Winter. It can be such a beautiful time of the year with snow and starry skies. And then there’s the other winter. It’s cold, at least in my part of the country, and it snows and there’s ice, and freezing rain, and more snow. The days are shorter and a lot of us are stuck inside even more than usual. It’s a recipe for the doldrums. But fear not, dear friends, here are a few quick tips to chase away those winter blues and send them back into that dusty corner where they belong.
Chase Away Winter Blues with A Break From The News
There’s a lot of bad news online and on TV. We are bombarded by it everywhere. Sometimes taking a break from this inundation is a great way to brighten your outlook. I am not advocating that you go live under a rock and banish all media from your life, but rather, I see a benefit in taking a day off (or two) from the news each week. Trust me, you’ll catch up on the other days, for sure. When you don’t have that instant and constant stimulation, it frees your mind for other things and helps chase away the winter blues.
Incorporate Physical Activity Into Your Day/Life
Although it can be hard to run or walk when there’s ice and snow outside, getting daily physical activity can really improve your mood. If you can get outside when the roads are clear, that’s great (and it will help you with the next suggestion, as well). But if you can’t get outside, try going up and down your stairs a few times, using that clothes rack, I mean exercise bike or treadmill, or even vacuuming . Anything that gets your heart beating a little faster will help. Thirty minutes a day is what’s recommended for most people, which you can break up into three 10 minute chunks to make it easier.
Seek The Sun or It’s Equivalent to Chase Away The Winter Blues
Part of the reason that people who don’t have a more serious diagnosis like SAD get the blues in winter is that the days are shorter and their bodies are literally craving the sunlight. Sunlight balances serotonin and increases melatonin to help with restorative sleep. Sunlight also balances circadian rhythms and increase vitamin D levels, all of which help with your emotional state. You can sit in front of a sunny window when you can’t get outside in the natural light. You can also buy a light therapy lamp at places like Amazon, that can produce the same health effects as natural sunlight.
Stay In Touch With Your Besties to Chase Away The Winter Blues
Friends help with life. Period. That’s why they are our friends. In winter sometimes we resist the urge to go see them because of the hassle of driving in bad weather (not advocating that) or piling on the winter clothes or just because we have the winter blues and it doesn’t seem worth the effort. Keeping up with your friends, even virtually, will help your mood. Call someone today.
Create and Listen To an Upbeat Playlist
OK, so I have a confession: I love my music streaming service. I have playlists on Spotify for my store, for workouts, for romantic dinners, you name it. And Spotify is only one of the many streaming services out there. These services can make it easy for you to create an upbeat playlist. Listening to upbeat music has been scientifically shown to lift your mood. So give it a try. No streaming service, no problem. Get out the CDs and have a dance party.
Help Others and Help Yourself
When you think about others and do things for others, it’s pretty hard to be too sad. Organizations everywhere are in need of volunteers, and not just ones requiring in-person help. Search your local area to help with causes that are special to you. Food pantries need shelf-stockers. Meals-On-Wheels needs drivers. The Heart Association needs letter writers. PACs need donation solicitors. There’s a volunteer opportunity out there for you, just look around. It will help beat back those winter blues and you’ll be doing good for others at the same time.
For some other good reads, check out my previous blogs, like: How to Add Whimsy to Your Home and Thrift Purchases Can Help with Organization.
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