During the winter months, you need to take advantage of as much sunlight as you can. Do this by opening up your window treatments so that more natural light can

come in. If you’re worried that it will also bring in the cold, seal up your windows first. Natural light will improve your mood and give you a

nice dose of Vitamin D too.

Candles are perfect this time of year. We recommend lighting some citrus ones. Lemon and orange both have a calming effect on your nervous system while making you feel more

energized at the same time. Plus, they are able to increase blood circulation and even have a way of boosting your immune system. Make sure the candles are soy; those

will not cause nearly as much air pollution as other candles will.

Some research indicates that if you’re lower in copper, it can affect your mood. Dark chocolate, a banana or a baked potato can give you a dose of that mineral.

Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that can help to ease symptoms related to depression. Quinoa is also something to add to your diet. It has iron, fiber and protein---all of

which are helpful when you’re needing more energy and optimism. For other energy-boosting foods, click here.

A warm cup of tea sounds good right about now, doesn't it?  Rooibos lowers stress while providing more energy. Green tea fights off free radicals and also increases alertness and creativity/productivity.

Lavender soothes your nervous system. Ginger increases blood circulation while giving you more energy. Chai contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are great for your immune system overall.

Something else that might help is investing in a dawn stimulator. It’s a device that basically times itself to provide light that feels very similar to natural light all throughout

the day (and night, if you need it). Click here for more info.

No matter how you feel about exercising, there’s no way around the fact that you’re going to need to do it if you want to get to feeling better. A

morning run is great, but if you’d prefer to stay inside, yoga and Pilates both relieve anxiety and make for a more restful night’s sleep. Cycling can increase your energy

levels and lifting weights can give you more clarity. Do these 30-45 minutes, three days a week and we’re betting that your winter blues will become a thing of the

past, well before spring.