5 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

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Winter is here, and with it comes the festive period, excitement, and the perfect excuse to overindulge for a day (or a week). But winter also brings something darker that can be hard to shake. One day, everything’s fine. The next? You’re struggling to muster the motivation to get out of bed and find yourself putting off any possible social engagements. The winter blues affect some people more severely than others, but many of us experience them to some degree. Roughly 5% of the U.S population is affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD), with another 10% to 20% experiencing milder effects. The good news is that with a few intentional shifts, you can bat those blues away and charge through to spring.

1. Get Outside, Even When It’s Cold

When the temperatures plummet, it’s tempting to want to nail that door shut and never leave, but that’s the opposite of what’s needed. Two of the best natural antidotes for the winter blues can be found outside: fresh air and light. Bundle up and head outside, even if it’s for a brisk walk around the block. This gets your heart rate going, pumping blood around the body, and producing endorphins—commonly referred to as the body’s feel-good hormone. Notice what’s around, and try to slow down your breathing with deep breaths that fill your diaphragm. While you’re at it, take a compact camera with you and document the interesting things you find along the way, which is an excellent way of noticing those wonderful small things we often miss.

2. Create a Winter Routine

Humans are creatures of routine, so when it feels like one dreary, cold winter day is blurring into the next, take a step back and think about the kind of routine you’d actually enjoy. This might include meeting up with a group of friends for coffee every Saturday morning, a family movie (with popcorn, obviously) every Sunday evening, or, if you want to push the boat out, committing to a gym or exercise routine throughout winter. Not only will the routine help, but working out is one of the best ways to combat seasonal affective disorder.

3. Lean Into Creativity

As well as working that body, don’t forget to stretch your mind and be creative. When it’s -20 Fahrenheit outside, you’re probably not going to be outside a lot, but that doesn’t have to mean hours and hours of Netflix until your mind is turning to slush. Be creative in any way you like. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to try your hand at writing, painting, or would love to build one of those model ships you made as a child. If you’ve got children, set up a craft station, start a winter photo challenge, or encourage kids to tell stories, draw comics, or build something from recycled materials. The possibilities are endless.

4. Eat Healthily

We all tend to let things go a little around the holiday period, and that’s fine, but when it’s February, and you’re still eating like it’s Christmas week, that might not be a good sign. Unhealthy eating habits can cause issues at any time of the year, but they’re particularly noticeable during winter. The more bad food that you put in your bodies, the worse you feel, so this winter, make sure you’re getting lots of fruit, vegetables, and unprocessed food. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Basically, take the advice your grandmother always gave you.

5. Prioritize Connection

When storms are raging outside, it’s easy to feel isolated, especially when social plans get cancelled or rescheduled. For others, winter is a time to retreat inside and only see people when it’s necessary. Humans need connection, and we struggle when we go for long periods without it, whether it’s due to our actions or not. You don’t need to be out seeing people every day, but try to stay connected as best as you can (or want), and don’t be afraid to talk to others about the winter blues. It’s a common issue that we all feel, but an issue shared has a habit of suddenly feeling much lighter.

*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.