It’s that time of the year when time slows down after the hype of the holidays and all you want to do is wish you were part bear so you can grab those fuzzy socks and hop right into hibernation. The nights are getting longer and the mornings even darker and the clocks being turned back an hour sure doesn’t help the “winter time blues.”

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is estimated to affect 10 million Americans according to the American Psychiatric Association. The lack of sunlight, hence the name ‘winter blues’, causes the brain to work overtime to produce melatonin, the hormone that balances your body clock and sleep patterns and has been linked to depression.

For more severe cases, be open to talking with your doctor if you feel depressed for an extended amount of time and if it takes away from your everyday enjoyments. In less serious cases, here are eight do-it-yourself remedies to beat those occasional winter blues!

Stay active

Even though outside is getting colder, you can heat things up inside! Get a group of friends together and find a fun dance workout on Youtube. Gyms, pools, and workout classes fill up this time a year so it can also be a fun way to socialize and meet new people.

Get Outside

I know this may sound redundant because it’s most likely freezing cold, pouring rain, or pitch black by 5 p.m. outside but it’s recommended to soak in that natural ‘light’ as much as possible. According to Stanford University research, going outside for a walk can improve focus and lower stress levels. Hello Vitamin D!

Light Box

When your body and mind is itching for more daylight, sitting next to an artificial light, like a light box, can be as effective as antidepressant medication.

Keep Your Schedule

While it’s easier to cut back and hibernate because of the shorter days, studies suggest figuring out ways to keep doing what you always do. Get up around the same time, workout after your afternoon class, etc.

Stay Social

Nothing quite cures a bout of sadness then friends that know you best. Especially those that can make you laugh. “The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.” - Mark Twain

Plan a Vacay

Get excited about the summer by planning your next vacation get-away. Need some inspiration? Pinterest Travel Boards and Lonely Planet are some favorites of mine!

Book a Plane Ticket to Australia

If you are the spontaneous type, book a ticket to Australia! It’s beach life galore there this time of year.

Cultivate the Coziness

Embrace the cold! Embrace the change! Embrace the co-worker that plays Christmas music over and over again! But in all seriousness, try your best to enjoy the time of cute sweaters, hot (boozy) drinks, and every food having a pumpkin spice flavor option because once summer comes around you’ll miss those guilt-free Netflix binges.