Winter is upon us and for most that means longer, darker, and much colder days. Without even realizing it you might start feeling a bit moodier, sadder, or lethargic. Many of us, especially those living further North, even suffer from a severe seasonal depression. In fact, winter blues have been a serious problem in places such as Scandinavia or Finland where advice for overcoming sadness have been shared for generations. We can learn from those who have kept spirits high in the coldest weather and longest winters to stay happy and healthy this season. Here are some ways to do just that.
1. Light it up. During the winter months it’s often dark when we wake up and dark again by the time we leave work. The lack of sunlight can have a serious effect on our mood. Enter holiday lights. While you don’t need to climb the roof and cover your house in Christmas lights, hanging some twinkling lights in comfy areas of your house are a great way to make darker days feel bright and warm.
2. Seasonal smells. Our sense of smell can evoke strong emotions. ‘Tis the season to light up fun candles that might smell like a fir tree or baked cookies. Or you can introduce a tropical scent and dream of beachy days. Candles not only add a calming visual with flickering light, they can make you feel better when stuck at home. If lit candles aren’t an option you could always boil some coffee beans or cinnamon and other spices on the stove to fill the whole house with a delicious scent.
3. Get up every day. Most people stuck in winter blues have a hard time getting up in the morning. Investing in a dawn simulator alarm clock might make waking up easier by combating the dark mornings. Warming your home with space heaters or heated blankets may also make it less daunting to get up and get dressed. Whatever you do, sticking to a schedule and waking up at the same time each day will help your body adapt to the more challenging schedule and help you feel less exhausted. Of course, you can always sleep in a day on the weekend!
4. Journal it out. It might seem counterintuitive, but if you write down your negative thoughts or feelings it is actually a lot easier to let those feelings go. Dozens of studies prove that writing allows us to use portions of our brains that process emotions and thoughts differently. A sentence a day could help you release the things dragging you down and focus on something else. You might even find it useful to write one small thing you are grateful for each day, which could be something as simple as cozy socks.
5. Socialize. Being tired makes it hard to keep plans, but it is so important to prioritize our friends and families this season. A short conversation, walk, or cup of coffee with another person can be a huge mood booster. Always beat winter blues with a buddy.
