We’re post Christmas and only slightly into the new year and I’m already feeling in a bit of a lull. There are several months of cold weather ahead of us and as tempting as it is to cozy up and keep eating the comfort foods and just wait for spring to come upon us I know it’s not going to leave me feeling mentally or physically healthy. Of course the first thing we think of when winter seems to get long is getting away to somewhere warm. As nice as that sounds, it’s not always an option whether that’s for financial reasons or just not being able to work it out with schedules. So when you can’t take a much wanted vacation, here are 5 easy and cheap ways to beat those winter blues!
1. Get outside for 15 minutes. Even though it’s often the last thing I want to do especially when it takes so long to get everyone in their winter gear, this is an immediate mood booster! There is nothing like breathing in the fresh air and feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin, even if it’s only 20 degrees outside. Take a short walk, sit on the front step or go outside and watch the kids play in the snow. You will go back inside feeling better and a bit more energized!
2. Turn off the screen and pick up a book. Netflix, cell phones, laptops, tablets, video games, social media…so many options of screens these days and there’s a lot of research that says it’s not good for our mental health. Sometimes when I receive the Sunday notifications that tells me how many hours I’ve spent on my phone that week it’s truly shocking and troubling. I’m not proud of how quick I am to pick up my phone and I can often tell when it’s become too much of a distraction. Let’s say goodbye to the mindless scrolling game and grab a book instead! There’s nothing like cozying up with a blanket, a cup of tea and a good book!
3. Exercise 30 minutes a day! When I was dealing with postpartum anxiety after my third baby, I relied on exercise to get that natural high and energy boost I desperately needed It really doesn’t take much to feel those endorphins kick in and as most exercise enthusiasts say, “You will never regret a workout!” It feels good to get your body moving whether it’s a light stretch or intense workout. Mayo Clinic’s website says, “30 minutes or more of exercise a day for three to five days a week may significantly improve depression or anxiety symptoms.” Let’s get moving!
4. Plan at least two social events in your calendar per month! This may be more or less depending on your stage of life, but in our house two a month seems like a win. Whether it’s a date night with your spouse, a coffee date with a friend or a shopping day with your mom, plan some things that you can look forward to! It seems harder to get outside of the house in the winter months when it gets dark so early and the temperatures make you want to stay inside, but having some events planned into your schedule will keep you interacting with those you love and help you get out of the house! Win win!
5. Try something new! Trying new activities keeps life fun! Go snowshoeing, try ice skating or skiing, make a new recipe or find a new trail to walk! Take up knitting or take a class. Sometimes we can get stuck in our normal day to day routines and we forget to branch out and give other things a try! The more we do the more we will realize that there are other things that we enjoy and maybe we will learn a new skill!
Please note, I am not a medical expert, but as I was thinking about how I could kick the winter lull and enjoy the next several months these ideas popped into mind. Hope they help you beat the blues and enjoy the season of winter!
Thanks for your blog, nice to read. Do not stop.