Elissa Levan, Partner at Funk & Bolton, on Staying Well in Winter

When the hustle and bustle of the holiday season has subsided, the decorations are packed away once more, and the temperatures dip to subzero levels, it is not uncommon to feel yourself deflate — or even sink into a depressed state.

However, it is imperative to remember that you are not alone during this dull season, nor do you have to suffer through it. Instead, with a little determination and self-care, it is not only possible but entirely feasible for you to feel at your best during the wintertime.

With that in mind, let us discover some effective methods of staying well during the darkest months of the year.

Try to be as physically active as possible

It is no secret that exercise boosts your body’s production of endorphins, feel-good hormones that are responsible for feelings of euphoria and satisfaction. Therefore, it would be wise of you to take up running, cycling, or take an organized class such as trapeze or dance. If you choose to enroll in classes, you will also get the added bonus of expanding your social circle, as you will likely meet and bond with new individuals during each session.

Make the most of the limited sunshine

Another catalyst of the winter blues is a lack of sunlight, which robs our bodies of necessary doses of vitamin D. If you work in an office or other environment that requires you to remain indoors all day, consider stepping outside during your lunch hour to soak in that sparse sunshine. Or, spend time outdoors during the weekend by taking your pet for a walk, hiking a nearby trail, or just drinking your morning coffee on your back patio. It may not seem like much, but your body will thank you for every small dose of sunshine it is afforded.

Do not isolate yourself

During the wintertime, it is almost too easy to separate yourself from your friends and loved ones — especially since cold weather acts as a natural travel deterrent. However, make an effort to connect with those closest to you by utilizing tools like Skype, FaceTime, or even a simple phone call. You would be surprised by how great an impact a 10-minute conversation can boost your mood, so just take the time to have one.

Clearly, it is not difficult to combat the winter blues — you simply must make the effort to do so. However, if you find that none of these tactics are working, or that you cannot find the willpower to try them, it may be wise of you to seek further help. Seasonal depression is a very real, serious, and draining disorder — do not suffer through it, especially since you do not have to.

About the author: Based in Baltimore, MD, Elissa Levan is a seasoned municipal lawyer and partner at Funk & Bolton, P.A.. She is also extremely involved in her community, as she frequently represents other jurisdictions with respect to individual matters such as land use, contracts, public sector, and public ethics. In addition to her career, Elissa is passionate about health, wellness, and women’s rights.