Beat the Winter Blues

1. New School
Sign up for a new class at the gym. Try spinning, pilates, Tai Chi or a step class.

2. Bring It All In
Don’t forget that activities you do outside in summer can be done inside during the winter. Tennis clubs and soccer fields are some of the facilities that get domes for the colder months. Call your local club or community centre.

3. A Little R
Book regular appointments at your favourite spa. A massage, body wrap or facial can all help give you a mood boost. Even knowing your toes are pedicure-perfect while crammed into galoshes can make you feel better.

4. It's Nice Outside
Don’t be afraid of the snow. Take up a winter sport or go for a long walk and breathe the crisp, winter air.

5. Don’t be SAD
Sometimes, the winter blues can actually be a more serious problem, such as depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which strikes when there is less sunlight during the fall and winter. Symptoms of both include:

• loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
• withdrawal from social activities
• feeling empty most of the time
• concentration difficulties and memory loss
• self-criticism or self-deprecation
• sleep disorders like insomnia or waking up several times in the night
• an increase or decrease in appetite or weight
• feeling anxious and irritable

See your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Physical activity can also have a positive impact on the symptoms of SAD.