Winter is officially here! With the snow last week and the cold temps, we’re itching for spring to arrive in a little over 60 days. About 5 percent of adults in the U.S. experience Seasonal Affective Disorder and it typically lasts about 40 percent of the year. Here are 4 ways to beat the the winter blues on Kent Island. Check them out:
Take a Break From the News and Social Media
Being indoors more often means an increase in screen time. And if this time is spent consuming a non-stop news cycle, you may feel an increase in the winter blues. Especially with the uptick in COVID cases, stress seems to be returning. Try taking breaks from the news and social media or set timers when you do use these.
Keep Up Your Sleep Routine
Sleep is a huge component of mood. Ensuring that you get a good night sleep can really help your happiness. Some things to help your sleep routine:
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Sleep in a cool, dark room.
- Don’t use electronics in your bedroom.
- Write all of your worry thoughts on a piece of paper before bed so that if you wake up in the night, you can tell your mind you don’t need to worry because the thoughts are captured on paper and will be waiting for you to tackle in the morning.
Do Some Physical Activity
Physical activity has been shown to boost mood, decrease the symptoms of depression, and reduce stress. Start slowly and build up to 30 to 60 minutes a day, five days a week, of aerobic exercise, strength training, yoga, or other fitness-related activities. Kent Island is a great place find fitness to beat the winter blues! Check out these activities:
- Hike or Bike: Check out these great places to ride or walk on Kent Island
- Yoga: Here are our favorite yoga spots around town.
- Need a workout? Hit up these Kent Island Gyms.
Seek Out the Sun
It turns out “sunny disposition” is more than just an expression. Researchers have found that days with plenty of sunshine are associated with better mental health. Getting sun exposure increases your serotonin and helps you stave off Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and can also help people with anxiety and depression. When the sun is shining, bundle up and stand outside with your eyes closed and facing the sun and just let the suns rays wash over you. And is there anything more beautiful than a Kent Island sunset?
I Love Kent Island
www.ILoveKentIsland.com is the premier online guide for locals and visitors alike. We spotlight the individuals, organizations, and events that make Kent Island both a magnificent place to live, visit, and play.
Planning a wedding or event on Kent Island? Check out our Love directory of local vendors ready to help you celebrate your special day! www.kentislandweddings.com
Ready to call Kent Island home? Allow Kent Island Kathy & the Shore Home Team of Keller Williams Flagship to be your guide! Local experts living and working on the Eastern Shore. Known for their custom marketing, strong negotiation skills and delivering a first-class experience to their clients. kentislandkathy.com