We all know that feeling. You wake up in the morning, dragging yourself out of bed after hitting the snooze button one too many times. You make your way through the day, struggling to keep your eyes open and fighting off the urge to take a nap at your desk. Sound familiar?

If you find yourself struggling with low energy levels during the winter months, you’re not alone. The lack of sunlight and cold weather can take a toll on our bodies, leaving us feeling fatigued and drained. But there are some things you can do to help give yourself a boost.

Here are ways you can increase your energy levels this winter.

1. Get Some Sunlight

During the winter months, we tend to spend more time indoors than we do outdoors. And while being cozied up inside sounds great in theory, it can actually have a negative impact on our energy levels. Our bodies need sunlight to produce vitamin D, which helps regulate our mood and energy levels. So, when we don’t get enough sun exposure, we can start to feel sluggish and fatigued.

To combat this, try to get outside for at least 30 minutes every day—even if it’s just to walk around the block. If it’s too cold or snowy to venture outdoors, open up the curtains or sit near a window during the daylight hours to let in as much natural light as possible.

2. Exercise Regularly

You might not feel like working out when you’re tired, but exercise is actually a great way to increase energy levels. When we exercise, our bodies release endorphins—chemicals that have been shown to improve mood and reduce stress. Endorphins also act as natural painkillers and can help fight fatigue. So, even though it might be tempting to veg out on the couch all winter long, making time for some regular physical activity can do wonders for your energy levels.

3. Eat healthy foods

What you eat plays a big role in how you feel—and that goes for both your physical and mental health. Eating sugary foods may give you a quick burst of energy, but that high won’t last long before you crash again. To keep your energy levels up all day long, focus on eating balanced meals that include lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These healthy foods will give you sustained energy without the insulin spikes and crashes associated with sugary snacks and drinks.

4. Stay hydrated

When we’re even slightly dehydrated, our blood pressure drops, and our hearts have to work harder to pump blood throughout our bodies. This can lead to feelings of dizziness or fatigue. So make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day—aim for eight glasses of water per day—to prevent dehydration and keep your energy levels up.

5. Limit alcohol intake

It goes without saying that indulging in too much alcohol can leave us feeling groggy and exhausted the next day. But did you know that even moderate drinking can lead to fatigue? Alcohol disrupts sleep patterns and prevents deep REM sleep, which leaves us feeling tired during the day. Cut back on your alcohol intake and we guarantee you’ll notice a difference in how you feel!

6. Take breaks during the day

When you’re feeling low on energy, it can be tempting to just push through and try to power through the day. But this can actually make you feel even more exhausted. Instead, take some breaks during the day to rest and rejuvenate yourself. Maybe take a quick nap, meditate for a few minutes, or just step away from your work to take some deep breaths.

7. Connect with loved ones

Spending time with loved ones who make you laugh and feel good about yourself is always a winner when it comes to boosting your mood. Whether you’re meeting up with friends or family members in person or just talking to them on the phone, social interaction will do wonders for your soul.

8. Take care of yourself

This one is important all the time, but especially in winter when we can tend to neglect our own needs. Make sure to take care of yourself by doing things that make you happy and help you relax. This can include taking a relaxing bath, reading your favorite book, or listening to calming music.

In a nutshell, if you find yourself struggling with low energy levels this winter, don’t despair—there are things you can do to help increase your energy and get back on track! From getting outside for some sun exposure to eating more fruit and veg as well as reducing your alcohol consumption, following these simple tips can make all the difference when it comes to boosting your energy levels during the colder months of the year.