Beat The Winter Blues Sustainably

Overcast skies, chilly weather, shorter days, maybe even some sleet and snow, 'tis the season for the winter blues. Don't let this time of year get you down! Here are some tips and sustainable products to keep those winter blues at bay.

STAY IN MOTION: MIKI TRAINER

OluKai / Via olukai.com

Exercise is a great way to beat those winter blues—so hit the gym in style with the Miki Trainer from Olukai. OluKai is one of less than 5 footwear brands worldwide that’s B Corp certified meaning they are held to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. Bonus points for looking super cute while getting that extra energy out on the elliptical.

SLEEP SOUNDLY: THE LANE GREY LINEN DUVET

Crane & Canopy / Via craneandcanopy.com

During the winter months, it’s natural to sleep more and it gives your body an opportunity to catch up. I recommend snuggling into Crane & Canopy’s Linen Duvet Covers. Not only is linen super softy and luxurious, but Crane & Canopy’s linen comes from factories that are Oeko-Tex certified meaning it is manufactured ethically and responsibly. Be sure to set your alarm to wake up between 6-8am so you’re able to enjoy the sunlight that is available during these darker months.

SOAK IN THE SUN: TOUR WSD

Mountainsmith / Via mountainsmith.com

Sunshine is at a premium during the winter, so getting outside and getting that Vitamin D is critically important to staying happy and healthy during the coldest months of the year. Mountainsmith’s WSD (women specific design) Lumbar pack is a great choice for a lunchtime hike or long walk. It has a pocket for nearly everything, including snacks! Mountainsmith’s products are also made to last forever so you don’t have to worry about contributing to our planet’s waste problem.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN OILS

Rocky Mountain Oils / Via rockymountainoils.com

Rocky Mountain Oils source their natural and pure essential oils from the earth. Additionally their packaging is made from 100% recycled materials and the brand started the industry’s first bottle recycling program

EAT HEALTHY: SKIP THE BAD CARBS!

One Green Planet / Via onegreenplanet.org

Nothing hits the spot during the cold winter months like a big, home cooked meal full, but all those calories combined with less exercise can lead to lethargy and weight gain. Instead of giving into the carb cravings, choose healthy options instead such as fruit, whole grains, and veggies. Foods with omega-3s like fish and walnuts, as well as foods with Vitamin D can help control those unwanted mood shifts. You can find some more healthy eating tips on One Green Planet.

STICK TO A SCHEDULE: MIGHTY PAPER ORGANIZER

MonkeyMinderShop / Via etsy.com

If you find that you are on the struggle bus this winter, try keeping to a schedule. Early nightfall and cold days can throw your day to day off so stay on track with an eco-friendly organizer. This organizer from Mighty paper is handmade from 100% recycled paper. It’s compact, lightweight and has a to-do list on every page for every week of the year.

LAUGH MORE!

Theater 99 / Via theatre99.com

One quick way to improve your mood during the winter gloom—laughter! Read a funny book, listen to a comedy podcast, or go to a show with friends. Aside from improving your mood, laughter can help lessen your body’s response to stress and can even counteract some symptoms of depression. One of my favorite places to go to get a good laugh in is the local improve theater.

BOOST YOUR MOOD: EAT DARK CHOCOLATE

Hu Kitchen / Via hukitchen.com

Who doesn’t love a good excuse to eat chocolate? This tip may become your favorite one because of that! Dark chocolate, eaten in reasonable amounts, causes your brain to release dopamine and serotonin. Research indicates that dopamine reduces depression, helps with weight loss and increases motivation. So grab that bar of dark chocolate and get snackin’!

DO SOMETHING CHARITABLE: SURFRIDER FOUNDATION

Surfrider Foundation / Via surfrider.org

Doing something charitable is a quick, rewarding and fun way to boost your own mood. Whether you have some extra snacks to hand out to the homeless, or have some extra time to walk shelter dogs, giving back never felt so good. My nonprofit of choice to support is the Surfrider Foundation, they work tirelessly to keep our oceans, waterways and beaches clean and trash free and they are always looking for great volunteers to get involved.

BE MINDFUL: MEDITATE WITH HEADSPACE

Headspace / Via headspace.com

Meditation can be an incredibly helpful tool in fighting the melancholy during the damp and dreary months. Headspace is a wonderful app that helps guide you through meditation whether you are seasoned in the practice or a newbie like me. You have several different programs available at your fingertips, all you have to do is find a quiet space and get started!

STOP TO SMELL THE ROSES: ESSENTIAL OILS

Mother Earth Living / Via motherearthliving.com

Surrounding yourself in intoxicating scents has been proven to help restore physical and emotional balance during the dark days of winter. Mother Earth Living created a go-to list of scents that their aromatherapist has found to be most effective including two of my favorites, lemon and lavender. One wonderful brand that makes these oils sustainably is Rocky Mountain Oils.

GO BRIGHT! LIGHT BOX

Verilux / Via verilux.com

With so little daylight, and full-time jobs, it can be difficult to squeeze in that sunshine hit on the day to day. Investing in a light box can make a big difference. Doctors have found that sitting in front of one for 30 minutes a day can be as effective as antidepressants. So plug it in, sit back, and start feeling better again!

TURN ON THE TUNES: APPLE MUSIC

Apple / Via apple.com

In 2013 a study by the University of Missouri found that listening to upbeat or happy music is a huge mood improver. So download your favorite music, put on those headphones, turn it up and boogie down for a better you! I personally love Apple Music as there are a ton of options, and I can create a new station based on a song I’m feeling.