5 Tips for Staying Positive During the Winter Months
Winter can be a harsh time of year. The weather is turning colder. Trees and other plants have shed their summer glory. The days are shorter while the nights drag on. Have we mentioned the cold yet? For many individuals seasonal affective disorder also becomes an issue, leaving those affected in a mental fog as they succumb to feeling blue. Jack Frost nipping at our noses isn’t as fun as it sounds. That’s why it’s important to have a bag of tricks handy to help make the coldest part of the year better.
Stay Active
The cold may be keeping us indoors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your move on! Try joining a local gym or exercise class. If you’re more of a stay-at-home person, you can use the exercise equipment you have on hand or look up at-home exercise routines online that don’t require it. On the warmer days, trying going for a walk or jog around the block. Even going out to shovel snow can have advantages if you keep an open mind. Getting the blood pumping not only keeps you warm, but it can also release endorphins that will help your mood perk up in no time!
Connect with Others
With staying indoors, it’s easy to feel alone. So, why not combat those feelings by spending time with others? If you’re living with family or roommates, try setting up fun activities to do together. Have a movie marathon after building the best pillow fort ever! Have a cook-off as you each prepare your “signature dish” to see who is the top chef of your abode. Game nights are always fun, even with the rage-quit moments certain boardgames may bring. Go out for a meal at a restaurant that you’ve always wanted to visit.
If you can’t physically be with loved ones, virtual hangouts can work too! Video calling has opened so many doors that used to be closed. You can either call one person for an intimate chat or all your pals for a fun time together! Organize online karaoke nights or trivia contests. Binge watch a favorite series together. The moments you all spend together will warm your hearts on even the coldest days.
Do Something New
All the downtime these cold months can bring is a perfect time to do something new. Try reading a new women empowerment blog to learn more about how to live your best life. Look into that new hobby that you always wanted to attempt. Maybe there’s a documentary that you’ve never seen before on a topic that’s important to you. Doing something new will make you smile and broaden your horizons!
Plan Ahead…
Instead of pining for the summer months, plan what you’ll do. Make lists of what you want to do over the summer. Make a vision board of the places you want to go, activities you want to do, and maybe even the food you want to eat. Maybe go ahead and book that vacation you want to go on. This will turn your moping into excitement for the future!
But Don’t Forget to Appreciate the Present
Yes, winter can be a real pain, but there is beauty to be found in it too. You have time to do things you may have put over during the rest of the year. Take the time to reorganize your space. Take notice of how peaceful it can be outside compared to the rest of the time. Reflect on the blessings that you’ve experienced this year. You don’t have to keep going at breakneck speeds as you may during the rest of the year. Take time to slow down and appreciate the little things this season has to offer.
Don’t let this time of year get you down. It’s your time to shine! Spend time with those you care about so you all can chase the winter blues away. Do something new no matter how big or small for a welcome change from the norm. Exercise to keep warm and to keep going no matter how cold it is outside. Show this season who’s boss by being your best self.