The winter season always brings expectations that it is supposed to be the happiest time of year. It is assumed to be the season of love, cheer, and joy. That may be true, but when those expectations aren't met, the feelings of sadness can start to be overwhelming.

A lot of people find that, despite all of the Christmas joy around them, they still feel down. A lot of the time, they can't even put a reason behind the feeling. It just happens. "Winter blues" is another term for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a common mood disorder represented by depression that usually occurs during the fall and winter months. It makes sense because in these months, you lose a lot of sunlight and the temperatures drop drastically.

There isn't an actual cure for the winter blues, however, there are a lot of remedies used to overcome it.

Typically those that are used to spending time outside in the sunlight are affected when the sun starts to set around 5 instead of 7. You may not even recognize how much time you spent outside during the warmer months until the cooler months come, and they prevent you from your outdoor hobbies.

1. Take a vitamin D supplement

Many therapists reveal to their clients that vitamin D supplementation can actually make up for the loss of sunlight.

I personally enjoy running outside at my favorite park. However, when it gets too cool outside, I have to run indoors instead. I never realized the amount of sunlight I received from running outdoors until I am forced to run on an indoor track or treadmill. Vitamin D supplementation makes up for that.

2. Eat healthily

Have you ever gone out to eat and had a whole plate of calories and carbs only to feel absolutely miserable and tired afterward? Having a healthy diet can give you a boost of energy each day, and it keeps you from consistently feeling sluggish.

3. Stay active

During the warmer months, it is easier to stay active. So, make whatever outdoor hobby you had an indoor hobby. This can be anything from swimming, running, playing soccer, climbing, etc. All of these hobbies can take place indoors.

4. Keep yourself warm

Drink a lot of hot chocolate. Wear extra fluffy scarves and coats. Buy yourself a cozy blanket. The warmer you keep yourself, the happier you will be.

5. Don't always keep to yourself

Yes, the winter blues will definitely bring out your inner introvert at times. Just don't let it constantly stop you from hanging out with your friends and family.

Also, if you are feeling down, talking out loud can help. Keeping it bottled up inside may drive you crazy. So, instead of locking yourself in your room in those moments, maybe go grab coffee or a drink with a friend and try to explain to somebody how you are feeling.