Happy & Healthy

THIS IS HOW YOU TACKLE THE WINTER BLUES

It's in the air. Winter is coming and I'm looking forward to it. At least, I'm looking forward to cheese fondue, sitting by the fireplace (which I don't have, but still), red wine, candles, and a Christmas tree. What I'm less looking forward to (and I always have a bit of trouble with it every year) is that winter dip. Tired, cold, grumpy, I don't know exactly what it is. This time I want to tackle it, because it's unnecessary. Will you join me?

– Plan fun things to look forward to. Going to the sauna with friends, a weekend away to another city (in the Netherlands), skiing, dinners out, I'm just naming a few.

– In the summer, people are generally happier than in the winter. Why is that? Because of the sun. And the sun contains vitamin D. So why do you always get a kind of winter dip when November comes? Indeed: due to a vitamin D deficiency. Look, it might be all in my head, but I don't mind that. Bring on the vitamin D drops. It works.

And clothes make you happy, right?

– Treat yourself to nice winter items for your wardrobe. A good reason to go shopping again in this cold weather. And clothes make you happy, right?

– Above all, don't just stay inside. Daylight gives energy. Bundle up, go outside, take your bike or go for a walk.

– Sleep a lot, take enough rest. Try to sleep at least seven hours every night.

– Be kind to yourself. By that I mean: make your home cozy, light candles, fill your fridge, make chai tea latte with almond milk, buy flowers, invite friends over for dinner, wear your nicest clothes and play your favorite music.