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.