As cozy and comfy as the winter season can be, sometimes the winter blues come with it. The constant gloomy cloudy weather can bring you down, but there are some tips for beating the winter blues.
1. Have a set sleep schedule (even on the weekends) |
It’s important to go to bed and wake up at a set time each day–even on the weekends. Oversleeping or having a fluctuating sleep schedule messes with the chemicals in our brain that can cause moodiness and depression.
2. Write down what you’re thankful for |
As cheesy as it may sound, writing down what you’re thankful for everyday, whether you do it first thing in the morning or each night before bed, can lift up your spirits. It will make you look on the brighter side of things.
3. Go outside |
When it’s cold and dreary outside, you’ll want to stay inside where it’s warm and cozy. But, going outside and getting fresh air will do you some good. Put on lots of warm layers and go outside even if it’s just for 5 or 10 minutes at a time.
4. Hydrate |
Drinking water not only keeps you hydrated, but it flushes out your toxins. During the winter, and especially around the holiday season, a lot of us tend to indulge in more sweets, alcohol, and carbs. They aren’t that great for our bodies, and can also affect our minds even though we may not realize it. So, try to drink more water or more water based drinks like tea to get rid of toxins.
5. Declutter |
Clutter can really bring you down. As cliche as it sounds, a clean room is a happy room, and it’ll calm your mind. I, myself, tend to impulse buy a lot and hoard things like makeup, stationary, shoes, mugs– everything really. I’ve been trying to declutter and get rid of things I don’t use or won’t use because there is no reason to hold on to something if it’s just going to take up space and make things messy. I suggest also decluttering your phones, laptops and tablets.
6. Decorate |
Decorating can really get you out of the blues because it will give you something to focus on. Plus, a change of scenery, even if it’s indoors, will help.
7. Focus on a hobby |
Spending more time on a hobby that you love can really help beat the winter blues. So many of us spend our lives at a job we don’t love and are overworked and tired. Even if you’re doing what you love, it’s important to take some time for yourself and focus on a hobby you don’t get much time to focus on. It will make life a lot less dreary.
8. Socialize |
Sometimes you just need to spend some time with some close friends or family. I know I tend to brush my family and friends to the side because I’m always busy working on something, but it is important to put your family and friends first. At the end of the day, work is just work. Money will come and go, but keeping your relationships strong will make your happy moments even happier and your sad moments a little brighter.
9. Pamper yourself |
I strongly believe in having pamper nights and taking a moment for yourself. I love to light some candles, do a face mask, read while I take a bath, paint my nails and put on some cozy socks, which are some of my cozy winter night essentials. Putting aside one night every week or every two weeks for yourself is important. I believe a good pamper night should recharge you and give you a boost.
10. Stay active |
Staying active, whether it’s doing some yoga in the morning, taking a 30 minute walk or going to the gym, is important because it releases endorphins. Endorphins act as natural painkillers that will improve your ability to sleep, and that will reduce stress. So, it’ll help you get out of any funk you’re feeling. Personally, I’m trying to stay consistent with this and fit working out almost every day into my schedule because it does make you feel better, even if you’re just taking your dog for a walk or doing some stretches throughout the day.
11. Aromatherapy |
It’s believed that aromatherapy can help counteract the winter blues because scent has an effect on our brains and can control emotions and memories. Citrusy essential oils like orange and lemon are brighter and fresh, which will help brighten your mood.
12. Diet |
It all goes back to what you’re eating. Opting for more fruits, vegetables and healthy grains not only nourishes your body, but it also nourishes your mind. So, instead of grabbing that Ben & Jerry’s from the freezer, grab a handful of fruits. It’ll help soothe your sweet tooth and it’s good for you.
13. Adopt an animal or spend time with yours |
Pets are scientifically proven to improve mood and help people with moderate depression. Whether you adopt an animal in need of a new home or already have one, spending time with them and just cuddling with them helps. They’re there for you when you need a good cry or just want some company. How can you say no to a fur baby? Lots of cat cafe’s are even popping up around cities so for a certain amount of money per 1/2 hour or so you can play with lots and lots of cats– heaven is on Earth!
A personal anecdote: When I had started a new school in Seattle, the teacher and the students were so friendly, and even though I arrived in the middle of the semester I became friends with everyone my first day; it was like a little family. When I moved to Texas, I absolutely hated it. I cried to my parents every night for a good 6 months to move us back. Starting a new school in Texas was hard. The kids, nor the teachers, were friendly, and even at the age of 9 the students here were cliquey and uninviting. Luckily, a few years after we moved to Texas, we got a dog, and I can honestly say she always cheered me up no matter what kind of day I had. So I’ve personally seen the positive effects of having a fur baby.
What are some of your tips for cheering yourself up? Let me know in the comments below!
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