** You can also check out this article on ecomii.com’s “Simple Living” blog**

Do you feel down when the days are short, it’s dark at 4pm, and the winter sun barely seems to shimmer in the sky? You’re not alone. Pretty much everyone I’ve asked admits to occasional bouts of the winter blues.Colder weather and lots of time spent trapped indoors can give us all a bad case of cabin fever. But luckily there are some easy, natural solutions to the winter blahs that I’ve found made a big difference in my life.

1. Fish Oil Supplements. In addition to lowering the LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in our body, helping to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease and assisting in weight loss, fish oil is also known to uplift our mood. It is often used by doctors to help treat depression. Fish oil is also great for skin disorders such as eczema, which can be worsened by winter’s harsh weather.

2. Daily walks. Just getting outside and taking a brief walk even if it’s blustery and cold out there can greatly brighten our mood. Getting some fresh air can help clear your mind and increase focus and concentration. And if it’s a sunny day, you’ll get a dose of vitamin D3. Which brings me to my next point:

3. Vitamin D3. Several studies over the last couple of years have indicated that many individuals suffer from vitamin D3 deficiency, especially if you live far from the equator. D3 is produced in our bodies when sunlight touches our skin, and even sunscreen at SPF 8 can block your body’s D3 generation by 95%. I’ve found that the best way to get your D3 is to get some sunshine! Simple, right? Give yourself 15 minutes a day in direct sun. I also personally supplement with 2000 IUs of vitamin D3 daily.

4. Make plans. A good cheering-up often comes from simply getting out of the house and meeting a friend. Some chit chat and a little laughter can go a long way to boost your mood and make you forget about the icy slush and howling winds outside.