Is anyone else feeling the need for extra mood-boosting tactics lately? As you head back to work after the holidays and prepare for further winter months ahead, it's normal to feel a dip in energy and an increase in general discontent. We thought we'd share a few of our go-to tips to help combat the winter blues.
Venture Outdoors
During the winter months, it can be tempting to only leave the house when needed and enjoy the warmth of the indoors. Find a time to get outside daily with a simple walk around the neighborhood or bundle up for a fun outdoor activity like snowshoeing or skiing.
Get Creative
With all the time spent indoors, find a way to get creative! We’re all guilty of buying beautiful cookbooks and never using them, so choose a new recipe and get cooking. We also love finding joy in creative pastimes like creating a moodboard for your 2023 year ahead or playing with watercolors.
Stick to a Sleep Routine
Shorter days usually mean more time spent in bed. It can be challenging to stick to a morning routine you once had in the summer months when it’s now dark when you wake up. Find things that get you excited to go to bed at night and wake up on time. We love this linen spray that helps us look forward to crawling into bed at night and this Chai Superlatte that helps us get going in the morning with a caffeine crash.
Move Your Body
Finding the energy to get moving can be one of the most challenging parts of winter. If hitting up the gym isn’t your thing, try something that can be done around your house. Try out an online pilates video in your living room (pro tip: do your workout in front of a free-standing heater with a fun playlist for added ambiance) or go on a walk to your local coffee shop.
Embrace the Art of Hygge
The art of “Hygge” might just be one of our favorite things about the winter months. Hygge is defined as a quality of coziness and enjoying life's quieter pleasures. Some easy tips to achieve this are as simple as adding cozy textures to your space (like a new throw blanket), lighting a candle, or turning off your overhead lighting and opting for warm toned lamp light.
Take Time Away from Screens
It’s so tempting to spend time cuddled in front of your tv watching a movie marathon or mindlessly scrolling Instagram dreaming of a warm vacation. Unfortunately, when done too often, this screen time can leave you feeling drained of energy and unfulfilled. Challenge yourself to set down your phone and do something relaxing that isn’t screen related. Play board games with friends or family, start a puzzle (we love this one), or take a hot bath.
Light Therapy
Let’s be honest, most of us are not getting enough Vitamin D this time of year. A simple Light Therapy Lamp is the perfect accessory to keep at your desk to help deter seasonal depression and boost Vitamin D. We especially love sitting in front of our lamp (12-14 inches away) first thing in the morning for 30 minutes while we create our daily to-do list.
Try Something New
Though certain routines are great to keep during the winter months, it’s also essential to breathe new life into your day-to-day schedule. Challenge yourself to do something you’ve had saved on your Pinterest boards for years. Some of our favorites include finally jumping on the trend and learning how to make bread at home, trying out a home makeover DIY, and learning how to sew.
Spend Time with Those You Love
It can be easy to hunker down and isolate yourself when the winter blues kick in. Many of the tips listed above are the perfect gateway to inviting friends or family to join in on the fun. Plan a weekly walk with a friend to get coffee, host a dinner party and try out a new recipe, or plan a wine & paint night to get creative.
Ask for Help
When all is said and done, mental health isn’t always as simple as getting enough sleep or exercising. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re experiencing signs of seasonal depression, anxiety, or overwhelm, the best time to ask for proper help and resources is now. Talk with your friends or family about how you’re feeling. If needed, therapy is a great option to talk about what you’re experiencing so you can receive professional help.
