood sugar levels steady³). Adding vanilla, hazelnut, or almond extract to your java is also delicious. If you’re a tea drinker, try a brand new flavor (how about a matcha latte?).
You can also up-level your favorite morning sip with ALTWELL’s CBD Tincture. It helps bring on balance, ease, and calm. Just add a dropperful to your drink. You can choose between our original tincture with 300mg CBD broad spectrum hemp extract or our version with 750mg CBD for a higher dose.
PRIORITIZE YOUR SLEEP
It’s tempting to sleep in on cold, dark mornings, but it’s best to keep a consistent sleep schedule — even on the weekends. Fewer hours of sunlight can also impact your sleep hormones and make it tougher to fall asleep⁴. Disruptions in consistent, quality sleep have been shown to contribute to depression, anxiety⁵, and even feelings of anger⁶.
To get the best rest, stick to a relaxing nighttime routine — disconnect from technology, unwind by reading or meditating, sip herbal tea, and enjoy our CBD Sleep Gummies. They are enhanced with melatonin and L-theanine to naturally support your body’s optimal sleep cycle.
GET MOVING
Research has repeatedly shown that exercise helps boost mood by releasing “feel good” hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain⁷. Keep warm by lifting weights, practicing yoga, or doing HIIT routines from home, or embrace the winter weather and get outside for a cold weather run, sledding, or ice skating. Whatever you choose, make sure you refuel your muscles with CBD Protein.
GIVE YOUR SKIN SOME TLC
Cold weather can often lead to dry, cracked, and flaky skin. Give your skin — and your mental health — some love with DIY home spa treatments. Relax with a bubble bath and face mask. Our CBD Facial Serum is also perfect for this. It contains argan oil and rosehip seed oil which are both packed with vitamin E and essential fatty acids to help moisturize and brighten your skin.
GET CREATIVE
This is the perfect time to discover a new indoor hobby whether it’s painting, drawing, puzzles, baking, home decor projects, knitting, learning a language, taking an online course, or whatever lights you up and feels exciting to you. You can also get into new books and podcasts on topics that inspire you. This will engage different parts of your brain, help you access your creativity, and simply make you smile.
LAUGH IT OFF
Laughter really is the best medicine! Research shows that laughter can actually reduce stress and help fight anxiety and depression⁸. How about snuggling up under warm blankets, making hot cocoa, and having a movie night with your favorite comedies?
Resources:
- https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0301/p1531.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003790/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6425402/
- https://www.health.com/condition/sleep/sleep-better-winter
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/sleep-and-mental-health
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6122651/
- https://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/12/exercise
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11253418/