As the season changes and winter lingers on, our daily activities and moods also change. In fact, the shorter cold and gloomy days set that result in the lack of natural sunlight, can lead to a wintry type mood of slugginess. But there are things we can do to avoid getting trapped in our winter doldrums and are eco-friendly at the same time. Here are six green techniques that can improve your mood each winter.
Light up Your Life
Why not light up your life in the winter with less energy? One main thing to consider is the amount of light bulbs produce. Consider LEDs which achieve full brightness instantly and work well with dimmers. Or, how about lumens that are also efficient bulbs that produce more light than the amount of energy they take?
Use Indoor Plants
Aside from indoor plants creating a cozy and warm ambience in a house, they are also energy efficient in the way they release moisture from their leaves allowing it to hold in heat. Some houseplants like aloe vera can act as an air purifying plant surviving on less sunlight and water while others such as the Golden Pothos, one of the most popular household plants, need indirect light consistently.
Get Happy Medicine
Who says you have cooped up indefinitely during the winter? Spend some time soaking in enough natural vitamin D, which has been shown to increase serotonin, while light suppresses melatonin, to help offset that yucky wintry feeling. It's easy to feel down in the dumps when you're not getting enough sunlight.
Eat Green
Going green in the winter also implies eating a healthy balanced meal of vegetables and fruits. Because certain fruits and vegetables may not be readily available, doesn't mean you need to compromise on some of the more essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients. A good balanced diet includes lots of greens that are high in vitamin B and folate.
Create Eco-Art
Take advantage of the cozy long nights, blow off some steam and get lost in your creativity - all at the same time! Find a unique and meaningful way to repurpose cast off materials that would otherwise be thrown out. One great tip to create eco-art is to recycle last year's cards into gift tags or cut shapes to create an entirely new card. Use serrated scissors to create all kinds of appealing shapes and sizes.
Give the Gift of Green
We're not just talking cash, but consider giving a plant to friends, family and co-workers that will last the entire year and boost their spirits as well. You can choose to give a healthy tree or just a simple houseplant that purifies the indoor air.
So as you can see, life doesn't need to stop in the winter. And going "green" isn't just a seasonal thing. In fact, it can be an opportunity to nurture one's expressions both indoors and out. So what are you waiting for - go green!