It’s no secret: winter is in full force, and it’s here to stay for the next two to three months, at least. The winter season seems to affect people differently, and many can experience mild depression, low energy and lack of motivation.

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The good news is that you don’t have to suffer through the dreary, cold days and draining winter nights that seem to drag on and on. By following just a few simple tips, you’ll be able to beat the winter blues and get yourself back on track well before spring thaw.

Let There Be Light

With winter’s colder temperatures and possible inclement weather, it’s harder to spend time outdoors. But even with the frigid temps, it’s important to get outside for a few minutes each day and take advantage of natural sunlight, which boosts vitamin D, a nutrient essential to health and good mood. Bundle up and go for a quick walk during the day. Sit near a window in your home or at work to take advantage of the sun’s rays. If all else fails, make sure to take a vitamin D supplement to get your daily value.

Related: Feeling Sad? Combat Winter Depression in Your Apartment

Stay Active

Everybody knows that exercise is the key to maintaining weight and staying healthy. It can be a great stress reliever that can give you energy to last throughout the day. So don’t slack off on your workout routine in winter—you might just see an improvement in your mood.

Eat Healthy

Keeping with the wellness theme, eating a healthy diet is also essential to beating the winter blues. More so than any time of the year, it’s important to watch what you’re eating, as refined and processed foods like white breads, rice and sugar can affect energy levels and your mood, causing depression, mood swings and lack of concentration. Stay hydrated by drinking at least eight cups of water a day, and incorporate fresh fruits and veggies and whole wheat breads and brown rice into your diet to keep energy levels up.

Stay Social

While it might be tempting to stay in and curl up with a movie or a good book to avoid winter’s freezing temperatures (which is perfectly acceptable in moderation!), it’s also important to engage in some sort of social activity at least once a week to keep your spirits up. Agree to meet some friends for an after-work drink, or take time out for a phone call to catch up with a friend for a nice pick-me-up.

Redecorate

When it’s looking dreary outside, sometimes the best thing to do is to make your inside more appealing by adding a few bright and cheery elements to your décor. Pick up some flowers in your favorite colors to add freshness and vitality to your home. Add some bright lamps or pillows to add a splash of color to distract yourself from your drab winter surroundings.

Related: Ways to Brighten Up Your Winter Apartment

Photo Credit: iStockphoto/asiseeit