Got a case of the winter blues? Between cooler temperatures, daylight savings, and generally spending more time indoors, even the best of us can get hit with gloomy feelings. Here are 10 ways to get yourself out of that funky mood and they don’t cost a thing!
10 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues
Get Out of the House
It’s cold and gloomy – and the last thing you want to do is bundle up to go anywhere. Truthfully though, getting out of the house can help clear your mind. Make up an errand, go grab a drink with a friend, or go to your local library.
Laugh Your Ass Off
Whether you turn on a comedy special or look through your middle-school journals, laughing is a scientifically proven way to improve your mood.
Make Yourself a Treat
Take some time to make yourself a special treat. Whether it’s a fancy coffee drink or a batch of your favorite cookies, whatever will make you smile. Try serving it in a fancy dish to level up the experience. Make sure to sit down and truly enjoy the treat.
Clean the Clutter
Clutter is a main contributor of anxiety. Pick one room or even just a single drawer, and dump the junk. Commit to doing this on a regular basis and you will not only have a cleaner home, but a less cluttered mind too!
Dance
When all else fails, bust a move! Put on your favorite Spotify playlist and shake your tail. Dancing has many health benefits, mental and physical. If you’re up for a challenge, try learning a choreographed dance from a movie or music video. It’s harder than you think, but a fun party trick to show off!
Eat More Fruits & Veggies
In the Winter, we tend to hibernate and reach for comfort foods. These foods tend to be delicious, but are not often nutrient dense. Adding fresh fruits and veggies will give you a boost of needed vitamins and minerals to help you feel your best.
Move Your Body
Going for a short walk can improve almost any mood. If you’re stuck inside, there are plenty of free workouts on Youtube. If you are looking to calm your mind, try something like yoga or stretching. If you are needing an endorphin boost, try a HIIT workout.
Call a friend
Between all the forms of social media, we may have forgotten the art of the phone call. How nice is it to see someone calling with no other agenda than to catch up and chat? Reach out to a friend just to say, “Hello.”
Soak up some warmth
Find a cozy spot in your home where you can soak up the warmth. It might be a hot bath or the sunlight streaming in the window, maybe curling up under your warmest blanket – whatever it is, sit in the warmth and focus on how good your body feels in it.
Write in a journal
Electronics help us stay constantly connected but they can also evoke negative emotions if we over indulge. Turn off your devices, and open a notebook or journal instead. Don’t force any one thing to come out, just start writing and see where you end up. This can be an exercise in gratitude or stress release, or just simply a to-do list.
Make time to take care of yourself during the colder months. Being stuck indoors can contribute to feelings of loneliness or isolation. Be mindful about your mental health and use this list often to keep the winter blues away.