Summer, fall, spring: you're at your happiest. School starts back up, football season is in full swing, and so is the start of new adventures. Winter starts to hit: the holiday season is in full swing, the anticipation of snow days each time a blizzard happens, and winter break is in two or three weeks. Once winter begins, you realize that you are starting to feel a little down on yourself. What is causing you to feel down?

Chances are, you may be suffering from the winter blues. Studies show that 25 percent of people in the United States suffer from this seasonal downfall, with about 6 percent suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD for short). They may experience fatigue, an increased desire to be alone, a greater need for sleep, and trouble concentrating. Two other side effects are less energy and a bigger appetite. Luckily, there are remedies to keep those winter blues out and those positive vibes in. Here are my top 3:

3. Enjoy the perks and joys of winter time.

Whether it's enjoying a hot cup of cocoa by the fire, skiing or snowboarding downhill with your friends, or building snowmen, find something you love about winter and embrace it. Doing what you enjoy most will help kick those winter blues to the curb and help get you through the long season ahead.

2. Trust your instincts.

If your biological clock is telling you to sleep, follow that instinct and turn in for a while. Don't tough it out. Studies show that when daylight hours decrease, the pineal gland speeds up the production of melatonin, the hormone for sleep. If you ask me, winter is a great time to get in those Z's.

1. E-X-E-R-C-I-S-E! EXERCISE! EXERCISE!

If you need to lose some weight or if you just want to get in shape, exercise is a great way to get started! It may be difficult to get outside, but you can make that small step just by going to the gym(PSA: Planet Fitness offers $10 a month memberships!), or figuring out your own super cool exercise routine. Exercise releases positive hormones, such as endorphins and neurotransmitters. And guess what? After 30 minutes of exercise, you'll be so happy you'll be spelling H-A-P-P-Y!

So....... now that I have given you all these tips, are you ready to kiss those winter blues goodbye?

Yeah, that's what I thought.

Have a great week and a great rest of your winter season!