Say Goodbye to Winter Blues! Apply These Tips to Improve Your Mood

After the holiday season passes and the new year begins, it’s easy to slip into what a lot of people are calling the "winter blues." Shorter days, colder weather, and fewer social obligations can add to feelings of sadness and loneliness—but it doesn’t have to be this way. There are mindful steps you can apply to your lifestyle to keep yourself happy and healthy during this season.

Try adopting any, or all, of the following approaches to get started with a more rewarding routine for the colder months.

Brighten Up Your Space

One of the biggest issues with the winter months is the decrease in sunlight you’re exposed to—especially once the sun starts setting in the late afternoon and early evening. Try brightening up your home or office space with lamps, plants, and colorful quotes or pieces of artwork that remind you to celebrate each day. Sitting close to a window or artificial light for 30 minutes a day can improve moods significantly.

Get Outside

Getting out of your home or office is a great way to fight feelings of isolation or loneliness and even lower your stress levels. Taking 10 minutes each day to walk around the block or building is beneficial for both your physical and mental health.

Exercise

This may or may not be part of your new year’s resolution, but either way, exercise is a phenomenal platform to combat depression, anxiety, and sluggish tendencies. You can brave the cold and go for a run, walk, or stop in at your local gym to put this into practice. Not interested in adding a gym membership, try out some of the many varied free videos available on YouTube!

Plan

Start now and plan a vacation or splurge on tickets for a concert or theater production! This will give you something exciting to look forward to, especially if you’re planning a trip to a warmer climate. Feeling low on funds after the holidays, drive just one town over and go for a brisk walk down the main avenue to do some window shopping! Plan to meet a friend at a new coffee shop. Sometimes just visiting a new town or lunch spot can lift your spirits!

Take Care of You

Set aside time for yourself. Whether that means going to get a manicure or pedicure, having a glass of wine, or taking a bath—these moments of self-care are crucial for your mental health and overall mood. Try to make time each day, no matter how big or small, to do something for yourself.

Focus

This may look like meditation, breathing, or journaling—whatever it may be, take some time to be mindful, reflect, and cherish each moment. Whether you’re goal-setting or meal-prepping, challenge yourself to be present in the moment. You’ll find it makes each situation much more rewarding and relaxing.

Remember, the winter months don’t have to be cold and boring. Spruce yours up with fun plans, mindful activities, lots of light, and outdoor experiences to keep your spirit revived and your vibes positive this season.