Winter is Coming: Combating the Winter Blues

Written By : Grace Weidenhamer

“Winter is coming.” I can actually use and understand that reference because I am finally watching Game of Thrones. But seriously, winter is coming for real. The days are about to get darker, colder, and shorter, and we must do everything we can to prepare. Is this a survival guide? Not really. But if you’re like me, finding motivation and energy can be really difficult this time of year. So here’s how we can try to combat that and make the most of the season:

Get as much light as possible

If you live in a gray place like me, it’s super hard to find any natural light. If you can’t sit by a window or get outside for sunlight, try to incorporate as much light into your environment as possible. If you work in a dark corner of the office, see if you can add a lamp or two to brighten up your space.

Energize your routine

If you are feeling down in the dumps, try incorporating a new activity or take up a new challenge to bring energy back into your day. Last winter, I signed up for a half marathon. Sure, it sucked running in the cold, but it gave me something to work towards; a light at the end of the tunnel. Sign up for a cooking class, challenge yourself to get 10,000 steps a day, get a puppy! Try to commit to something that forces you to get active or use your brain in an engaging way.

Connect with loved ones

Gathering around a table with family doesn’t have to be reserved for Thanksgiving. When our schedules feel worn out and the days feel shorter, try setting aside more time to just be with people. The dark and cold can feel lonely, so make up that deficit by having friends over on a random Wednesday night. Instead of going out on Saturday night, have a game night with your family. Trying to see everyone and do everything during the holidays can be stressful, so just do the best you can. Find creative ways to add connection to your routine.

Find excitement in the season

Even on dreary, rainy days, we can look forward to good things coming. The holiday season is quickly approaching and we have so much time to get into the spirit! Maybe try decorating for Thanksgiving instead of jumping right into Christmas. Start planning your holiday giving (I know that always lifts my spirits - just don’t look at the price tags) or make a winter bucket list that you’ll “actually” complete this year. There’s still so much joy and excitement to be found in the winter months.

Winter purge

Winter can feel heavy and stuffy. Combat this feeling by going through everything you own and getting rid of stuff that you don’t need or want anymore. Instead of stuffing the thousands of winter coats into your closet, donate ones you don’t gravitate towards. Clean out that kitchen pantry so you feel calm while cooking a cozy meal, not overwhelmed and unorganized. Before tossing your summer clothes into bins, go through and get rid of what you didn’t wear this season. Spring cleaning doesn’t have to just be in the spring, and it’s the season of giving, so make someone’s day by creating treasure out of “trash”.

Find structure, the best you can

Each season, I feel like I need to revamp my daily routine. I know I’ll be spending less time outside, so maybe I need to prioritize a daily walk. I know the holidays can be stressful at times, so maybe I’ll try to incorporate meditation into my morning routine. With holiday parties, shopping, and end of year cramming at work, this time of year is busy and chaotic, so try to craft a 10-15-minute routine for yourself that you know you can do, even on the busiest of days. Keep it simple, but keep it structured.

Rest is important

Not every day will be perfect - not every day will even be good. This season is difficult for a lot of people in many different ways. You’ll have days where nothing can motivate you. You’ll have days where you can’t get out of bed. In these times, instead of criticizing yourself for the negative emotions, sit with them, acknowledge them, and then let them go. Do something nice for yourself, journal about your emotions, and know that they are valid. Then, pick yourself back up and try again. If you can’t conquer the world in a day, what’s one thing you can do?The best thing we can do is to keep showing up for ourselves, each and every day.