How to Beat the Winter Blues

If you live in the northern hemisphere, you're most likely suffering from accute winter blues. I, for one, don't mind the colder months, but I always find myself longing for warmer days.

I've come to realize that it's important to cherish every moment. When I was younger, I would always look forward to the next best thing: the weekend, summer vacation, a trip, my birthday, Christmas morning, etc. The present moment was never good enough and during those times of anticipation, I wasted a lot of precious days.

Find a winter sport

Depending on where you are in the world, there are many types of activities you can do throughout the winter months. I grew up playing in the snow and have fond memories of cold toes and warm mugs of hot chocolate at the end of the day. If you live in a colder climate, weekends are great for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and skating. These activities do require some equipment, but for most Canadians, there are always ice rinks and ski rentals readily available.

If you are one of the lucky people that live far away from the Arctic Circle, going for a brisk walk can do wonders for the soul. Dress warmly, shuffle your favourite playlist and enjoy the fresh air.

Be grateful for the little things

Last year, I acquired The Five Minute Journal, as I had seen it floating around a lot online. I figured it would be a good way to appreciate the little things in life. Even though I've never been great at journaling (I always get these shortlived, sporadic journaling moments), I find it allows me to focus on the important things.

I read somewhere that the key to getting what you want in life is to be grateful for what you already have. So, savour that cup of coffee in the morning, call your friends and family and take time for yourself. Look around you, take note of the things you've worked hard to get. Be grateful for the warm sun that pokes between the curtains in the afternoon or the soapy bath you've been dying to take. Light up some candles and rest. Be grateful for the little things.

Learn a new skill

In this day and age, there are tons of free classes and tutorials online. You can learn how to draw, do pottery, write a novel or even post your first story on Vocal without ever leaving the sanctity of your bedroom. If you're looking for something a bit more serious, Hubspot Academy is a great place to acquire new marketing and sales tricks. If you're more on the creative side, there are some great videos on Youtube to learn how to use softwares like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Who knows; these skills might come in handy one day!

Get that Vitamin D

The lack of vitamin D can really take its toll. Even if you do spend a lot of time outside, sun exposure in winter is not usually sufficient enough. Because vitamin D is not found naturally in many foods, I recommend buying some good quality supplements at your local drug store.

Increasing the natural light in your living space is also a good way to boost your mood. Open up those curtains and let the sun shine through!

Eating Well is Key

What you eat plays a big part in how you feel. Fueling your body with the proper nutrients can significantly increase your overall energy throughout the day. Take this time to learn new recipes and prioritize homemade, healthy meals. There's nothing like a warm, hardy meal on a cold winter night.

(My personnal favourite is a cream of carrot soup)

Make Plans

Enjoying the present moment is important, but making plans can also be a great way to pull through the winter blues. Whether they are near or far, big or small, it's always uplifting to have something to look forward to. Plan a road trip with friends or a night out on the town. Organize a fun activity you and write it down in your calendar.

Talk to a Professional

Sometimes it's important to know when we need a little extra help. If you think there's been a decline in your mental health, it's important that you seek guidance from a medical professional.