Surviving the Winter Blues

Boy, the winter has been “wintering” this year! If you are experiencing a little bit of winter blues, you are not alone. Here are some quick tips to support your mental health as we await some warmer weather.

Learn More About Surviving the Winter Blues

Don’t skip out on the sunshine you can find

I’m the first to want to “opt out” of time outdoors during the colder months, but whenever I do venture out, I’m always glad I did. It can be worth it to bundle up and spend some time soaking in the sunshine and breathing in some fresh air. Channel your inner flower, close your eyes and face the sky for a few minutes. Take a solo walk or recruit family, friends or a pet to join you for an extra boost! If the snow sneaks back to Raleigh again this winter, take a moment to feel the flakes hit your face. It doesn’t have to be long! Stepping outdoors even just for a minute or two can make an impact. If braving the brisk air isn’t your thing, make sure those blinds are open during the day! Even indoors, the sunshine flooding your space can help your body remember to turn onduring the daytime to infuse a little extra energy into your winter days.

Get a little movement in

Winter walks may not be your choice, but there are plenty of ways to stay moving during the winter months! Head to the local mall for a warmer walk – complete with people watching to pass the time. Get up and at it with an entertaining dance workout. Little bursts of movement are better than none. Take breaks from the movie marathon or Netflix binge to stretch, do a few jumping jacks, and wake up the body a bit. If energy is at an all time low, a gentle yoga video before bed works wonders to help engage those muscles that have been hibernating and lead you into a peaceful sleep.

Embrace indoor hobbies

With all the content available on our screens, it is easy to use consumption to fill your time when you’re staying indoors. It’s easy to miss out on the opportunity it brings – a chance to try new hobbies! Whether it’s puzzles, games, crafts, or learning a new skill like a language or instrument, there’s plenty of ways to add some variety to your days. You might curate some new playlists, scrapbook memories of brighter times, or learn how to bake something delicious. In fact, if you’re interested in trying new recipes, there’s never been a better time to whip up a new cozy casserole or soup!

Try a change of scenery

Just because it’s dreary outdoors, doesn’t mean there aren’t indoor places to explore! A few hours spent window shopping, sipping a coffee or grabbing a bite in a new environment can refresh your mind.

If getting out of the house isn’t in the cards, it might be time to switch up your space. Maybe it’s time to clean out and organize that closet you’ve been putting off. There’s always one! If you’ve been considering rearranging a room, give it a go. Simple changes can transform how you feel in a space. Even something small like changing around the pillows and lamps in the house or trying a new candle can break you out of the monotony and liven up the home!

Stay social

While hibernating can be tempting, there’s something to be said for the camaraderie of friends or family navigating the blues together! Send that text, schedule that video call, or, better yet, make some time to be together in person – even if it is just to rot on their couch together instead of your own.

Lean into the cozy

While it’s always good to stay attentive to our wellness needs through movement, socializing, and time outdoors, sometimes the best medicine for the winter blues is leaning into the cozy atmosphere. Cuddle up on the couch, keep the lighting low, pick out your favorite candle, brew up a warm coffee or hot chocolate and enjoy the winter while it’s here! Before you know it, the spring sunshine will have us back out and about!

Kelsey
Kelsey Terrell is a Graduate Student Intern with the Mindly Group studying Mental Health Counseling.

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