Welp! It’s finally happening. After extended months of temperatures going back and forth between hot and cold, we have finally settled on it truly being winter. And although it took longer this year to settle in, and I hope everyone took advantage of those extra months of warm weather, we are finally here. I know, I know—you, like most people, hate winter and have yielded to the ever-dooming feeling of the winter blues. But stay with me for a second and let me tell you how it doesn't have to be this way.
I, like yourself, used to HATE winter until one dreamy winter. Some friends and I decided to take a road trip up to Mendocino Grove for a glamping trip, and let me tell you, something about this trip really reset my whole mentality. It was during a time that I was really stressed out and didn’t know that I needed a break. My friends and I would go on hiking trips often, but never during the winter. I can’t say that I was ecstatic about it, but I was open since it was my first glamping trip. It was something about the fresh, crisp air as we hiked along the coastline, the heated beds in our tents where you could hear the sounds of nature in the otherwise silence of the night. The hot chocolate and yoga in the morning by the main community campgrounds. It was everything that I needed, exactly when I needed it most. This is when I revamped my idea of what winter meant to me.
It led me to where I now identify winter as a segment of time where everything outside slows down. The energy is calmer, less buzzy, and allows me to tap into a slower pace of life. It reminds me to take my time but also to take care of myself. It is the time that I associate with words like cozy, warmth, nurturing, pampering, and going within. You get what I’m saying, right? Okay, so let’s get you a new way of looking at winter, because it doesn’t have to be a season of gloom. With a little creativity and intention, you can embrace the season, lift your spirits, and make the most of the colder months. Here are a few things that I do that can help you get started on your new outlook on winter.
1. Get Outside and Embrace the Beauty of Winter
While it’s tempting to stay cozy inside, we have plenty of time to do that as well, so let’s also get some fresh air this season. There’s a lot of beauty to be found outdoors in winter: the crisp air, snow-covered landscapes (depending on where you live), and the peaceful stillness can be refreshing and invigorating.
Go for a Winter Walk or Hike: Remember, this is what led me to revamping my outlook on winter. If you normally love to go on long walks and/or hikes, don’t let winter stop you from continuing what makes you feel good. Just make sure that you bundle up. If you have children or even a fur baby, take the little one(s) out for a stroll. You will both love it! If you want to go solo, take a walk through a park or a nearby trail. The winter landscape, with its bare trees, frosty ground, and quiet atmosphere, can be calming and peaceful. If you’re lucky enough to have snow, walking in a winter wonderland is an experience in itself.
Try Winter Activities: Many cities offer ice skating rinks, and if you have snow, bring out your inner kid and go sledding. Sometimes, our winter blues just need a little tap into being a kid again. Build a snowman or, ohhhh, a snow fort! A cup of hot chocolate afterward is the perfect way to top off a day of play.
Take Winter Photos: Bring out that inner photographer in you! It allows you to be present and see the details of the beauty that nature possesses, even in the wintertime. Snowflakes, frozen ponds, foggy mornings, winter trees, and wildlife can all make for beautiful shots.
2. Boost Your Mood with Light
Okay, so here is where we are really affected by it all. The lack of natural sunlight during winter can bring your mood down, making you feel sluggish and a little sad. So let’s do things that combat this by being intentional about getting what we need:
Maximize Daylight Hours: Try to get outside during the daylight hours, even if it’s just for a quick walk around your neighborhood—especially on days when the sun is breaking through the clouds. If you don’t have time for a walk, go out on your patio or head to the window and hold your face toward the sun with your eyes closed. Like you’re sunbathing...the winter edition. Lol. You may feel prone to leaving blinds and drapes closed, but open them up so you can get whatever light is available. Remember, you are supposed to put on sunscreen even on overcast days, so that means even when you don’t see a lot of sun, there’s still light to be had. So, open those blinds! Exposure to natural light, especially in the morning, can help regulate your circadian rhythm and lift your spirits.
Try Light Therapy: If you live in an area with long winters or frequent cloudy days, consider investing in a light therapy box. These devices mimic natural sunlight and are often used to help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that typically occurs during the winter months. You can also try red light therapy. It can help regulate circadian rhythms by stimulating the brain's production of serotonin and melatonin. It also helps with SAD and depression, as well as anxiety and stress, and sleep disorders (helping with insomnia and improving sleep quality).
Decorate with Warm Lighting: I really love a good low light. I use my lamps more than my overhead lights, and I’m always lighting candles. You don’t have to just use lamps or candles; you can use string lights as well to create a cozy atmosphere indoors. For me, it really sets the mood of comfort and relaxation. The softness and warmth of the lighting can help alleviate the feeling of gloom and bring a comforting glow to your space.
3. Focus on Self-Care, Mental Health, and Stay Active
Nobody says that you have to go hard in the gym, but getting your body moving on a daily basis will help prevent you from slipping into a slippery slope of inactivity for long periods of time, which can make you feel like you aren’t doing anything—which can lead to what? Yup, you got it, depression is soon to follow. Physical activity is one of the best ways to boost your mood and energy levels. Even though winter might make it harder to stay motivated to work out, staying active is essential for combating the winter blues.
Take Indoor Fitness Classes: Many gyms and fitness centers offer indoor classes like pilates or spin. It's the perfect way to be surrounded by other people in order to get that social aspect during the winter months. If you prefer staying at home, there are plenty of online workout programs and videos to choose from. I love my 20-minute HIIT YouTube workouts!
Try Winter Yoga or Meditation: Winter is an ideal time to slow down and focus on your mental well-being. Try a calming yoga flow or meditation practice to help reduce stress. Incorporating mindfulness practices like deep breathing, meditation, or journaling into your daily routine can help you stay grounded. Yoga and meditation can help you stay present in the moment, rather than getting bogged down by winter’s challenges. Again, YouTube has a plethora of yoga videos to choose from with various lengths to fit your schedule, as well as guided meditation videos.
Go for a Winter Swim: If you have access to an indoor swimming pool, swimming is a great way to exercise while staying warm indoors. The soothing effect of water combined with exercise can help you feel rejuvenated.
4. Warm Up with Comfort Food
Food can be an instant mood booster, especially when it’s warming and comforting. Winter is the perfect time to indulge in hearty, nourishing meals that not only fill you up but also lift your spirits.
Cook Hearty Soups and Stews: For me, every season is soup season, but winter is definitely crowned soup season! Whip up a big pot of your favorite soup, stew, or chili. These dishes are full of flavor, easy to make, and perfect for warming up after a cold day outdoors. Plus, there is something comforting about the feel of being pampered as you make a hearty pot of soup for yourself.
Bake Cozy Treats: There’s nothing like the smell of fresh-baked goods to make a home feel cozy. Try baking muffins, cookies, or cakes with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. Baking can also be a relaxing and creative activity that lifts your mood. Look on Pinterest, YouTube, or Instagram for great recipe ideas!
Create a Hot Beverage Ritual: Make a ritual of enjoying hot drinks like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or mulled wine. Pair your warm beverages with a cozy blanket and a good book or a movie for the ultimate relaxation. I wind down my night by fixing myself a hot cup of tea, lighting a candle, and burning some incense—all while recounting the things I am grateful for at the end of the day. It’s how I close out my night.
5. Create a Cozy Atmosphere
Create a cozy, warm atmosphere that encourages relaxation and contentment. Embrace the winter season by transforming your home into a cozy retreat. The one thing I love the best is turning my space into a nurturing space of comfort and peace.
Layer Up: Add blankets, throw pillows, and plush rugs to your living space. A comfy space with lots of color and textures such as soft fabrics can create a sense of warmth and security during the cold months.
Build a Cozy Reading Nook: I always create a little corner with a large comfy chair-and-a-half located near a window for me to nestle into. You can set up a designated spot in your home where you can curl up with a good book, hot drink, and a cozy blanket. Create a nook that invites you to slow down, relax, and enjoy some quality time with yourself.
Unplug and Relax: Winter is the perfect time to take a break from the digital world. Set aside time each week to unplug, put your phone on silent, and enjoy a few hours of quiet relaxation. Whether you enjoy a good book, a puzzle, or a warm bath, giving yourself permission to do nothing can help reset your mind.
6. Embrace a New Hobby or Learn Something New
Winter can be the perfect time to explore new interests or develop a hobby you’ve always wanted to try. The way I have a list of creative home decor tasks I want to try while we are in our own mini hibernation has me excited. I don’t know if they will turn out well, but I am going to give it a whirl. Whether it’s something creative, intellectual, or hands-on, learning something new can keep you mentally stimulated.
Learn a New Craft: Try knitting, crocheting, painting, or pottery. Creative hobbies not only engage your mind but also give you something to look forward to. You can make handmade gifts for others or create art that brings joy into your home.
Take an Online Course: Winter is a great time to invest in personal development. Take an online course, learn a new language, or pick up a skill that will excite you. The sense of accomplishment from learning something new can boost your confidence and mood.
Always Remember
You may not have access or be able to do all of the above, but if you can find at least 1 or 2 things that you can incorporate into your winter season, you will be able to reclaim the winter as one of positivity versus having a negative outlook on the season. Although winter can sometimes feel long and isolating, it offers plenty of opportunities to embrace a slower, more reflective pace. By getting outside, staying active, surrounding yourself with warmth, and investing in self-care, you can turn the winter months into a time of joy, creativity, and renewal. With the right mindset, the winter blues don’t have to dominate your season—you can embrace the beauty of winter and make the most of this cozy time of year.
Happy hibernation!
-Sacred
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