Fighting Off Winter Restlessness - Custom Collagen

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Fighting Off Winter Restlessness

 

Cabin fever hits every winter like clockwork and it may hit especially hard this year with various closures and quarantines in place. With shorter days and colder temperatures, winter can be a difficult time of year to stay motivated, positive, active, and mentally healthy as is. Throw in all of the extra hurdles quarantine has brought and it’s no question that this winter has the potential to feel extra dark. Even for those who don’t struggle with seasonal affective disorder, winter has the potential to cause some negativity and restlessness. If you’re sick of winter affecting your mood and your productivity, it’s time to fight back. Here are our top 4 suggestions for fighting off winter restlessness and the quarantine blues.

  1. Find a hobby that makes you feel productive.

Because we tend to be a bit more sedentary and “do” a little less in winter, we can begin to feel listless. Plus, a lot of our typical activities look vastly different, or maybe even cease to exist in this pandemic landscape. Fight this feeling by finding a hobby or activity that makes you feel productive; it’s best if the result of your activity gives you something measurable or concrete that you did not have before. This could be cleaning out an old junk closet, re-doing a room, experimenting with a new artistic medium, or even enrolling in some online classes. Either way, you’ll have something new when you’re done which may help you feel more productive and less lethargic.

2. Get outside when you can.

The lack of natural sunlight plays a big part in negative moods during the winter season. Staying inside is tempting when it’s cold or snowy out and sometimes winter weather makes going out impossible, but when a day rolls around that is a little milder or has a bit more sunshine, take that opportunity to get outside. Bundling up for even a short walk can do wonders for your mood and health and help break up the monotony of your winter schedule. If you live in an area with more extreme winter weather, bring in a few new houseplants, place them in a sunny window, and be sure to keep those curtains wide open to let the sun in and refresh your space.

3. Socialize with your favorite people.

When you’re cooped up in the house for long hours, the cold season can get a little lonely. Make time to socialize with people who make you happy, those people who instantly lift your mood. If you’re able to do so safely, spend time with them in person to drag yourself out of your routine. But if that’s not feasible, it’s safe to say we’re all pretty familiar with Zoom & FaceTime at this point. Be sure to make an effort to stay connected with those important to you to remind yourself that you are not alone (& remind them you care).

4. Exercise - at least a little.

Even though some of us may dread it at times, exercise is a scientifically proven mood-booster. In the famous words of Elle Woods, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” We all know the rest. On top of the mood-raising chemicals exercise provides, taking care of your heath and your body helps to fight off restlessness. You don’t need to go all out with an intense hour-long exercise every day. Just eating nutritious meals, drinking plenty of water, and getting in a moderate amount of movement each week can balance your body and mind, improving physical and mental health and staving off cabin fever.

5. Give your body the right fuel.

Need a little help getting going? First, be sure to drink plenty of water. Next, try adding more protein to your diet! While carbs may be the most easily accessible form of energy for our bodies, adequate protein is important to sustaining energy. Fluctuating blood sugar levels create energy peaks and crashes, and protein is key to regulating our blood sugar levels. Our Gym & Tonic Collagen Protein contains 20g of protein per serving and it's easy to incorporate into your existing diet. Plus, now through 1/31/2021, get a FREE 20ct single serve box of our Gym & Tonic with any wellness purchase!