By Alicia Thompson

With the shorter days and cooler temperatures of winter, it’s not uncommon to feel a little down.  Winter blues can lead to fatigue, increased appetite, weight gain and social withdrawal.  It’s no wonder you feel like hibernating!  Luckily, we have some tips to help you feel great this winter:

• Wake up earlier in order to get as much exposure to natural sunlight as possible.  Little steps such as setting your alarm clock an hour earlier, getting up and opening the blinds or switching on your bedside lamp will help you stay energized.
• Hit the gym or engage in any type of physical activity to help to burn off some of the extra calories you may have been consuming.  You will not only feel better afterward, but you will be more inclined to stay on track with healthy eating throughout the day and into the warmer months.    
• Have a spa day at home with Vitabath’s Pomegranate & Blood Orange Body Wash, from the Vitabath Fragrance Collection. Research shows citrus scents possess antidepressant-like effects by suppressing dopamine activity in the brain. Experience the mood-boosting properties of exotic hibiscus mingled with juicy tangerine and pomegranate arils. Formulated with antioxidant rich super fruit blend: Acai, Goji, Coffee, Noni, Pomegranate, Green Tea & Mangosteen.
• Light a citrus candle for a well-needed pick me up. Since citrus scents enhance energy and boost mood, look for candles with lemon, lime, grapefruit, verbena, or orange scents.

What’s your strategy for beating the winter blues?