10 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues - The Minimal-ish Mama

Bad case of the winter blues? I feel ya.

I’m experiencing my first full winter in eight years. Instead of just two weeks of winter when we’re home for Christmas and then back to sunny Arizona, we’ve had weeks and weeks of snow and ice that melts to brown slush everywhere. Plus, the weather keeps playing games with us by getting crazy warm, tricking us that spring has arrived, and then freezing back down.

I find it hard to work on the goals I just set at the beginning of the new year when all I want to do is nap under a warm blanket! Getting up early, working out, putting on actual pants, and in general being productive are a struggle some days. But, just like trees need a season to be dormant, we need downtime too.

PSA: Let’s clarify the difference between winter blues and seasonal depression, or SAD (seasonal affective disorder). It’s normal to feel a little unmotivated after days without sun, but if you’re sleeping a lot more, gaining weight, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, having problems concentrating, it could be SAD. Especially if you’re feeling worthless, guilty, or depressed nearly every day. SAD isn’t something you have to suffer through – talk therapy, light therapy, and medication are just a few things that could help you keep a steady mood regardless of the weather outside.

If you’ve had enough of hibernation, here’s 10 ways to beat the winter blues:

1.Go Outside

Yes, really! I know it’s a lot of work to get bundled up, especially if you have kids in tow, but it’s worth it to take a brisk walk around the block. Fresh air cleanses your mind, lifts your mood, and can even soothe cranky babies to sleep.

2. Learn Something New

When all you want to do is zone out to Netflix on the couch under a cozy blanket all day, you need to shake yourself up! Learning wakes up your brain as you create new neural connections and stretches you in unfamiliar territory.

Is there a goal on your New Year’s Resolutions list that requires learning a new skill? Maybe, try an app for learning a new language, or Skillshare to take classes in art, cooking, writing, business, photography, and more (get 2 months of Premium Skillshare free here!) You can still sit on the couch with your cozy blanket, but instead of numbed out by Netflix, you’ll be expanding your mind!

3. Treat Yo’Self

Practice some self-care. Maybe your body is telling you you’ve been pushing yourself too hard. Lean into that, and do something nice for yourself. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just something out of your ordinary routine that feels special.

One of my favorite little things to do is painting my nails. It seriously makes me so happy to look down and see my nails looking good. I’ve been into ColorStreet nail strips, so I don’t have to worry about the dry time anymore. My sister-in-law sells them, check out her site!

4. Exercise

I wouldn’t include this unless it worked, which it does. Get your body moving – whether it’s going for a walk outside, cranking up some music and dancing it out with the kids, or going to a drop in yoga class with a friend.

The mind-body connection is real. If you’re feeling blah, moving your body in an energetic way can trick your mind into thinking you’ve got more energy!

5. Change Up Your Hair

New hair, new you! You see your hair every day, and trying a new color, cut, or just getting those annoyingly long bangs trimmed can make such a difference in your outlook on life. And, it’s just hair. You can dye it back if you hate the color, and if you don’t like the cut, it grows back, eventually!

6. Declutter

“Outer order, inner calm” as Gretchen Rubin says. If you’ve watched “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” on Netflix, you know how life changing cleaning out your space can be.

We’re a product of our environment, and overstuffed, cluttery, cramped, and messy spaces make us feel stressed, messy, cramped, and anxious.

Need some help? I’ve got a free decluttering guide for you with 20 pages of tips and checklists for every room. Download it here!

7. Light a Candle

Less “hibernation,” more “hygge.” We just talked about the effect of our space on our mental state, and one area this also happens is in our lighting. The Danes have it right when it comes to candles – and they burn the most per person in the world!

It’s hard to feel motivated, productive, and joyful when sitting in a dark room. At the same time, harsh, super bright lighting isn’t welcoming or relaxing. Candlelight provides a nice ambiance, and scent, if you so choose.

8. Listen to Some New Music

The background music makes the scene! So, set the tone of your day with some upbeat tunes. My current favorite is “Here Comes the Sun” while we’re eating breakfast. Even if it’s gray and gloomy outside, we can enjoy the sunny song inside. And even if we still end up rushing around to get ready for school, at least we have better background music.

9. Do Yoga

Unlike #4 above, yoga isn’t just about movement and getting your energy up. It’s really an experience for both your body and mind. Try a restorative yoga flow to stretch everything out and give your body some kindness. Meditate on some music that’s speaking to you, or some scripture or positive affirmations.

Yoga can help you connect to your emotions and mental state, bringing anything to the surface that you need to process and work through. If you’re feeling blocked, stuck, and not sure what step to take next, some yoga can clear up your mind and help you discover your next step.

10. Read – for Fun!

I’m talking fiction, humor, easy reads, your old favorites, magazines – all the things you think would be fun to read, but you don’t because you have a long list of books you “should” be reading. Just read for fun!

Last year I read several fiction books, even children’s fiction, just for fun – and as part of my book club. I miss that accountability! I want to keep my good reading streak going this year. If you have any favorite fiction or fun reads, let me know in the comments below!