It’s Minnesotan winter weeks like this one that make me wonder: why did I ever leave California? Or rather, why didn’t I move to the rainforest/the outback/the beach, instead of Minnesota?
Whether you struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or simply a mild case of the winter blues, post-Christmas winter is hard for everyone. No more holidays, back to work, and the weather is completely miserable. Shorter days and bad weather mean less time outdoors–and more time cooped up, looking up flights to warmer places!
Whilst I’d love to hop a flight to the tropics as much as anyone, I do have a few cheaper tricks up my sleeve to deal with the winter blues. They’re quite simple, but little changes can often make a big difference in your happiness!
- Get up early. The sun sets early during winter, so set your alarm early to maximize daylight hours. Plenty of vitamin D keeps a body happy and healthy.
- Open the blinds. Even if outside looks totally gross. Again, when you can’t get outdoors, maximizing your sun exposure is especially important.
- Try a light box. Although I don’t have diagnosed SAD, my college nurse recommended purchasing a small light box and sitting near it for a few minutes each morning. It definitely made a difference in my mood during winter days. Of course, be sure to ask your doctor first, as light box therapy isn’t a good choice for certain medical conditions.
- Eat fresh foods. Even if they’re imported from afar and don’t at all taste like ripe summer fruits and veggies. No, it’s not the most sustainable choice–but sometimes local pickings are slim and you still need your nutrients in the winter. I love berries and oranges to brighten up my breakfasts.
- Stay hydrated. It’s easy to forget to drink enough water when it’s not boiling hot out. But the air is often even drier than summer, and dehydration headaches certainly don’t improve your mood.
- Remember your vitamins. Sometimes despite our best efforts, a good diet and indoor light exposure aren’t quite enough–so remember to take your multi.
- Buy flowers. Live in a cold, inhospitable winter climate? Bring a little spring cheer indoors with a bouquet of fresh flowers!
- Exercise. A quick full-body circuit or invigorating yoga routine can instantly improve anyone’s mood.
- Read. What better time to get lost in a book? I’m planning on diving into my 2019 reading list this week during our cold snap.
- Reorganize or redecorate a room. Decluttering is all the rage at the moment thanks to the Netflix show Tidying Up. Attack that stuffed-to-bursting closet or spare room, then give it a new fresh decor theme for the new year.
- Set ambitious goals. If you’re going to be stuck inside, you may as well take advantage of it. Sit down with a planner and think about what you want to accomplish this year–then plan out the steps to achieve your goals and get to work!
- Work at a coffee shop. Whether you work from home or are just catching up on life over the weekend–get out of the house. Check into a favorite coffee house, casual restaurant, or library for a change of pace.
- Explore museums, galleries, and other indoor attractions on your bucket list.
- Visit a conservatory or the zoo. I love visiting our local conservatory every February–something about the smell of flowers and the warm, humid air is just divine. Zoos often have warm climate indoor exhibits, too.
- Plan a warm summer vacation. Give yourself something to look forward to amidst all the cold and dreariness. I’ve been doing research for our 2020 trip to Australia lately.
If you’re still suffering, talk with your doctor. Midwinter might be a drag, but you needn’t be totally miserable for months. If you’ve tried changing your lifestyle to no avail, talk with your doctor about stronger options for dealing with your winter blues.
But tell me: What’s your favorite season? And what’s your best tip for beating the winter blues (no matter where you live)?
I usually think of myself as a winter person. However, as I’ve gotten older… let’s just say I don’t enjoy the cold as much as I once did! Perhaps our next chapter in life will take us to a warmer location 🙂