Beating The Winter Blues

We’re in the thick of it…winter!

Post-holiday blues, cold, snowy weather, and long, dark evenings. 

But I’m here to help you look at brighter days ahead!  In fact, the days are already getting longer! But I get it, staying positive and energized this time of year could be challenging.

Let’s look at some ways we can boost our mood to help us beat the winter blues!

Get Cozy: As families spend a lot more time indoors, I tell myself to embrace this time of year as a “hibernating” period. Time to stay inside, recharge with family, and enjoy not having much to do like you would in summer. 

Read a book, enjoy hot drinks, and plan family movie nights.  Creating a cozy environment helps promote comfort and relaxation. 

Fresh Air: While you may not like the cold, it’s important to get out and take in the crisp air.  Fresh air can do wonders, plus, you’re getting out of the house!  Bundle up, take brisk walks, tackle the sledding hill, whatever it is to keep you busy. 

At the same time, moving your body can help boost your mood.

Light Therapy: The sun is limited during the winter. Many people deal with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with less sunlight.  Light therapy can help!

Buying a sun lamp and basking in the light while reading or working out can help. 

Indoor plants can also brighten up the environment.

Stay Active: Many of us would rather cuddle up under a blanket on the couch, but moving your body is key to boosting your mood.  If you don’t want to face cold temperatures, move your body inside. 

Yoga and Pilates are just some of the ways you can stay active during cold, winter months.

Stay Social: Winter can make you feel isolated. 

But we’re all in this together!

Reach out to friends and family to get something on the calendar. 

Whether it’s bowling or a game night, these plans can give you something to look forward to.

Spring Planning: Are you a gardener? A traveler?  Take this time to yourself to jot down some plans on what you hope to accomplish this spring and summer. 

Whether it’s planning a family trip, the way you’ll organize your garden, or renovations you’d love to do in your home, this can keep you excited and moving forward through winter.

So, let’s be optimistic and look at what’s left of winter with a glass half full…February is already halfway over!  In no time, we’ll be jumping into bathing suits and heading to the pool!

Happy winter!