How to Beat those Winter Blues

Feb 27th 2018

Ah, winter. We usually associate winter with glimmering white snowflakes, Christmas festivities, building snowmen, and spending time cozying up by the fire. However, once January arrives and the excitement of the holidays has died down, many people start to tire of the short days, gray skies and cold temperatures. If so, you are not alone! If you’ve got a case of the holiday blues, here are some tips that may help you overcome them:

man smiling listening to music

Make an Upbeat Playlist

Got some songs that always remind you of the warm, carefree days of summer? Now is the perfect time to bring those tracks back. Make a playlist of all your favorite summer tunes and jam out whenever you’re feeling a little blue. To get more out of the experience, go through some old photos of your favorite summer memories while you listen, or simply close your eyes and create your own perfect summer vacation.

TV with selection of movies and shows

Catch Up on Your Favorite Shows

Streaming services like Netflix have made it easier than ever to binge watch our favorite shows. Getting into a captivating series while snuggled under some blankets with a cup of hot chocolate is an easy and relaxing way to pass the time. Just be sure to get up and walk around every once in awhile!

woman reading with a cup of coffee

Read a Novel or Trilogy

You always hear that “the book is better than the movie” so if you haven’t yet, read up on the original story behind favorite movies. There are so many iconic trilogies, novels, and other sagas out there just waiting to be cracked open! Books have a wonderful way of drawing you into the main character’s world and inspiring your imagination to run wild. Not into fiction? Head to the personal development section of your favorite book store and do a little curious soul searching.

person painting plants with watercolor

Learn a New Skill

Since the winter months are typically spent indoors, take advantage and learn something new! Pick up a new hobby or rekindle an old one. Take an online course in something you’re interested in. Learn a new language. Learn an instrument. Pick a topic you like and become an expert in it. Keeping the mind active is a great way to ward off sadness. Plus, it’ll help you become even smarter!

healthy fruits and vegetables

Adopt a Healthy Diet

Most people feel a bit sluggish after indulging in a number of holiday meals and Christmas treats. The holidays are notorious for big, heavy meals, which can sometimes leave you in a dietary slump. After the festivities are over, consider switching to a cleaner diet. There is a significant correlation between food and mood, so incorporate more fruits, veggies, and leafy greens into your diet. Your body - and brain - will feel the benefits and thank you.

woman hiking in the snow

Head Outdoors

Grab a friend, get outside and make the biggest, silliest snowman you can come up with. Have an epic snowball fight. Go sledding in your backyard or at your local park. Head to your local outdoor ice rink and skate a few laps. If you’re the adventurous type, try your hand at snowboarding or skiing. These are all great ways to be active and take advantage of the fun things winter has to offer.

women in a workout class at the gym

Hit the Gym

One word: endorphins. While it may be tempting to spend most of winter hibernating (and some hibernation is totally fine), it can be easy to fall into a rut. Though motivation might be hard to find, try to incorporate some form of regular exercise into your routine. Exercise is a known antidepressant, and you’ll be surprised at how much more energy you’ll have. The more active you are, the more active you’ll want to be, and the better you’ll feel.

wooden steps leading to the beach

Book A Trip Someplace Warm

If you need a serious break from the chilly temperatures, take a trip! It can be for a week or a weekend, alone or with your favorite person/people. Whether you fancy Florida, California, or the Caribbean, getting an early dose of summer for a few days can do wonders for your spirits. Plus, once you have your vacation planned, you’ll have something exciting to look forward to!