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February 09, 2025 - 7:00 PM
The winter blues are no joke and in the Okanagan and Kamloops where the sun nearly disappears for the chilly months, the blues can feel even darker.
To aid in the fight iNFOnews.ca has compiled a list of all the activities, tips and tricks that can help make the season a little brighter, or at least more bearable.
Get outside
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Although it may seem counterintuitive to avoid the winter blues by being outside instead of hiding away from the elements, spending some time outdoors can expose you to some natural lighting, fresh air and reconnect you to nature.
Whether it's hike, skiing or snowboarding, skating, snowshoeing, hockey or a snowman, getting outside can raise a person's spirits.
In Kamloops and the Okanagan, there are many trails that can be accessed during the winter months including Mill Creek Regional Park in Kelowna, Grassland Trail in Kamloops, BX Creek Delta Trail in Vernon or Penticton’s Kettle Valley Rail Trail. All four of these trails are an easy level of difficulty, though they can get a little slippery so good boots are essential.
Find more trails fit for Okanagan winter hikes, snowshoeing and more activities here.
Try something new
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Trying something new to keep your brain active and engaged, rather than spending quality time with your couch will keep you stimulated and keep your energy levels up. Learning a new language or how to play a musical instrument are great suggestions. You can meet new people by joining a club or getting involved a regularly scheduled local event.
Hobbies like crocheting, painting, dancing, woodworking and photography are options as well. Why not try some new recipes if you're cooking meals anyway. New hobbies may be difficult to think, so here is a list of over 100.
Up your Vitamin D and get moving
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Although the sun is a great natural resource for mood, it can be a challenge to find sunshine in Kamloops and the Okanagan without driving up a mountain.
Changing your diet to include seasonal foods that include vitamin D can go a long way. Try eating fatty fish like salmon, Arctic char or rainbow trout. Eggs, unsweetened, low fat milk and fortified cereals are great to make up for a vitamin D loss. Complex carbs like whole grains, or foods like spinach and lentils take longer to digest and don't cause a spike in blood sugar that risks negatively affecting your mood. Many healthy recipes for the winter can be found online here.
Exercise can perk your mood up by providing a dopamine boost and it keeps your blood pumping to get rid of that lethargic feeling.
Get a good night's sleep
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Even though it may be tempting to spend a full day in bed and create a cozy nest to cuddle up in when it is dark and cold outside, creating a sleep routine and sticking to it can enhance your overall rest, mood and physical state. Getting up early to enjoy as much daytime brightness as possible can help with your mood. Sticking to a regular sleep schedule helps to make the most out of your day by increasing your energy level, cognitive function and gives you better focus.
While there is no magic bullet for the winter blues, hopefully these tips and tricks can help out until the spring arrives.
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