If you feel tired, sad, or unmotivated during the dark winter days, you are not alone! Natural light is the cue for your circadian rhythm (your body’s internal clock that tells you when it is time to get up and go, and when it is time to wind down and rest). When this cue is absent or reduced in the winter months, it can disrupt this system, leaving us feeling more tired than usual.

The absence of light also triggers melatonin production, the hormone that makes us sleepy, while sunlight exposure stimulates serotonin production, the hormone that helps us feel upbeat and motivated. While there are lots of factors that can contribute to low energy in the winter, this article will focus on some of the practical strategies you can add to your toolbox for optimal health on the darkest days of the year.

Are you feeling that familiar tickle in your throat? Or maybe you’re starting to notice everyone around you sniffling and coughing. Cold and flu season is upon us, but with the right tools, you can keep your immune system strong and resilient! Here are 6 Friday Health-approved tools for surviving cold and flu season.