It’s not unusual to feel sad during the winter months. But take heart, spring will surely come. In the meantime, try these ten simple tricks that can help ease the winter blues.
Don’t stay inside and hide from winter. Get out! Bundle up and take on the chill.
Step outside for a healthy dose of fresh air by taking a short walk or light a fire and treat yourself to s’mores. When you’re done, warm up with a long soak in the tub.
It’s hard to get enough of the sunshine vitamin during the fall and winter. Try to incorporate foods rich in vitamin D into your diet, like salmon, tuna, yogurt, milk, and cod liver oil.
Add some color to your life and lift your mood. Just a little color change can make a difference. Brighten your day, by wearing a bright color scarf or shirt, a pair of colored Converse sneakers, or just add a pop of color with bright mittens and a hat.
Now could also be a great time to add a new color to your home. Paint an accent wall or bathroom. Buy some bright new towels or throw pillows. Invest in a bright and blissfully soft blanket throw.
Make a big bowl of happiness and health. Soups brimming with veggies and beans, slow-simmered stews, or spicy chili can set the tone for comfort and a sense of well-being. Add some homemade cornbread or rolls. These are meals that fill a room with comforting aromas and can be easily frozen and reheated to cheer you again.
On your next trip to the grocery store, pick up a bouquet to celebrate you! Put the arrangement where you can stop and smell the roses, daisies, or lilies often. You can even break up a bouquet into small vases to place in other rooms of the house to spread the joy.
Enjoy the shorter days by doing something different. Start a new project. Find a book you’ve been meaning to read. Plan a family game night.
No family around? Well, when was the last time you played solitaire with an actual deck of cards? Add a cup of hot cocoa and marshmallows, your favorite music, and let yourself win.
What feels better than a clean and organized closet, garage, office, or even a sock drawer? Devote a day or a few hours to eliminate clutter, donate to charity, and enjoy the results.
Switch up your usual playlist. Indulge in some classical music. Close your eyes and make up a ballet or figure skating routine in your head.
Ask Alexa to play your favorite oldies. Best of all, get up and dance. Push aside some furniture for a dance floor. No partner required.
As a way of getting the benefits of light therapy, find a way to add sunlight to your life. Throw open the curtains and pull up the blinds. Trim away shrubs or limbs outside your window to bring bright light inside.
Move your workspace next to a window. If this isn’t possible, get a therapy lightbox and use it for 30 minutes a day.
Make a list of things you’re looking forward to doing when this season is over. How will you celebrate? Make a list of people you’re looking forward to seeing. While you’re at it, drop them a text message, email, or an honest-to-goodness letter to tell them you’re thinking of them.
Get online and investigate new places you’d like to explore, even if they’re in your own town. Just thinking of the possibilities can bring a smile to your face.
The information and materials provided on this website are intended for informational purposes only and should not be treated as an offer or solicitation of credit or any other product or service of Regional Finance or any other company. This website may contain links to websites controlled or offered by third parties. We have not reviewed all of the third-party sites linked to this website and are not responsible for the content, products, privacy policy, security, or practices of any linked third-party website. The inclusion of any third-party link does not imply any endorsement by Regional Finance of the linked third party, its website, or its product or services. Use of any third-party website is at your own risk.
References accessed on January 29, 2021:
9 Scientifically-Backed Ways to Beat the Fall and Winter Blues
10 Ways to Fight Off the Winter Blues
8 Ways to Cope with the Winter Blues
Seasonal affective disorder treatment: Choosing a light therapy box
You can prequalify for your personal loan online in just minutes by clicking prequalify now. Or, if you prefer, call or stop by your local branch to get the process started. Our loan specialists can answer any questions you may have such as what a personal loan is, understanding personal loan interest rates, and how to qualify for a personal loan. We’ll help you fill out an application for the type of loan that fits your needs.
