10 Best Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

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Fun ways on how to beat the winter blues!

Overcome the depressing darkness of the winter by these tried and true WINTER BLUE REMEDIES.

How to Beat the Winter Blues

Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to talk about the Winter Blues.

Most of us experience them in one way or another.

The hustle and excitement of the holiday season let the cold winter sneak upon us.

We get so caught up in enjoying some of our favorite holidays that we don’t realize the air is colder, the sky is darker, and the trees are bare.

Then, January rolls around and everything slows down.

Why Winter Is Blue

There are no longer holiday parties, big shopping trips, family gatherings, or tons of holiday goodies to look forward to.

It’s cold, it’s flu season, it’s BLAH!

There is that long stretch of winter from January to March, which is really hard for many people to deal with.

Some people may have a touch of the blues in these dark winter months, but others truly suffer from what is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

For me, after Christmas is over, I’m ready for summer.

Don’t get me wrong because I love snow, it is beautiful and it makes me feel cozy to watch falling snowflakes.

I love how the landscape is so pristine covered all in snow.

On the contrary, it is a different story after the snow melts, when everything is a murky, muddy mess.

There is no beauty in that!

My family hibernates in the winter to try to use these tips to avoid getting sick because it is cold & flu season after all.

We must do this because of my daughter’s heart condition. 

Although after a while, cabin fever starts to set in.

We all get a little antsy and bored.

I have had to get a little creative to not let myself or my family succumb to the winter blues.

Everything may be gray outside, but there are many fun ways to BEAT THE WINTER BLUES.

 

 

10 Best Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

1. Get Outside

Going outside may be the last thing you want to do on a cold winter day, but it is really helpful in combating the winter blues.

I know that when it’s cold and dreary, I would rather be inside under my electric throw blanket.

When the outside is yucky, it takes a little persuasion to bundle up, put your boots on and head outside.

The sunshine and fresh air can do so much good.

If there is snow on the ground even better, let the kids play! The cool crisp air will be exhilarating.

Hopefully, the gray clouds will even let the healing sunshine peek out.

2. Essential Winter Vitamins

Vitamins are essential during the winter months.

We usually aren’t eating as healthy as we should be and most of the garden-fresh foods are not in season.

Also, as I have already stressed, it is flu-season.

Vitamin D

Without being exposed to daily sunlight, we are prone to Vitamin D deficiencies. Vitamin D is very important for our bodies.

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to many unwanted illnesses, including autoimmune disorders.

It has a large impact on the immune system.

I put a couple of drops of tasteless Vitamin D3 Liquid under my tongue every morning.

The liquid absorbs much better than taking a pill.

Vitamin C

Another great winter essential is Vitamin C.

It is extra beneficial in fighting off nasty colds that spread more often in the winter months.

 Vitamin C can be found in many food sources, especially fruits. It is also essential to iron absorption.

Elderberry

Elderberry Gummies are by far my children’s favorite vitamin, and mine as well.

They are so delicious.

The antioxidants in elderberries have so many healthy-immune benefits. We love Zarbee’s brand Elderberry Gummies, but you can easily make your own DIY Elderberry syrup.

3. Get Some Light

Blue light therapy has been clinically shown to reduce the winter blues and give you more energy on winter days.

 Sunlight is an essential ingredient for a healthy lifestyle, but it is hard to get enough sun on cold, dreary days.

Some of these little lights can be set on timers on your nightstand to help you wake up in a happier mood.

We like to set our happy light on low at the breakfast table to give everyone a little boost of happy energy in the mornings.

4. Eat Healthily

We tend to eat less healthily in the winter months.

From divulging in all the holiday meals and goodies to devouring rich comfort foods, our winter eating habits are not that healthy.

Try to eat more fresh foods like fruits and vegetables to help your body feel more energized.

Even though many fruits and vegetables are out of season, most markets still have a wide variety.

In the winter, hot comforting foods like soups or chicken-n-dumplings are so delicious, but remember to try healthier comfort food recipes like these immune-boosting baked apples.

5. Practice Hygge

Did you know that studies have proven the happiest people in the world live in the Nordic countries despite having some of the longest, darkest winters?

By practicing Hygge, they are able to beat the winter blues.

Hygge, pronounced “Hue-guh,” is a Nordic way of life that celebrates coziness, warmth, kinship, and appreciation for the little things.

The translation loosely means well-being, however, it can’t really be translated into one word.

Hygge is more of a mindset of how you embrace life.

Sitting by a warm crackling fire enjoying a rich hot chocolate and reading a great book is an example of practicing Hygge.

It’s those little moments that make us feel warm and cozy.

If you are interested in learning more about Hygge, then check out this book The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living that explains it more in-depth. 

Another great book about Hygge, that I am currently reading, is Making Winter: A Hygge-Inspired Guide to Surviving the Winter Months.

I love this book from all the beautiful photography, delicious recipes, and little DIY’s that are inspiring and accessible no matter what your skill level is.

6. Enjoy Family Time

Time spent with family is worth every second.

During this slow winter season take time for the people in your life.

Play board games or watch old movies together snuggled under a blanket.

Let the darkness of the winter give you a reason to put down your phone to take a social media break and spend real quality time with the people you hold dear.

7. Start a Gratitude Journal

Another easy way to beat the winter blues is to start a gratitude journal. Having gratitude for everything will shift your entire focus.

Gratitude not only shifts our mental focus when we have gratitude, but we also sleep better, eat better, and we are generally more healthy.

When we start focusing on what is going right in our lives, then it shifts our whole way of thinking.

I wrote out an entire 30 day plan to Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude. 

Or if you want positive vibes sent right to your inbox here is a free 5-day course on how to live a more intentional life.

8. Get Your DIY On

When the winter months have you stuck inside, then get to work.

If you are like me you have lists of projects you need to get done.

Take this time to declutter and organize your home. You can even print out this FREE 30 Decluttering Challenge!

Start some DIY projects or crafts. I have a whole list of DIY’s here 🙂

Or start a hobby you have always wanted to learn. Or if hobbies or DIY’s aren’t your thing, then grab a great book to take your mind to a happier place.

9. Take a Winter Getaway

Last year, we just couldn’t take the cabin fever any longer.

I hopped on Groupon and found a great deal for a beach resort.

Spending the weekend on the beach was just what our family needed.

The sunshine gave us a full dose of Vitamin D and the ocean swept the winter blues away.

Sometimes all we need is a little Vitamin Sea.

10. Throw a “Beat the Winter Blues” Party

Get your closest friends out of their hibernation modes and invite them over for a fun party.

I have a sign in my kitchen that says “Celebrate Everything” because life is too short, you don’t need a reason to throw a party.

Just have one!

Have all your friends bring a pot-luck, choose a fun theme, play some good tunes, and “Party on Wayne”.

Improve Winter Mood

Another great way to tackle the winter blues is by taking a self-care challenge!

Wishing you a happy winter, and hope your mood doesn’t drop as fast as the thermometer.

If you still find yourself feeling the blues after trying these tips, don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

Remember the winter blues can affect us all.

Keep this Japanese Proverb in mind “One kind word can warm three winter months”.

More Fun Ways To Beat The Winter Blues

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