In this post: A list of 10 ways to beat the winter blues that are simple & really work. Easy ideas to make the winter months more enjoyable…no matter where you live!
The winter months can be brutal. Some of us have to deal with cold weather and gray skies. We all have to deal with the let-down that arrives when the holiday season is over. No matter who you are or where you live, there are going to be days when you wish winter was behind you. It happens to me every year…but I’ve figured out a few ways to move the days along and make them a bit more enjoyable. Here are my favorite ways to beat the winter blues!
2020 Update: I took the picture above last year when I originally wrote this post. Today, as I look out my front window, I see the exact same sight. January was a long month for me, and I was so happy to change the calendar page to February. I just wish the view out my window would change too! Chances are that blue skies are not in my future, but the following ways to beat the winter blues really do work. I’ve added a few new tips, so there are more than ten. The new ones are marked with “2020 Update.”
*Affiliate links included. Click HERE for my disclosure statement.
How to Beat the Winter Blues
Begin With Breakfast
Begin your day with a good breakfast. I know you have heard this a million times, but it’s so important. I am a firm believer that when the day begins on a positive note, it continues that way. Click this link for some healthy breakfast suggestions.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated just makes you feel better, and you will be less likely to give into the winter blues. Drink plenty of water…and don’t forget to hydrate your skin. Dry, flaky skin is uncomfortable and you can avoid it by using a light body lotion. When I skip the lotion in the morning, I have an edgy feeling all day. My favorite lotion is plain old original scent Jergens. I know it’s not very glamorous, but it smells good and feels even better.
2020 Update: sometimes plain water is more than I can take. I have found that sparkling water is refreshing, and quenches my thirst as well as regular water. I also order it when we are out for dinner, or at a social event, since I don’t drink alcohol. My favorite flavors are Key Lime by La Croix, and Clementina by Sanpellegrino.
Let In The Light
Shorter days and dark skies can definitely make us gloomy. Combat those feelings by letting in the light. Here are a few ways to brighten your perspective:
- Open the curtains all the way. (And ignore the dirty windows!)
- Turn on lamps.
- Light candles.
- Add Vitamin D to your daily routine.
Set One Goal
We’re not calling this a resolution. We’re calling it a goal, because it’s something we can take our time with. It’s just one thing that, on days when we are struggling, we can think about, and take a step towards making it happen. Something positive, and something that will make our lives better.
Winter Blues Relief: Treat Yourself to Fresh Flowers
I believe that fresh flowers can transform a room…and they can definitely transform a day. Treat yourself to a bunch of flowers every now and then. I promise it will make you smile.
Have a Cup of Tea
The British figured this out way before the Americans! Holding a cup of tea is comforting, and drinking a cup of tea is soothing and relaxing. It warms us up and simply makes everything better.
OSP email subscribers can download this tea inspired free printable (and three more) from the Members Only Library. If you are not on my list, but would like to join us and get this collection of blue teacup printables, click the button below.
Declutter & Clean
Sometimes our possessions can become overwhelming and out of control. When that happens, it’s difficult to relax and just “be” in our own homes. No time does that ring more true than during the winter months, when some of us are literally forced to be inside. Cleaning up piles and restoring order is the perfect way to make your indoor space more livable. By doing this, you will be able to enjoy being at home, and everything will seem easier.
Beat the Winter Blues with Essential Oils
I believe in the power of essential oils. I believe they can improve our quality of life. My daughter calls them my “potions,” and I know the actual science behind them can be hard to understand. The honest truth is that I don’t even know the actual science behind them. All I know is that they help me feel better. Peppermint takes away aches and pains, Mind Alive refreshes and makes you feel more alert. Lavender relaxes you, and Lemon is a lovely addition to bottled or tap water. All of these things have the potential to help you get through a gloomy, winter day.
Update 2020: one of my new favorite oils is Calming from Rocky Mountain Oils. I have been using it for about six months, and it has made a definite difference in my life. When I am anxious, or nervous about something, a few drops behind my ears and on my wrists does the trick. I recently had a colonoscopy, and for whatever reason, I was very nervous. I doused myself liberally with Calming, and was able to relax. It also helps when I’m tired, but still have much to do. It slows my mind, without slowing my body. I am able to take one thing at a time, and complete my tasks.
To read my essential oils story, click {HERE.}
Plan a Vacation or Stay-cation
Update 2020: having something to look forward to is essential for our mental health…and we need to plan that something for ourselves. If possible, schedule a few days away from home…preferably someplace sunny! If that’s not possible, plan something special at home that will make you happy. A movie night with your girlfriends, a special dinner with your husband, an overnight with the grandchildren. It can be anything you want…but it has to be what YOU want to do.
Take Time For Yourself & Exercise
The last two tips go hand in hand…and if I had to pick my biggest struggle in life, it would be this. I know exercise is necessary for our health. I know taking time for myself would benefit not only me, but those around me. I go through phases where I am very good at both, but inevitably I fall off the wagon and return to my old habits. I’m going to make a conscious effort to do a better job of taking care of myself, and I hope you all will do the same. Without our health and happiness, we are no good to anyone!
Yoga
Update 2020: several months ago, I began taking a yoga class once a week. I went with a few girlfriends, and the class was very small. Our instructor was our age, and very patient. When I went to my first class, I honestly didn’t know if I could even do it…let alone for an entire hour. Much to my surprise, I was able to participate fully, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Since then, I have tried to make the class every week. It stretches my muscles, has helped with balance, and it gets me out of the house. When I talked about my 2020 goals, I mentioned that I wanted to add a class or two to my weekly schedule. That has not happened yet, but the year is young, and there is still time!
My point in mentioning this is that if you have ever considered yoga, I encourage you to try it. I love the philosophy behind it, and the calming effect it has had on my life.
I hope you found a few tips to add to your arsenal of tricks to beat the winter blues. My wish for all of you is that the coming months are productive, healthy, and happy. Until next time…
Disclosure:
The information contained here is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. The information represents what I have chosen to do to take charge of my own personal health. Information found on this site is meant for educational and informational purposes only, and to motivate you to make your own health and well being decisions based upon your own research and in partnership with your healthcare provider. It should not be relied upon to determine a medical diagnosis, or courses of treatment.
I always have fresh flowers bought from local grocery stores in my home. I purchase 2 or 3 inexpensive bouquets and arrange them in two tall vases & a smaller vase. That way I can have them in more than one room. They last about two weeks with preservatives added.
I enjoy a cup of tea or latte during the day and of course always a great mystery book is at my side ready to read!
I bought several kinds of inexpensive tiny white lights wrapped around topiary trees in my foyer and use battery operated candles throughout my home. This brightens and warms up my home as well! Happy Winter! ˚⛄.❅
Very nice ideas to counteract the winter blues. I enjoyed them and will put some of them right into practice. Thanks for sharing! Can’t wait for Spring!
All of these suggestions are wonderful – I do them all! I think everyone has a project they have been putting off. Right now I am working on a project that I have put off for 2 years. We had a beautiful Ethan Allen hutch for many years – the top looked more colonial than the transitional style we favor now. I eliminated the big top and had planned on painting the bottom portion and put on new hardware. It is a big focal point in our kitchen. I started prepping it last weekend, and I plan on having the project completed in the next 14 days. I will be picking up paint samples tomorrow, something in an uplifting blue. I have also just ordered a custom Roman blind for my kitchen. I’m excited about both projects, and they aren’t costing a ton of money. Another suggestion is one my husband and I just did together – he is a non-cook, but he loves stuffed shells. We made homemade ricotta and sauce and had a great dinner that he had made with my help, as well as put two dinners in the freezer. We did this one snowy day, put on music, and had a glass of wine. Simple pleasures are the best.
I must be in the minority. I love winter and all of the excuses it gives me to just stay inside, snuggle, layer up, cook, read and enjoy crafts. I hate hot weather so fall and winter suit me perfectly. However, I enjoyed all of your suggestions for self care and they seem to be a good idea no matter the season. I have spent the last several weeks packing up what I refer to as my winter décor, because I make sure it is not so “Christmasy” that it can’t stay up almost until Valentine’s Day, and replacing it with more spring-like décor, including three faux fern pots, with only a touch of Valentine’s Day that can quickly be removed after Friday. I don’t like primary colors so the red of Valentine’s Day presents a real issue. I’ve got a bit in my kitchen, but went more toward maroon and green in a floral arrangement I made for the hallway outside my apartment that seems to be receiving some positive comments. It all keeps me busy and although we have received about 18 inches of fresh snow in the last week or so, the sun is shining brightly over the Rocky Mountain foothills and I think it will be in the mid-30s today so I may just have to bundle up and go play in the snow.
Ann, thank you so much for this timely post. We are battening down on the coast of NC for yet another winter blow. Thanks for the pep talk!! I always look forward to your posts but this one was just what I needed today. :)
Excellent ideas Ann. I especially like the get away to a warm place!! That’s not going to happen, but having fresh flowers, scented candles and cozy throws around always brightens my mood. I’m a tennis player so getting out on the courts is my way to get exercise and feel invigorated. Unfortunately, today is raining and cloudy so no tennis. I love the idea of trying essential oils. Again, thank you for the suggestions.
I’ll just throw this out there because I’m a regular with your blog. I’ve been using the Body Groove CD’s for the past month and have noticed a big difference in my attitude and general mood. These CD dance like moves that are suitable for all ages. They are fairly inexpensive and convenient to use in your own home. But most of all I find them fun. They are floating all around Facebook right now so you might have seen them. I don’t work for them or anything like that. I’m just a gal that has been using them and likes it, so I thought I would pass it on. Your ideas here are wonderful. Especially the calming oil. I might give that a try.
Thank you for this blog. You have a serene and calm way of presenting good life choices. I am grateful to you for this message of self care and ways to improve gray days. This time of year can be a struggle to get out and move, for me. You are a blessing!
This email was perfect timing! I have been suffering the winter blues. I will be brewing a cup of tea today!
Thanks.
Everyone of your tips is wonderful – Thank you! I use a diffuser with lemon or peppermint oil at my desk, and keep fresh flowers as often as I can. I attend a yoga class on Saturday mornings, I stretch while watching Classical Stretch in the evenings and they have all improved my health and mood. The days are longer now and I heard a bird singing this morning, so Spring is just around the corner.
Adding a few pieces of Spring dinnerware and linens to the dining room table helps add some brightness to the room for me. Also lets me do a bit of purging in the area that I keep dishes.
Beautifully written!!! Thanks for so many good tips!
I agree that fresh flowers especially yellow tulips lift my spirits at the time of year where it seems winter will never end. Thanks for all your great ideas . My crocus and a few daffodils are blooming so spring can’t be far behind. Here in N.C. we have had endless rain and may need an ark if it doesn’t let up!
Well, at first I was going to just scan—your post. But, there are some really worthwhile ideas here. I’ve always looked at January as vacation time—and time to rejuvenate my brain, my home, my direction. As an artist, I always took January off to do all those things—take in some museums, do some retail window shopping, and when I had a business– to attend trade shows. So, now that I’m retired—your suggestions just reminded me of what January is really for—a new beginning and a time to look forward! Thanks for the great post. Sandi
Ann, yours is my favorite blog, and when you said your favorite lotion was original scented Jergens, I knew we were sisters. Thanks so much for these ideas and oh, so many others! You’re great!
I love your blog! It is always filled with beautiful decor and decorating ideas, printables that I love and healthy, happy suggestions to make life a little bit more beautiful. Such a pleasure to open up your emails daily.
Greetings from the Lone Star State, Ann,
As a native Buckeye, w/family still there, I can relate to those ‘winter blues’. For me, they take the form of post-holiday letdown. Company gone, parties over, my home feeling a bit naked after all the glitter and bright Xmas colors, so your email was especially timely. I’m following your tips about self-care and small projects. I’m especially thankful for not feeling alone in my ‘blah’s’ and for your beautiful blue tea cup pictures. Downloading ASAP!
Wishing you a week of sunshiney skies,
Laurie
I have lived my whole life in the northeast,the gloomy winter days are behind me now having moved to the sunshine state.Since taking down the Christmas decorations,I have been decluttering and repurposing items in my home with a new coat of paint,I love small projects and the feeling of less is more.I appreciate all your tips and hope you have a mild winter with more sun than clouds !!
Thank you for the Blue Cup series. That’s a special gift.
This was a great post for me today. Believe it or not, we do have some cold, dreary days in Northeast Florida. Nothing like you have in Ohio of course. (We lived in Cleveland three years)
The main difference is our houses are not warm like they are up north. Ours are built for hot weather. The temps have to drop really low outside for our heat to come on. I am always 🥶.😀
lovely thoughts, just one more: dress for the weather and step outside if only for 10 minutes and breath in gratitude………………………….
peace,
piela1992@yahoo.com
That burst of fresh air has to make you feel great and Alive. Nothing wrong with a nice walk around the block to get legs moving.
Lorri
Thank you for your simple yet practical suggestions!
Love the ideas! I have done many of them for years since I live in the northeast. I buy fresh flowers from the grocery store and they last a while. Just getting out and walking is great exercise as well. Thanks for all these great tips. Haven’t tried essential oils yet, so I will have to give them a try. We are snowed in today, first snow of 2019!
Ann, I have never actually followed a blog before until now. (so many are just full of themselves) Yours is refreshing, informative, and I really enjoy reading it . Love your craft ideas and printables too.
Thanks!
So many good ideas to keep us motivated! I decided since it’s 2019, I am going to learn 19 new things this year. Right now I am knitting my first pair of socks! (Maybe that should count as two :) ) I keep busy with projects to beat the winter blues.
Mary,
What a great idea!
Have been using Jergens Original Scent for years and love it. It works!
Bought a small bunch of white Alstromeria at the grocery store yesterday and after conditioning them divided them into 3 boquets. Two were put into small mercury cases and put up on my mantle and the third bunch used for making a vignette on my kitchen counter with a bowl of little oranges and a white lantern with a snowflake cutout. Little cost but major effect! Having a winter storm today so will stay inside and get that cup of tea and a good book. Thanks Ann for all your lovely ideas for our homes.
Fall and winter are my favorite months so I love winter – those grey, dreary, rainy, Cold days make me especially happy and content. I’m an upbeat type person , my glass is always three fourths full. I do enjoy my tea several times a day – I feel Alive and Rejuvenated this time of year – wish All of you did.
Thank you, Daisy! Those dreary days that provide an opportunity to stay inside with a good book and a cup of tea should make us content.
Love all your suggestions. We are lucky enough to get more sun than in the northern areas but the cold wind is our killer. Fresh flowers and tea. Earl Gray, please. Have a Starbucks London Fog.
Strong Earl Gray, vanilla syrup and a dash of whole milk. My next step is to download your ‘Cup of Tea’ to couple it with. Warm hugs to you.