The winter season is nearly upon us. The days are getting shorter. Colder. The skies grow darker and the clothes we don, heavier. For some, the short, dark days make for a long winter, often wrapped in worry and sadness. But there are things you can do to help beat the wintertime blues and keep your head up until spring.

1) Brighten Your Surroundings

Our bodies crave daylight, especially during the winter months. Consider using a light box for 30 minutes a day to help boost your mood. Also known as Light Therapy, a light box is thought to make a positive shift with the chemicals in your brain, and is said to be just as effective as an antidepressant.

2) Recreate the Dawn

Those who struggle with symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) tend to feel irritable, depressed and lethargic. This can make it difficult for them to wake up in the morning. Studies show that using a dawn simulator can help dramatically. This device causes the lights in your room to gradually brighten, just like it would if the sun outside were coming up.

3) Walk Outdoors

Walking is the greatest medicine. Not only do you get the benefits of exercise, but you get fresh air, time to think, and become one with your body, too. Dress warm and pop in some ear buds so you can listen to uplifting music at the same time. Don’t fight the weather outdoors, become one with it.

4) Exercise

After you take a walk, consider a yoga class or taking a short run on the treadmill. Join a gym or other exercise program so you’re not alone. Exercise releases endorphins, which induces feelings of pleasure.

Call a friend and take the yoga class with them. Or choose to walk together and find the beauty in the snow on the trees. Doing some sort of engaging activity at least three times a week will help you tremendously.

5) Help Someone

When you’re feeling at your absolute worst, helping someone that is in need can remove that feeling of pity and replace it with love and fulfilment. Sharing that love with someone that is lonely is a beautiful gift. Visit elders with a hot meal or cup of cocoa. Spend time with them. Share stories or offer to shovel their walkway. Everybody needs somebody. You’ll find that giving will boost your mood quickly.

6) Eat Well

Finally, ditch the candy, pies, and holiday cakes. Go for wholesome fruits and vegetables. A hot cup of chili can do more for you than a piece of pound cake can. Take in good foods to feed your soul. Your body will thank you for it.

Open up the blinds, sit closer to windows, and let the sun shine in. Find the beauty in the darker months. Before you know it, you’ll have beaten the wintertime blues with smiles and a warm heart.

Joleene Moody is a PositivityGuides writer and Robbins-Madanes interventionist, specializing in offering information that helps readers shift their mindset quickly in order to improve their lives.

See also:

7 simple habits that could change your life
How to get more done in less time
I overcame my battles with the lows