How To Survive The Winter Blues
I’m usually a strong proponent of embracing each season and celebrating all that each one has to offer. That is, until the middle of winter rolls around, and then all of my enthusiastic resolve starts to dwindle. The dead of winter has notoriously been the most difficult time of the year for me. I start to slide into seasonal depression and I find myself counting down the seconds until spring.
In fact, I write this blog post as we embark on the third snow day in a row. The roads are a mess, the children are home from school for the foreseeable future, the temperatures have dipped below zero degrees and my patience and optimism are nowhere to be found. It’s hard when your routine has been thrown off and you are stuck inside with nowhere to go. It’s hard to have little daylight throughout the day to get you through it all.
Nevertheless, I pride myself in usually being a positive person and always finding the good in situations. I am determined to do just that and beat these winter blues! There are always things to look forward to, to be grateful for and ways to celebrate life even in the darkest and gloomiest of times.
Until the sun and warmth decide to make an appearance again, here are some ways you can incorporate warmth and comfort back into your life.
Bundle Up & Go For A Walk
Whenever I find myself resisting the weather and growing resentful of how it is affecting my day, the most effective antidote to my bad mood is always a walk outside. You can choose to do this most days of the year, so long as you bundle up accordingly. I even find that, no matter how cold it is, if I walk fast enough and wear layers, I am usually starting to sweat 10-15 minutes in. Getting outside is so important for our mental health. Being out in nature and breathing in fresh air is life giving. If the sun is out, it will feel wonderful to get some sunshine despite the cold. Not to mention, Vitamin D from the sun has been proven to lift our mood. Give it a try. I promise you will feel better afterward.
Run A Warm Bath
I recently learned that warmth is one of the most soothing ways to ease your nervous system. Not to mention, warmth just feels amazing! Especially in the middle of winter. After you take your walk outside, draw yourself a warm bath to relax your muscles and your mind. I like to occasionally sprinkle in some magnesium bath flakes for further relaxation and nutrient absorption.
Consider Cozy Textures
Ensuring that your whole home is well stocked with cozy textures will certainly help get you through these winter months. Now is not the time for muslin, linen or satin. Save those textiles for the warmer months and invest in some thick, faux fur throws, plush bath towels, flannel bed sheets and sumptuous robes for post shower. Lean in to the fabrics that wrap you in warmth and comfort and make you feel good.
Sip Something Warm
Thaw yourself from the inside out with a hot mug of something to sip on. In the mornings, I enjoy a hot cup of decaf coffee and throughout the day, I love sipping on herbal tea. It’s a great way to keep warm and also drink your fluids (I find it much less boring than drinking water). At night, instead of dessert, opt for a homemade cup of hot cocoa to stay toasty.
Incorporate Daily Movement
Once the new year motivation wears off, it’s actually fairly difficult to keep up with a healthy routine during the winter months. With such cold temps, it’s hard to choose healthier options (like cold salads and smoothies). With such little daylight, we find it much easier to stay cozy on the couch rather than drive to the gym after work. The reality is that daily movement is crucial for both healthy bodies and healthy minds. Incorporating even just 10-15 minutes of movement every day will clear your mind and release any tension or negative energy you’re holding in. It’s the quickest way to improve your mood! I love at-home yoga and pilates workouts, especially on the days where you are snowed in and can’t leave the house.
Read Instead of Scrolling
Endless scrolling on social media almost always leads to feelings of anxiousness and irritability for me. A little bit of time on social media is great and usually inspiring, but any longer than 30 minutes a day, and I start to see how it negatively impacts my mood. One thing I’ve been doing is picking up a book or my kindle when I otherwise would be on my phone. This practice has made me aware of how much more time I actually have in my day to dedicate to relaxation, yet unlike scrolling, reading allows me to utilize that time in a productive and enjoyable way.
Get A Sunlight Lamp
We purchased one of these a few months ago and my husband loves it so much, I rarely see this thing anymore! He keeps it at his desk all day long while he works. Essentially, it is an LED light therapy lamp that mimics sunlight for those of us that can’t get enough natural sunlight throughout the day. It really does make you feel happier and is especially crucial during these dark winter months.
Make A Slow Cooker Meal
Nothing hits the spot more on a cold winter evening than a delicious, home cooked meal made in the slow cooker. Slow cooker recipes are my favorite, as they usually require minimal effort from me. I get to enjoy the aromas all day as I await in anticipation for dinner to be ready. One of my all time faves is this garlic herb pot roast recipe.
Host A Winter Game Night
This is a fun and casual way to get together with friends during the winter months. Most of us are less inclined to explore the city when the temperature dips, but we would be more than happy to put our comfies on and hang out at a friend’s house with games and snacks, wouldn’t you agree? Lay out a few bowls of chips, some sweets and a few drinks and encourage everyone to bring their favorite party game with them. An easy, fun night everyone will enjoy!
Moisturize
Winter brings with it dry air which results in parched skin. It’s important to remember to moisturize during these months to protect our skin and keep it looking youthful and radiant. After all, our skin is our largest organ!
In the winter, I add jojoba oil to my skincare routine in addition to my regular moisturizer. For my body, I use the Nécessaire body serum in conjunction with the body lotion for extra hydration. I also love Kiehl’s Creme de Corps. For the feet (cracked heels are not a vibe during any time of the year, ladies!) I moisturize with O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet and periodically use hydrating foot sock masks before bed. Finally, don’t forget to hydrate! No amount of creams and serums will do any good if you don’t give your body the water that it needs.
Hit The Hay Earlier
Last, but certainly not least, remember to give your body extra rest this winter by going to bed earlier. As much as we may try to resist it, winter time is a season of rest and recharge. When the spring and summer months return, most of us will hit the ground running and fill up our schedules again. Take this time to give your body the rest it deserves before things get busy all over again. Try going to bed an hour earlier than you usually do and see how it makes you feel!