woman in black hat and sweater looking at snowy trees

Wellness

5 Tips to Help You Cope with the Winter Blues

I don’t know about you, but every year, I get the winter blues. Once daylight savings hits, I have a hard time adjusting to the dark and cold days of Winter. Can you relate?

It’s hard to feel motivated when the sun sets just after 4 o’clock, and it feels like the day is already over when it’s really only the middle of the afternoon.

The winter season can make us feel less motivated, anxious, lonely, and depressed. Studies say that Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is real, ranging from only 1.4 % in Florida and up to 9.7 percent in New Hampshire.

So, what can we do about the winter blues? Most of us can’t pick up and move somewhere south and sunny for the wintertime, (I’m definitely a bit jealous of the snowbird life my parents live right now!) but there are steps we can take to combat the winter blues and make ourselves feel better.

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5 TIPS FOR BEATING THE WINTER BLUES:

#1. Get Up Earlier

When it’s thirty degrees out, getting out of bed and jump-starting your day can be challenging, but adjusting your body to the natural rhythm of the seasons has its benefits. You may have less light this time of year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it. The earlier you get up, the more you’re likely to accomplish, so when mid-afternoon rolls around and the sun starts to set, you won’t feel as if the day has gotten away from you.

If you feel you still need an extra boost, try a light therapy lamp. Studies show that daily, additional light therapy can increase your happiness.

#2. Get Outside

We all need fresh air and time in nature. Research shows it boosts our immune system and energizes us. Take a walk in your local park or lace up your running shoes and hit a local trail. And if you’re feeling unmotivated because of the frigid weather, try making a date with a friend so you stick to your plan. If you still think you need encouragement, buy a new hat or scarf that you love. It will bring you joy every time you put it on and make it easier to get yourself out the door and into the cold.

#3. Make More Plans with Friends

A great way to combat the winter blues is by spending time with friends. When we are with people we enjoy, it takes our minds off of our troubles and puts us in the present moment.

I know this is much harder to do right now while we are in the middle of a pandemic, but it is still safe to spend time outdoors, especially if you’re wearing a mask. So bundle up in a lot of layers (there are so many great, affordable holiday sweaters this year!), put on a cute mask, and get outside. Or worst-case scenario, schedule an evening zoom call!

And once the pandemic ends and things turn relatively back to normal, you’ll have many options to combat the winter blues.

Make plans in the evenings to meet up with friends. Go see that new movie that’s out. Start a book club. Host an informal holiday dinner. Or, if you’re on a budget, there are plenty of free options to choose from as well, especially this time of year during the holidays. Find out what free events are happening near you and invite some friends to join you.

#4. Get a Workout Buddy

Finding the motivation to work out is challenging, even more so during this time of the year. Not only are we tempted by all of the holiday sweets and treats, but it’s a lot more appealing to stay bundled up in bed than bracing the cold weather for a workout. So how can you keep yourself motivated? Find a workout buddy.

If you have to meet a friend or acquaintance for a workout, you’re much more likely to stick to your plan. Why? Because having a workout buddy makes you more accountable. You don’t want to let down your friend, just as your friend doesn’t want to let you down. And if you’re still nervous about finding the motivation, sign up in advance for a paid class. The financial sting of missing a class will make it more likely that you’ll show up and sweat rather than skipping it and sitting on the couch.

#5. Embrace Hygge

We are having a hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) moment and for good reason. A defining characteristic of Danish culture, hygge is a quality of coziness and comfortable joy that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being. So how do we bring more hygge into our lives during the dark and cold winter months?

For starters, enhance things in your environment. Add warm lighting to your home including candles. Get a cozy wrap for the couch. In addition, make time for yourself each day, whether it’s 10 minutes of meditation in the morning or curling up on the couch with a good book in the evening. Invite friends over to watch your favorite holiday movie. (Mine is Love Actually!) Or simply spend time by the fire. The beauty of hygge is that it can be whatever makes you feel cozy and content.

How Do You Beat The Winter Blues?

Now I’d love to hear from you! What do you do to combat the winter blues? How do you stay motivated and positive? Please share your tips and advice in the comments below!

Related: Looking for other ways to feel better this winter? Check out these wellness and travel products to inspire you to start the new year feeling healthy and inspired.

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About

Merry Lerner is an Emmy Award Winning TV Showrunner and Executive Producer with a passion for sharing travel, wellness, and lifestyle tips. She is a certified yoga teacher and graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition health coaching program.