13 Ways to Help Ease the Winter Blues

I don’t know about you but personally I deal with the winter time blues. It’s not bad but it is something I’ve dealt with for a long time. As soon as the weather warms up, the days get longer, the trees start to bloom, the birds and frogs are back making their spring time noises, I start feeling much better! But in the meantime the stark look of winter and short days are just no fun. However there are a few things that I’ve learned to do over the years to pull me out of it all and learn to make the most of this time of year. 


 

1. Lights
I’m not talking about the fancy SAD type lights (although I’ve heard they are helpful), I tend to turn on every light in the house during the day. Maybe because I live in an area that can be rather gray and gloomy most of the time I’ve found this to be very helpful.

2. Candles
Candles create a mood, a good mood for me. I find pretty smelling candles and light them. This is especially nice in the evenings.

3. Exercise
Honestly this is not one of my better traits. I’m typically resistant to exercise unless it is something I like doing.. such as swimming in my pond, working in my garden type of exercise. But I’ve learned that a walk in the fresh air is very mood enhancing. And good for my body as well. 

4. New Year’s Goals
Remember those goals you made at the beginning of the year? This is the time most of us have forgotten that fresh outlook and determination to make desired changes for this year. I pull out my list and begin working on whatever I can.

5. Prayer
Don’t forget your quiet time with the Lord. Time spent in His word and in prayer can lighten the burdens of life each and every day.

6. Sleep
I know I seem to sleep more in the winter months. For whatever reason my body just needs it. I look at it a lot like hibernating. ~smile~ I do feel better and more refreshed to start the day when I’ve had plenty of good sleep.

7. Friends
A couple of weeks ago my best friend called and wanted to come and spend the afternoon with me. We had such a good time. We enjoyed coffee lattes made by my daughter and laughed and talked and spent time with our kids. I felt very refreshed after our visit. I can tend to just want to hole up in the winter and avoid people. It was a good reminder to me to take a little time with a friend now and again to just have some fun.

8. Plan a Garden
The garden catalogs are rolling in now and they are fun to look at. I like to think, ponder, create in my mind my dream garden. Even better when I can order some seeds in preparation for spring!

9. Start a Project
Not anything elaborate but I find winter the best time to start a sewing project or crochet an afghan. Or maybe start a craft project. Find something you enjoy and work on it as your time allows. 

10. Eat Healthy
Spending a lot of time indoors in the winter can cause us all to not make the best food choices. We can snack on and eat too much sugar and carbs and then end up feeling awful. Make a point to eat healthy foods and avoid overdoing the junk snacking.  However a treat now and again is a nice way to spend a winter's evening with your family. 

11. Make a Gratitude List
One thing that can always change my mood and give me something to brighten my spirits is a gratitude list. Take a moment and write down all the things you are grateful for in life and hang it on your fridge. Make sure to look at it often and add things to it as you think of them.

12. Do a Little Cleaning & Decorating
I know I feel better when my home is clean and in order. What better time to focus on cleaning up the home. And after you have a room cleaned up, do a little decorating; nothing fancy or expensive. Maybe some flowers, or check out the thrift stores for a little something special that will make your room feel warm and cozy.

13. Acceptance
Finally, instead of fighting winter, accept that we can’t do anything about the time of year. Take on a new attitude. This year I’ve made a point of thinking about how nice it can be to put on a cozy warm sweater, read a good book, snuggle up with an afghan on the couch and a hot cup of tea in the evenings and enjoy family. This season will end and the next will begin so the goal is to walk through it all the best we can!