Banishing the Winter Blues

It is around this time each year that a familiar feeling begins to creep in. The holidays are over, the days are dark and cold, and gosh darn it there is absolutely nothing to look forward to for months. All of these things combined leave me feeling drained and down. At this point there are a few options. Give into the blues and sulk until summer, become a snowbird and move somewhere warm, or learn how to beat the winter blues for good. Here are some ways you can lift your spirits when you find yourself feeling stuck in a never ending winter.

Add Lighting

Days are significantly shorter in winter. Did you know lighting can have a direct effect on your mood? One of the quickest ways to banish the blues is to brighten things up. I personally recommend lots of warm toned lighting. Warm lighting can help you feel cozy and comfortable as opposed to cool lighting which tends to make you more focused. Try These LED bulbs that allow you to change the tone of your lights as well as having fun colors to choose from for movie nights or parties. Another great option is some string lights like these. You can go simple or for something fun like stars or curtain lights to cover doorways or hang behind your bed. Pictured below are some fun and unique lights I currently have in my home.

Alter Your Decor

If you typically decorate your home with neutral colors, winter may be a time for you to bring out some colorful decorations. Items that are easy to change out seasonally work great for winter months. These throw pillows are colorful without being shocking. This shower curtain would brighten up a bathroom space beautifully, and there are so many wall art options that could be added to bring some color into rooms that are feeling dull. Try these national park posters, these floral ones, or these abstract ones!

Add Plants

Live plants can provide a sense of purpose and are so beautiful and rewarding. However, if you are anything like me your thumb is far from green. Every green thing I touch eventually dies so fake plants are the only option for me. If you can relate then try some hanging garlands, these small potted plants, or even go all out with this fig tree. It is a bit of an investment but it is something you will likely keep for years to come and will take zero maintenance.

If you do happen to want real plants there are some types that are easier to care for than others. Snake plants are very low maintenance and difficult to kill (not that I haven’t managed it but it took longer than the others lol!). A money tree may also be a good option if you are looking for a beautiful plant with a simple care plan. Lastly, any ivy plant would be a relatively easy to care for option that may work for you.

Plan A Trip/Activity

In the months leading up to Christmas it may be cold and dark, but at least there are the holidays to look forward to. This is why the blues don’t usually hit me until mid-January. As long as I have something to look forward to I am usually able to keep my spirits up. See what your options are for planning a trip. This could be as big as a 10 day cruise to the Caribbean or as simple as a weekend getaway at a nearby hotel. There are also smaller events you can put on your calendar such as a date night out with your spouse, a trip to the movies with your family, or getting your nails done on the weekend. Scatter some events on your calendar so you always have something you can look forward to. This not only helps to cheer you up but it also can make the dreary months seem to pass a little faster.

Utilize Aromatherapy

In the same way that lots of warm lighting can make you feel happier, certain smells can be beneficial to people who struggle with seasonal depression. Citrus scents can make you feel more energetic and help make your home smell more enjoyable. Try orange, grapefruit, lemon, or a combination of these scents. There are some really cute diffusers out there so take a look and find one you love.

Self Care

Your well-being affects every aspect of your life. If you are not being taken care of properly your emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being will all be negatively impacted. Take special care in the winter to set aside time for yourself. This might mean stretching daily or exercising. It could mean spending intentional time in prayer or having quiet time to read. Another option might be a spa time once a week where you use sugar scrubs, bath bombs, and lotions. Find what restores you and make time for it on a regular basis.

Try Something New

Sometimes I find I have just fallen into a routine of work, cook, clean, sleep, repeat. Having the same experiences over and over can leave you feeling depressed. Take up a new hobby like archery classes, working out twice a week at the gym, or join a small group at your local church. Something that gets you out of the house is a great option since winter makes most of us into couch potatoes. You can also switch up your look by dying your hair a fun color or shopping for a new wardrobe. Changing up your lifestyle spices things up and makes winter full of new opportunities instead of just being a season to get over with.

Embrace the Winter Season

Alright I know some of you will be rolling your eyes at this one. Believe me I get it. If you are not a fan of winter, the idea of frolicking in the snow is probably not at the top of your list of things to do. But after a snowfall (if there is snow in your area) put on your warmest clothes and guilt your family members into joining you for a day of winter fun. This could be sledding at your local park or ice skating at a rink near you. If the cold makes you miserable you can embrace the season in other ways. Those early dark evenings are perfect for movie marathons or video game battles with friends and family members. Instead of looking at all the limitations the cold season brings, find some ways to take advantage of the extra time at home. Connect with your loved ones. Use the time to get organized in the evenings. I have some great tips for pantry organization that might be helpful for you!

If you struggle with winter blues, know that you aren’t alone! I hope some of the options I have suggested will be helpful for you. If you are struggling with more than winter blues and feeling continually down and depressed please reach out to someone you trust or a licensed therapist. There is help available.

May your winter be short and your summer come soon ☀️