Winter Blues?

Living in a cold weather it is definitely a challenge, especially for those who come from a tropical weather or simply a much warmer one.

Having lived in different countries had taught me to deal with that situation more efficiently, so let me give you few tips about it.

 Have you ever noticed a mild depression, or a lack of motivation to do anything, perhaps low energy? These are the common characteristic during a cold weather, most known as Winter Blues. 

If you are a healthy person, but are experiencing these unattractive symptoms without knowing why, don't let it pass. Luckily, there is a lot you can do to avoid or to suppress winter blues.

• Exercising is extremely important not only to keep us fit, but to release stress. If you are not the type of person who likes to exercise, take advantage of one of the most important ways of transportation in Denmark. Do you know what I'm talking about? Bicycling! Even if it's only to take your bicycle to the train station. If you make it a habit, you will enjoy it so much. So do not hibernate, go out and take a walk, enjoy the snowing days, perhaps a snowball fight with your friends! What about ice-skating? Doesn’t it sound good? In Copenhagen you can ice-skate in many public outdoor ice rinks for free if you bring your own skates, or you can rent them. 

  1. Blågårds Plads' ice rink, free admission, DKK 40 per hour to rent skates 

  2. Frederiksberg Runddel's ice rink, free admission, DKK 40 per hour to rent skates 

  3. Genforeningpladsen's ice rink, free admission, DKK 40 per hour to rent skates 

  4. Elsinore C02-friendly ice rink, free admission, DKK 30 per hour to rent skates 

  5. New ice skating ring at Toftegårds Plads, Valby, free admission, DKK 45 per hour to rent skates

  

    

     After doing all of those activities, go home and drink a nice and warm Hot Chocolate. without whipped cream, hot coco,  it's a good and healthy alternative to sweet your cold days. 

• Indoor activities are also fun. What about catching up with your favorite book. I can suggest one I'm reading now Alexandria Link. It is a really good book if you enjoy history and fiction. (a lot of the action happening in the book, takes place in Copenhagen) What about a movie you couldn't watch during the summer, because you were outside all the time, or fixing your house can be a good project during the winter, and finally do some handicraft activities. 
• Eating well and healthy is very important during all seasons, but during the winter, especially, our bodies crave sweets and fats that are not necessary. So keep an eye on that subject. Fats are extremely important to our diet, but not all, since they give us the boost we need to be active. Omega 3 fatty acid is the responsible for our hearth wellness and cellular repair. Omega 3 fatty acid is found in fish such as salmon and in our famous Danish fish herring. Eating fish 2 to 3 days a week will make it up. Nuts, cheese, vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, are also good sources.  

So remember, get out of your comfort zone and let your brain be creative. Enjoy the winter days, the snow, the amazing frozen lake view, your friends...

  

Herlev, Denmark   

 by Gabriel Cuellar.