3 Simple Tips to Beat the Winter Blues

Talk about a real slump.

The holidays are over.

Spring isn’t sprung.

The grass isn’t riz.

And you wonder where your sanity is.

Cabin fever has got everyone hemmed in…and this year’s record cold and snow may have you feeling buried – physically and mentally.

But don’t despair! You’re not alone. Try the tips below to find your own ‘cure’ for cabin fever!

1. Take up a new hobby – or revisit one you’ve been neglecting.

Let’s face it: winter has a way of making you feel hemmed in. As the months drag on, it’s easy to feel isolated in your own little snow globe. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t be creative, imaginative and determined to beat the winter blues!

I say, “Go for it!” Indulge your whim to pass the time and take your mind off the weather.

Now’s the time to read that book you’ve been putting off. How about playing a musical instrument? Or tending to an indoor garden? What about planning that trip you’ve been talking about forever? Looking to something pleasant in the future is a great way to relieve stress in the present.

Sort through your closet – out with the old! Open the door to your sewing room or re-discover your craft projects, mending pile or even that pattern you bought – you know, that one you were planning to use…for something! You don’t need to be an expert sewer or basket weaver, but you’ll discover the joy of crafting a homemade project.

And what about that recipe you’ve always wanted to try out – but were always too rushed to delve into? Now’s the time! Doesn’t the thought of a home-cooked meal sound wonderful on a cold winter day?

Have you thought of a homemade loaf of bread – there’s plenty of quick and easy recipes to help put that on the table! And just think of the aroma of freshly baked bread! Now that’s enough to take the chill off a drab winter’s day!

2. Start a new healthy habit.

Make it a habit to take good care of yourself – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Since the sunshine is in short supply this time of year, make sure you’re getting enough Vitamin D. Many people are affected by the lack of daylight, so even adding light to your room can help.

• Eat well and exercise. You’ve heard this one many times, but the benefits are tremendously positive. Even if you don’t think you have time to start a fitness plan, you do.
• Get the amount of sleep your body wants and needs.
• Commit to reading at least 10 pages of a book that inspires and enlightens you each day.
• Take time to meditate every day, even if it’s just for 5 minutes.
• Surround yourself with positive and ambitious people – and try to improve relationships in all areas of your life.

What are you waiting for? Start a healthy habit today! It’s hard to break old habits to make room for new and beneficial ones, but start small and tell yourself, “I’ll just try this healthy habit for a minute or two” (like running on a treadmill).

Watch how quickly two minutes flies – you’ll soon find yourself doing 30 minutes – happily – and enjoying all the benefits!

3. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em…

Even though you might find it hard to think of snow as being fun, it can be! Make a snowman or build a fort! You’ll find it wonderfully freeing – reminding you of the care-free days of childhood. And don’t forget skiing, sledding or snowboarding. Even a brisk walk outside is incredibly invigorating.

There are plenty of activities to do during winter. Watch the birds! Throw snowballs for your dog! And on those days when the sun does shine, get up early and watch the brilliant sunrise. There are few sites as beautiful as a glowing sunrise in the winter…when a field of snow sparkles and shimmers.

“With each spring comes new life, energy and green growth. In summer comes the sun, warm, kind and enduring. Fall brings its canvas of color in careful, gentle change. Winter brews into faithful strength, beauty in pure white. And then comes you. You are all that Nature offers, a blessing, a gift. You are the fifth season.”

-Jason F. Wright

Don’t be shy, share! Tell us what you do to combat the winter blues.