Winter Blues?
Feeling a little down recently? Having trouble getting out of bed in the morning?
The days are shorter, temperatures are colder, and many people are finding it more difficult to get out of bed this time of year. It may even be affecting your moods. If you’ve been feeling lethargic or a little down, there may be a simple explanation and a few, very simple tricks to lift your energy and spirits.
Exposure to sunlight is an important way your body produces vitamin D. During the fall and winter months the sun is up less, and people are usually outside less. If this is the case for you, your body is producing less vitamin D than normal, which can have a drastic effect on your mood and energy levels.
Here are some tricks you can use to get your daily vitamin D and beat the winter blues:
1. Sit next to a window
One of the best ways to get vitamin D, is to be outside in the sun, but in many parts of the world, it’s just too cold. If you absolutely can’t get outside to take a walk or get a little exercise, then cozying up with a cup of cocoa and a good book, next to a sun-facing window, with the curtains open, is the next best thing.
2. Eat foods that are rich in vitamin D
Fatty fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel, tuna, and eel are good sources of vitamin D. As a bonus, you get heart-healthy omega 3s too!
Certain brands of mushrooms, such as Dole’s Portobellos, are grown under ultra-violet lamps and will usually be labelled as “vitamin D-rich” mushrooms. These are a great option for vegans and vegetarians looking for a non-animal source of dietary vitamin D. Another vegan/vegetarian option is fortified orange juice. Just make sure the carton says “Fortified with Vitamin D” before purchasing.
Other foods that are rich in vitamin D are: egg yolk, beef liver and cod liver oil.
3. Take your vitamins
Last, but not least, getting a quality vitamin D supplement is a quick and simple way to increase your vitamin D intake.
