Winter is here! This time of year is hard for me–January and February specifically. I love Spring, Summer, and Fall, but Winter gets me down. It’s cold, dark, and the days seem to drag on forever.
I live in Northern Utah, so the forecast is filled with plenty of snow. I have two rambunctious girls, ages one and three, who are happiest when they are outside. As a mom, it’s hard to plan outside activities when it’s near freezing in the morning, my baby is sleeping in the afternoon, and the sun is down by 5:00 pm.
My oldest thrives on social interaction, so when park days are long gone, our house turns into tantrum city. She’ll start crying over her sister touching her, not being able to watch TV, or because she wanted the Mickey Mouse chicken nuggets.
Fortunately, a few years ago I finally decided, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!” I started trying certain things to make the winter months FUN rather than just tolerable. I know I’m not the only one who struggles at this time of year, so I wanted to share some ideas to help out my fellow summer-loving friends.
So without further ado, here are seven things I’ve found that have helped me shake off the winter blues:
1. Exercise: This one is non-negotiable for me. I am a much happier, patient, and fun mom to be around once I’ve gotten my exercise in for the day. This is actually true for me on any day of the year, but especially in the winter months when I’m trying to keep myself from packing my bags and heading south.
2. Get Outside: On the days when I’m really wishing for summer, I force myself to throw on a coat and get outside. Even if I’m just going for a quick walk around the neighborhood, it changes my mood (and my kids’ moods) instantly.
3. Try Something New: I typically pick something new and fun to try during the winter months. I learn a new skill, try a new workout class, or go somewhere I’ve never been. This year, I’m going to attempt to go snow shoeing for the first time and I can’t wait!
4. See Something Pretty: When I get in a funk, I tell my husband, “I need to see something pretty.” Whether it is making my way to one of the many national parks, or just a simple stroll around a local reservoir, it always makes me breathe a little deeper and remember what’s important.
5. Make a Winter Bucket List: People always make summer bucket lists, so why not make a winter one? There are plenty of fun things to do. We try to include things on our list like see a local seasonal performance, build a snowman, bake cookies, go ice skating, go to a hockey game, make a snow angel, rent a snowmobile, etc. It makes the winter fun and forces me to get outside.
6. Book a Vacation: Whether the vacation is six months from now or six weeks, it helps me to have something to look forward to on my calendar. I feel like it’s easy to fall into the routine of doing the same thing day in and day out, especially in the winter, so it’s a great way to break up the monotony.
7. Winter Cleaning: I set a goal this year to go through my entire house by the end of March and throw out anything I don’t need. If I’m going to be cooped up most of the winter, then I’m determined to be cooped up in a clean, organized house.
I don’t think I will ever be a person who says, “I love winter,” but following the items on this list help me to overcome the winter blues and embrace and enjoy the season.
QUESTION: Does winter affect your mood? What is one winter activity that excites you?
CHALLENGE: Plan an activity outside this week that you are excited about and go do it!
Edited by Sharon Brown and Nollie Haws
One thing I think that’s important to consider is whether winter blues are actually seasonal affective disorder. In addition to the things you’ve mentioned (which would help with either), there are therapies for seasonal affective disorder (like phototherapy) that can be helpful.
Yes! Thank you for your comment! It’s definitely important for people to know if it’s SAD or just typical winter blues, so that they can find the tools right for them.
I love your comment about getting outside. I try to do that, too. Great article and reminder of good things to do. I also don’t get nearly as much sun in the winter as in the summer, so after a yearly visit to my midwife, she prescribed me vitamin D. I make sure to take those and drink enough water, because we are often more dehydrated in winter than in summer, believe it or not! Thank you for your encouraging article!
I had no idea that we were dehydrated in the winter time! That’s so interesting! I guess it makes sense since I typically drink more water in the summer when it’s hot outside. Thanks for your comment!