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!
*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.
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:
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- 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.
To read my essential oils story, click {HERE.}
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!
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.
Beautifully written!!! Thanks for so many good tips!
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 🥶.😀
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.