I am one of the weird few that actually likes Winter, but I will say that the dark, cold days get to me as well. It seems harder and harder to get everything that needs to be done, done when all you want to do is take a nice long nap. If taking a nice, long tropical vacation isn't in the cards this Winter, here are 6 things you can do to beat those winter blues.

It's a proven fact that 4 to 6 percent of Americans will suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) this Winter, with numbers getting higher the farther North you travel. According to TODAY Health & Wellness, there are 6 science-backed lifestyle changes you can make to help combat your winter blues.

  1. Talk your blues away - Recent studies have found that talk therapy battles seasonal depression even better than light therapy.
  2. Stick to a schedule - Even when there is extreme temptation to lay down and hibernate, experts say fight it! Forcing yourself to stick to your regular schedule will help keep you feeling "normal".
  3. Get physical - Studies have shown that exercising vigorously 3 to 4 times a week is a great way to reverse mild depression.
  4. Be around other people - Force yourself to go out and socialize even if you don't feel like it. Experts say if you wait until you feel like going out, it will probably never happen.
  5. Do things you enjoy - Find ways to do what you love. If you have a seasonal hobby such as gardening, find a way to continue it indoors.
  6. Cultivate coziness - Stop saying how much you hate Winter and find a way to appreciate it's positives like hot cocoa, cuddling, and relaxing movie nights by the fireplace.

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