The days are getting longer! But the winter is dragging on and pulling our moods down with it. Below are some tips to help you improve your mood on these cold winter days.

• Before I was a chiropractor, I was an economic consultant. The only thing that got me through the emotional and mental challenges of my life was chiropractic care. In fact, it so dramatically improved my mood and my well being that I quit my job, moved across the country and spent 5 years in graduate school to become a chiropractor. Chiropractic is vital in helping me stay happy and balanced. Get adjusted. It can do wonders to help your mood, energy and ability to focus.

• The sun might not be strong, but it is lighter longer! Get outside and take a walk every day. Park a few blocks away from your office and get some sunshine on your way into the office. Go for a walk during lunch. Fresh air, sunshine and movement will do wonders for your mood. Our skin is most receptive to the blue light that is most present in the morning. Get outside in the morning!

• Eat Foods rich in D and B Vitamins. In the summertime we get vitamin D from the sun. Getting outside in the winter will get you some vitamin D, but you probably need more. Vitamin D is present in foods including pink salmon, mackerel, sardines and egg yolks. Vitamin B is vital for mood and focus. You get B12 from meat, eggs and fish. Other B vitamins are present in green vegetables, avocados, beans and nuts.

When our mood goes down, it can be especially hard to take care of ourselves. On Tuesday afternoon, all I wanted to do was go home, eat chocolate and watch movies. The last thing I wanted to do was get adjusted.

I forced myself to get on the table and get a chiropractic adjustment. After that I felt dramatically better. So much better in fact, that I only had to sort of push myself to go to the gym. After the gym, I was back to normal. Phew!

Finding the time and forcing yourself to get adjusted can be tough. Especially in these winter months. I should know. I was standing in my office, and it was even hard for me to get motivated to ask Will to adjust me!

Your motivation gets low in the winter. But come get adjusted. You’ll be glad you did.