It’s official. I’m suffering from the winter blahs, the doldrums, or perhaps it’s just the post-holiday letdown that plagues many people this time of year. If you’re feeling the same way, I hope you’ll enjoy my list of 8 remedies for the winter blahs.
I said to my daughter the other day that I wasn’t sure what was wrong with me. I was feeling very tired, which is unusual for me. She commented that it must be the weather. The more I thought about it, the more I realized she could be right.
Here in southern Ontario, the sun has been missing in action for over a month. A friend posted on Facebook the other day that she hasn’t worn her sunglasses since mid-December. I added a comment “Why does the sun hate us?” which at least made her laugh. Seriously, though. After a rainy and foggy Christmas, we’ve seen nothing but grey skies. I normally take winter in stride but it’s really getting to me this year.
8 Remedies for the Winter Blahs
If you’re living in the Northern Hemisphere and suffering from the winter blahs, here are 8 remedies you can try to shake off the doldrums.
Stay Active
Making time for a daily workout is a great way to boost mood and energy levels. If the idea of venturing out in the cold to visit a gym is too much for you, there are lots of excellent free workout options for people of all fitness levels on YouTube.
Get Outside Every Day
Spending a few minutes outside every day can really help keep your energy up. This time of year, it’s dark by the time I finish work, so I try to make a lunchtime walk a priority no matter the weather. Even just 15 minutes outside clears my head and gives me energy for the afternoon.
I’ve definitely been neglecting my lunchtime walks this winter, so I’m going to brave the cold this week and get outside for a break.
Use a Light Box
I’ve been using a light box—sometimes called a light therapy lamp—for the last couple of years. I sit it on the table beside my chair and turn it on for 30 minutes every morning as I drink my tea and catch up on my blog reading. I definitely find it helps.
If you’re interested in a light box, the University of British Columbia provides a few tips and things to watch for. Check out their website for full details and safety precautions.
- Look for a light that emits 10,000 lux light.
- Cool white fluorescent lights work best. Do not use sun lamps, halogen lamps or tanning lamps as they can damage your eyes.
- Make sure your light has an ultraviolet filter.
- Start with 30 minutes a day, as soon as possible after you wake up.
- Keep your eyes open when using the lights, but don’t stare directly at the light.
Plan Your Spring Garden
If you’re a gardener, spend some time planning this year’s garden. Find some gardening blogs or sites for inspiration. You could even start some seeds indoors to get a head start on the growing season.
Bring the Garden Indoors
There are many health benefits of adding some houseplants or flowers to your home or office. Pick up a few inexpensive houseplants at your supermarket or department store.
Make a Pot of Chili or Homemade Soup
Is there anything better than a bowl of hot soup on a cold day? I love to make big batches of homemade soup in my slow cooker. Then I freeze them in individual portions for weekday lunches.
Plan a Get-Together With Friends
A social gathering gives you something to look forward to. Reach out to some friends you haven’t seen in a while and plan a get-together. It can be as simple as going out for dinner or coffee or hosting a potluck dinner. You could even plan a fun outdoor activity and come home to some delicious hot chocolate and spicy appetizers.
Enjoy a “Duvet Day”
Finally, there’s nothing wrong with planning a snow day, or perhaps you refer to it as a duvet day or pyjama day. Whatever you call it, it’s a day to curl up under a blanket in your pyjamas and read a book, watch movies, or binge-watch your favourite TV series.
On a positive note, the sun finally made a brief appearance as I sat down to write this post. And we can be grateful that spring will arrive in 9 weeks. But who’s counting?
How do you deal with the winter blahs? Tell me your tips and ideas below.
Learn more about me in my bio and on my personal blog at BoomerEcoCrusader.com. You can also find me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
I remember when I moved to Ireland I couldn’t stand the poor weather I had to face. I arrived in March, and I just saw the sun after 7 weeks. It was raining every single day. For, that was used to live in Brazil all my life, with Sunny days, it was so hard that I decided I didn’t want to stay more than one winter. That weather made me sad in a point that I just wanted leave as fast as I could.
I can imagine that would have been a difficult transition. I grew up in the north of England, so I know all about grey, dreary winters. Even though it’s usually cold and snowy here in Canada this time of year, we usually don’t go so long without seeing the sun.
Great tips Michelle! I actually like winter, but I have noticed the last few years that I get kind of bummed out the week or two after Christmas. And I love the tip about getting outside – no matter what’s going on, time outdoors always seems to help.
I usually don’t mind winter either, Todd. But it’s so unusual for us to go 4 weeks without any sunny days. And I’m with you on time outdoors. It’s the best remedy.
I hear you- 4 sunless weeks would be tough to take!
I love this list! My favorite is to plan a Duvet Day. This gives me permission to relax without feeling guilty. I might just do that today. 😉
Oh what a great plan! We had a snowstorm on the weekend so I hibernated on Saturday. It was wonderful. Enjoy your week.
Love your tips! I made soup yesterday. Please come over! I made waaaay too much…so some of it will get popped into the freezer…or just left on the front stoop for a few minutes – it’ll be a block of frozen soup in a flash! Hang in there, Michelle — thanks for your post full of good ideas. 🥰
There’s nothing better than homemade soup. What kind did you make? For lunch today, I’m looking forward to enjoying the last serving of cream of asparagus soup that I made last spring when asparagus was in season. It’s a like a bowl full of summer!
It was literally a vegetarian fridge clean out soup. We had broccoli, carrots and celery that needed to be used along with onions, so I used veggie stock and soaked beans (also languishing in the pantry) and added a lot of thyme and marjoram, a bay leaf, some tomatoes and then a little heavy cream (a girl’s gotta live a little) and let the whole thing simmer for eight hours. Crusty bread and dinner – for a couple of nights is done and done! 😜Your cream of asparagus soup sounds delish!
Oh, I wish there was a way for you to send me a bowl of that deliciousness through cyberspace. 💚
Me, too! 🥰
Excellent advice. Exercise, fresh air and good company make a world of difference when we feel ‘blah’.
The sun has been shining a lot here but the -35 temperature is a deterrent to spending time outside. This afternoon should be warmer… fingers crossed.
Hope you get to wear your sunglasses soon.
Thanks Margaret Anne! The sun has been making brief appearances this morning. I’m planning to get out in a few minutes for a quick walk.
Oh I think I might be suffering too. Its also now got really cold (Scottish standards, not Canadian) and we’re expecting major disruption with snow tomorrow. Just as I’m supposed to be headed to Edinburgh for a few days.
I can vouch for the lack of sunshine/daylight and the need to supplement Vitamin D. It was so nice to leave work at about 4pm today and got to see a little daylight, but it had gone by the time I got to the station.
Take care Michelle
I hope the disruption from tomorrow’s storm is minimal. On a positive note, the sun has been shining on and off here today.
It’s always nice to see the sun.
Home made soup with home made chicken broth, done. Many pots of fresh herbs growing near bay window while snow is pilling up, done.
Lovely post, thanks !
Excellent! Thanks for reading, Marie Alice.
You know that in Brussels we had only one full sunny day in December? We wrote in on our wall calendar to mark the event! And today is also sunny but it’s becoming more and more rare (also the summer wasn’t that nice). So, welcome to your tips to overcome the winter blahs!
Thanks Cristiana. It sounds like you’re experiencing the same lack of sun as us. I’m glad you find my tips helpful. Let’s hope for some sunshine soon.
Thanks for sharing
Thank you for reading!
Love your suggestions. I’m laughing because I think I’ve made 4 pots of chili in the last month. So good!
Ha ha. There’s no remedy like homemade soup or chili! I made a big pot of cabbage roll soup today.
This is such a great post, the sun has set as early as 3:40 here in Norway. Contrary to what some believe, the Winter Blahs (I really love your version of seasonal depression) is a very real thing.
Excellent suggestions to combat cold weather, Michelle. My personal favorite is preparing hot munchies with a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Oh yes! Hot munchies and hot drinks are an excellent idea. Love it!
I can totally relate to the winter blahs! Great tips, especially the light box idea. Gonna try that! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Moumita. The light box has definitely helped me.