Winter can be a rough time for individuals, couples, and families. Depression rates, suicide rates, relationship dissatisfaction, lack of motivation, and general life dissatisfaction are more prevalent during the winter months. Why? One big reason is because of the sun. A lack of exposure to sunlight and Vitamin D can aggravate the above-listed struggles. During the winter the days are short, few people spend much time in the sun, and the lower angle of the sun impacts Vitamin D exposure.

There are three simple things you can do each day to help combat these winter struggles:

1. Turn on all the lights in your house when you wake up. Bright light is very activating to the mind. The sun does a great job at brightening things up in the warm months. But, during the winter, it is dark when most wake up.  Artificial light can still be activating, and research has shown that turning the lights on right when you wake up can help activate your mind more quickly, which can combat feeling low for the rest of the day. I realize it is not energy-efficient for your electricity consumption. However, it will be energy-inducing for your mind.
2. Take a Vitamin D supplement. Several studies have shown that Vitamin D helps to combat depression and feeling down. The most common way people get sufficient Vitamin D is with some mild daily sun exposure. However, this is difficult in winter because most bundle up, and sun angles impact the amount of Vitamin D a person is exposed to. Taking a supplement each day can help you get the Vitamin D you need.
3. Exercise. Exercise has been shown to be one of the most effective things a person can do to combat depression, improve motivation, and feel healthier. Get your heart rate up for 10+ min per day. You will be surprised how much this little bit of exercise it helps you feel happier and more satisfied with things in your life.

These three simple tips can help take the edge off of a cold, dark winter. They can help you feel happier, which in-turn will help you feel more satisfied with your relationships, and more satisfied with yourself.