Many people suffer from winter blues, autumn blues or other forms of depression during the dark months of the year. In the winter we get less Vitamin D and (therefore) we get fewer happiness hormones from the sun, something that does not do much good for your mood.
True depression is of course a different story and requires help from a professional, but you can largely tackle the first symptoms and mild depression yourself. In many magazines and blogs about being ‘zen’ it is often said that the phone should be thrown away. But this is not always necessary, with a little discipline and correct use it can also help you skip your winter blues.
Best foot forward
First of all, that sunlight, we get much less of this in autumn and winter than in summer. But even though it doesn’t always feel that way, the sun is definitely there. Even when there are some clouds in front, it is still good to expose yourself to this daylight. Combine this with some daily exercise in the form of a walk and you will see that you return home with a clearer mind. Because exercise releases endorphins in your head, the happiness hormone in your body.
Don’t feel like going outside in this drizzly time? Then grab your smartphone, all you need is one sim only subscription. Put on a wonderful audiobook or podcast and before you know it you’ve been on the road for an hour. Lost in thought about an inspiring story or book. Also use that phone immediately to keep track of your steps, try to reach 10,000 every day. A beautiful endeavor that provides clear insight. 
Really too cold
Is it really too cold and wet outside? Then exercise with those endorphins still applies. So let’s get started from home. Download a 7-minute HIIT app on your phone and do three rounds of these exercises three times a week. A few push ups here and a few squats there, you’ll be surprised how fast you go sweaty It also affects how quickly you will see results. And the feeling afterwards? Exactly, that’s what you do it for! In addition to those three days of exercise, you can also give yourself a little extra rest for three days. Something that can also make you very happy. That is why it is smart to download an app with which you can do guided meditations and yoga, such as mindspace. Wonderful to be in balance to stay in the dark but often busy months. 
In short, if you use your phone wisely you can get a lot of fun and positive things out of it. Also realize that your phone also has a ‘sleep mode’. This means you are no longer constantly pushed with messages and news, something that can be very nice and can also create peace. And that peace and balance is a basic condition to avoid falling into a slump!
Image: Unsplash (Drew Coffman)
