7 Ideas for Overcoming the Winter Blues

I don’t know about you, but I am so over all this cold weather and snow.  While I was away last week and in somewhat of a funk over all the frigid weather, my family made a comment that stuck with me.  They said, Sarah, maybe you have the winter blues.

{Note:  This post contains affiliate links. Read disclosure here.}

According to my mom, this is a real phenomenon that can occur in the winter months when it gets dark earlier and the weather is colder.  Whether or not she is correct medically speaking, it certainly made some sense to me that this season could affect ones mood.

{Note: If you suspect you may be struggling with depression or seasonal affective disorder, please seek a medical professional.  That is nothing to mess with and nothing to be ashamed about.} 

So rather than stay in my “funk” for the next couple of months, I want to do something about it.  In case you find yourself suffering from them as well, try these 7 ideas for overcoming the winter blues.

1.  Get outside in the sunshine for at least 10 minutes

I know that sunshine has gotten a bad wrap lately with the increase in skin cancers, but there are so many good health benefits to being out in the sun for just a few minutes each day.  And if you just slather on your sunscreen*, you should be just fine.  Try taking a short walk around the block or get outside for a few minutes and do jumping jacks with your kids.

2.  Start {or finish up} an indoor house project

Since there’s not a whole lot to be done outside in your yard, the winter months are the perfect time to tackle some small indoor household projects.  Take this time to work on some painting or that laundry room redesign you’ve been contemplating.  If money is tight, something as simple as rearranging the furniture in a room or switching out pictures in your frames are some great ways to give a room a whole new look.

3.  Work towards a fitness goal

Exercise has a great affect on mood any time of the year, but especially in the winter.  A few years ago, I signed up to train for a 10k that was coming in the spring.  I had a training schedule to follow for each day and it gave me a goal to work towards.  Your goal can be large or small, but you will be encouraged when you see your work pay off.

4.  Read a book

For some reason, I really love reading in the wintertime.  There is something so enjoyable about snuggling up on the couch or in bed with a hot beverage and reading a great book.  Try picking a book that’s been collecting dust on your shelf or a book that’s part of a series you’ve been hearing great things about.  I couldn’t put down Redeeming Love* and the books in The Hunger Games* trilogy.

5.  Organize / declutter your home

Since you’re probably spending more time indoors, why not tackle some of those organization projects you’ve been wanting to get marked off your list?  Pick one room at a time and work on getting it decluttered and organized.  Since you have all winter, you could even pick one room for every 1-2 weeks so you don’t feel overwhelmed.  There’s nothing wrong with getting a heard-start on your spring cleaning.  I love Marie Kondo’s method of tidying and decluttering your home.  Read all about it in her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up*.

6.  Start planning your summer vacation

The winter is a great time to start planning summer vacations.  Rentals can go quickly and perhaps planning your next trip will help you have something to look forward to in the midst of the dreariness.  If you can’t be at the beach now, at least you know you will be able to enjoy it later on in the year!

7.  Count your blessings

If you are like me and really dislike cold weather, it can be easy to become a complainer when you have the winter blues.  Just remember that there is always someone who has it worse.  Be thankful you have a home with heat and that the God created seasons that don’t last forever.  How would you be able to appreciate spring if there was no winter?