Here’s How to Beat the Winter Blues

It’s not unusual to feel a little winter depression once the days start getting shorter, or even after the holidays. In fact, post-holiday blues can sometimes last right through to spring. The quicker you can find ways to perk up, the better you’ll feel. It’s time to shake off the old year and welcome in the new. Here’s some tips to get you started.

Get Out & About

You’ve probably spent a lot time indoors over the holidays, decorating your home, getting together with family, preparing meals and so on. Getting outside for some winter activities and healthy exercise can help stave off cabin fever. Take a look for some fun things near you. Consider a winter walk in the park, outdoor ice skating or taking the kids tobogganing. Maybe add a fire pit to the backyard, then bundle up and roast some marshmallows. Perhaps a local farmer is offering sleigh rides, which is great fun for the whole family.

Exercise

Many of us overindulge throughout the holidays, so the new year is a good time to get in shape and rid yourself of excess weight. A healthy body promotes a healthy mind. Start simple, like adding an exercise mat or yoga set to a corner of your bedroom or basement. A kettlebell will help keep up your arm and leg strength. If you have a bicycle stored in the garage, pick up a bike trainer stand so you can exercise inside the house.

Personal Care

Looking your best can also help chase away the winter blahs. Make sure you maintain your personal hygiene. That means brushing your teeth every day and keeping up other aspects of oral care. Don’t stray from your normal shaving routine, and take whatever time you need to keep your hair looking its best – so you can feel your best! You should also take a quick inventory of all your soaps, creams and other personal hygiene products to ensure you’re well-stocked for the next few months.

Home Therapies

A little bit of pampering can also help nourish your soul and spirit. Heating pads and foot and body massagers are great for sore muscles after a workout. An aromatherapy diffuser with essential oils can turn a simple bath into a luxurious retreat. Consider a nature sounds spa machine or therapy energy light to help transport your psyche to sunnier climes.

Eat Healthy

It’s also a great time to get back on track with a healthy diet. You can look for a good dietician-designed diet, or simply start eating more vegetables and smaller portions. Cutting out the junk food is also a good idea. A good blender will allow you to mix up healthy soups and smoothies, while an air fryer will let you cook delicious meals with almost no fat. Air fryers have become one of the most popular small appliances in today’s home kitchens.

Cooking & Baking

If you’re not under the gun to get dinner on the table, cooking and baking can actually be a calming, meditative experience. Alternatively, it’s also a great, fun activity you can share with the kids – plus the results are delicious! Let them choose their favourites but use healthy ingredients that also taste great. That doesn’t mean eliminating treats, of course. For dinners, each family member could choose a personal favourite, be it mac-n-cheese or homemade pizza. Make sure you’ve got all the right bakeware before presenting your plan.

Look Ahead, Not Back

Make a new year’s resolution you can keep. Focus on an activity or sport you love or would like to learn to help beat the winter blues. Check out some clubs and associations in your neighbourhood. It’s also the perfect time to make travel plans, even if it’s only a day trip to a new destination. Consider purchasing a membership in a favourite institution – a zoo, museum, or art gallery, for instance.

Creative Fun Pursuits

Have you neglected a once favourite hobby? Think about getting back into something you love. You can always dust off the sewing machine or dig your paints and canvas out of storage. There are also many online courses available for you to learn more about almost any subject, including art and crafts. A game night can be a lot of fun for the whole family. Pull some old favourites off the shelf, or add some classic board games to your collection.

Engaging Audio & Video

Don’t just watch TV because it’s on – seek out your favourite movies and tv shows. A great comedy, documentary or nature show could be just the ticket when you’re feeling those post-Christmas blues. Your favourite music can also help soothe the senses and help you feel more at peace.

Step out of Your Comfort Zone

Taking on a new challenge will give you a sense of accomplishment. Think of something you’ve always wanted to do and resolve to do it! Take some ski lessons, try tackling the local climbing wall, or join a martial arts club. Make a list and add one item per month to help get you through the winter.

Focus on Others

Turn your focus toward family and friends you didn’t see over the holidays. If they aren’t too far away, arrange to have lunch together or join up to do something you all enjoy. You can also volunteer to help others less fortunate than yourself. There are always plenty of aid groups looking for helpers. You will be rewarded with heartfelt thanks and the knowledge that you have made a valuable contribution to your community.

Put Your House in Order

When you’re suffering from post-holiday blues, cleaning and organizing your home can have therapeutic benefits. Once the mess has been eliminated and a space provided for everything, you will feel immense satisfaction. You can sit back and enjoy it, knowing that your time was well spent.

A positive outlook and actionable plan are the best way to deal with the winter blues. Don’t forget that a little personal pampering is also in order. Take a break to read a new book or pick up your favourite self-care products for an at-home spa day. You deserve it!