When the sun rises later and sets earlier, the air is crisp and cold, and the indoors is the only safe and warm place to be, you know it’s winter. And… when winter comes, so does winter blues.
For most of us, winter blues isn’t something you just “know” you have. It comes on slowly, with lingering feelings of sadness, low energy, and lack of motivation. These feelings can be intensified as your time with family and friends during the holidays just doesn’t seem to lighten you up. Sometimes, it might just make you feel worse.
Winter Blues = Low Energy, Depression, Stress
When winter comes around, I tend to become less social, more negative, and depressed + stressed… NOT fun or a happy way to live for at least 3 months of the year. So I created some simple strategies to help me get out and beat the winter blues. Once I started doing these things, I found that I was more positive, had more energy, and didn’t stress as much.
Check out this list and pick out a few to try. And remember to come from a place of love. Have patience with yourself and choose strategies that you can implement into your routine for a happier, healthier, more colorful YOU. Let’s beat the winter blues naturally!
1. Dress warm
Did you know that just wearing the right clothes can make a HUGE difference? When I first moved to Utah, I was a poor girl from Hawaii and I didn’t have winter coats or anything warm really. I invested in some cheap (but stylish) boots and jacket, but I HATED winter because I always felt so cold. It wasn’t til after I got married that I invested in WARM winter clothes—the boots that actually keep your toes warm, and the jacket that blocks out the cold… So do yourself a favor and invest the first time. It’s totally worth it and allows you to get out more!
2. Stay hydrated + get enough sleep
Doing the basics of self care goes a long way. I carry a water flask with me and know that in one day I need to drink and refill it three times. I also try to drink a lot in the morning, which helps get my body energized and hydrated for a good day. Set reminders for yourself if needed.
Try to get enough sleep. It’s easy to stay up late because the sun goes down at 5 and before you know it, it’s 11pm and you should get some sleep. So try to follow a sleep schedule. Set alarms if you need to. When you wake up (if it’s before the sun), turn on a light to help your body feel more awake. We use a Himalayan Salt Lamp, which gives off a cozy, warm glow—a gentle way to light up the room and wake up.
3. Keep busy
This. Is. Huge.
Plan your days so that you have stuff going on—not crazy stuff like going out everyday, but little things like setting aside time to clean the house, take a nap, go on a walk, try a new hobby, cook food… keeping yourself busy helps alleviate the winter blues.
4. Get outdoors + natural lighting
Put those warm winter clothes on and get outside! You’ll be surprised at how refreshing the air feels. If you can get outside when there is sun, do it. If you’re at a job where you work when it’s dark and get out when it’s dark, try to take breaks and find a window or get outside for a second. At my workplace, I take little breaks from my desk and walk to the glass doors to feel the natural sunlight pouring through. Getting into natural light is one of the best ways to beat winter blues, and it feels SO good!
5. Find opportunities to be cozy/comfortable (like by a fireplace, etc)
I’m not the only one who likes the idea “hygge,” the Danish concept of coziness and warmth. Hygge is all about enjoying the present moment. It’s finding comfort and warmth in life, home, and relationships. So cuddle up with a loved one and get cozy! Find reasons to enjoy the present moment.
6. Clean/organize your space
While it’s snowing outside, it’s a great time to clean the house. A lot of people like to do spring, summer, and/or fall cleaning, but what about winter cleaning? It’s a great time to empty out the closets and see what stuff has been sitting there for years. Also, who knows what things you’ll find that you can donate? Knowing that you can help someone else out is a win win!
Winter is also a great time to reorganize your space. Does your office or living room need a face lift? Start designing your projects and ideas during the winter—it’s the perfect time to be indoors, browse pinterest, make projects, and get inspired!
7. Eat healthy + exercise
This goes back to the second strategy, but try to stick to a routine. With the holidays comes the consumption of sugar, cookies, and delicious foods which can leave you feeling even more blue. To avoid this, stick to a routine of healthy eating and exercise. Of course you can eat the holiday goodies, but try to eat healthier and exercise in general so that you don’t feel guilty about the fatty stuff. If you need some help getting a workout schedule set up, check out this holiday bundle.
8. Treat yourself (to a bubble bath, spa night, hair care, etc)
Plan something fun for yourself! Don’t you just feel tickled pink when you get a new haircut, a bubble bath, or some new makeup? You don’t have to spend tons of money, but doing something kind for your body just feels good!
9. Be intentional with social activities
It seems that the quality of relationships are intensified during the holidays: shaky relationships can feel worse, some relationships can be strengthened… For those who are single or alone—or who went through a family change that year (divorce, death, etc)—can especially feel the strain of grief during the holiday season. To help with mental health and overall wellness, be intentional with social activities. If you feel it would be helpful to go to a social event, then totally go. But if you feel like it would make things worse, have grace with yourself.
10. Read inspirational + positive books
When it’s cold and gloomy outside, it’s a great time to get into a good book! Read books that will raise your vibe—adventure stories, self-help books, inspirational/Christian books, etc. Allow the lessons learned from these books to inspire and uplift you.
11. Plan your strategies ahead of time (with a planner)
Winter means getting out that planner and intentionally scheduling what strategies you’ll use to beat the winter blues. For example, if you’re going to work when it gets dark and leave when it’s dark, schedule some breaks in the day to get into the natural light (like in strategy #4). If you have a day off, schedule some fun things to do to stay happy, warm, and cozy!
12. Learn a new skill/craft/hobby
It doesn’t have to be expensive, but creativity can help you find a zest and joy for life. There’s a feeling of satisfaction, freedom, and beauty in creating something. Find ideas on pinterest or learn something you always wanted to learn—even if that’s a new language (Duolingo for the win!).
13. Express gratitude + find beauty in the cold
Write a gratitude list and every once in a while, say prayers of gratitude. They don’t have to be long or fancy, but gratitude can raise your energy and help you appreciate what you have, rather than what you lack. It can also help you find beauty in the cold: the sparkling white blankets of snow, the way a snowflake looks when it falls from the sky…
14. Create a Winter Bucket list + make it fun
Have you made a bucket list before? Make a little list for yourself of things you’d enjoy doing, then go out and do them! Plan with friends, loved ones, or yourself!
15. Take care of your skin + lips
Keeping your skin and lips hydrated can make a huge difference. When your fingers and lips feel cracked and dry, it just doesn’t feel good. Treat yourself to some lovely smelling lotion and chapstick and apply as needed. 😉
16. Listen to good music
Totally into Frozen 2 right now, but put the headphones in and sing along, listen, dance to, and just enjoy your choice of music. This can also be paired up with strategy #5 to get cozy and warm!
17. Take vitamins
I’m all about healing and recovering naturally, so for a while I felt like vitamins weren’t a natural method. However, there are plenty of great vitamins out there to give you that little extra boost—and that are totally natural! For me, winter blues comes on because I don’t get as much Vitamin D (the vitamin we get from absorbing natural sunlight), so the vitamins help! I’m not a medic or professional though, so see your doctor if you have questions.
18. Get into a morning and/or evening routine
The routine really helps with winter, especially the morning and evening routine! With the natural light rising so late and setting so early, having a morning/evening routine helps regulate your body’s rhythm and gets you into a better mood. You feel more accomplished and settled with a morning/evening routine.
19. Plan a trip
You can plan a trip for the new year, or do a little getaway nearby. Just planning something “out” of where you are can boost your mood!
20. Be kind to yourself + cut yourself some slack
Holidays are stressful with family and money… So my last tip is to give yourself grace. We all fall short, we all feel down sometimes, and we all have to go through hard times… but remember that life is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured. Show yourself kindness and know that the winter will pass–enjoy it for the moment and make the most of it!
Now go get it!
So there you have it! 20 ways to beat the winter blues naturally! I want to end by sending aloha and good vibes your way—you can do it! The strategies I’ve listed here can really help you start feeling more peace and less stress. However, don’t feel ashamed to seek professional help if you feel more depressed and exhausted than usual. Do what is best for you.
Sending lots of love and hope this holiday season,
Lei
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