10 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues: Quarantine Edition
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…and this year, in 2021, not only are we coping with the weather, we are also coping with a pandemic. No matter who you are or where you live, there are going to be days when you wish winter, and this pandemic, were behind you. The “winter blues” descend on me every year, and this year is no different. If you are the same, I’ve shared some ways below to make life easier. I’m also sharing a few new tips that pertain particularly to the isolation we feel as the result of being quarantined, so look for the sections that say “Update 2021.”
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How to Beat the Winter Blues – Quarantine Edition
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.
Update 2021: I still use Jergens, but it’s lovely to splurge on a new scented lotion. I recently discovered Eucalyptus Spearmint from Bath & Body Works, and it is truly wonderful!
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.
Necessary Pandemic Relief: Treat Yourself to Fresh Flowers
I believe that fresh flowers can transform a room…and they can definitely transform your 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.
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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. If you have used the quarantine time to clean and organize, yay for you! If you are dragging your feet, it’s not too late to conquer the clutter. Starting is sometimes the hardest part of any project, so start small. Clean out one drawer, or tidy one kitchen cabinet. The rest will follow.
Update 2021: I just gave my kitchen counters a good cleaning and refreshed the decor. I cannot tell you what a difference it has made! Take a look {HERE} for the details.
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 kids call 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 2021: one of my new favorite oils is Tranquility from Rocky Mountain Oils. I have been using it for about three months, mostly at bedtime, but also during the day. I use it topically, on the inside of my wrists, and on my neck. It slows down my mind, and helps me relax. If I’m feeling anxious, just breathing in the scent has a calming effect.
Take Time For Yourself & Exercise
Update 2021: These two tips go hand in hand…and if I had to pick my biggest struggles in life, even before the quarantine, it would be carving out time for myself, and exercising. 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. The past year, and dealing with the quarantine, has not been easy for anyone. Adjusting to working from home, virtual school, and the added stress have totally rearranged our lives. Finding some “me time” has become more difficult than ever.
Here’s the thing though…because of all of that, it’s more important than ever to take time for yourself. Exercise would, of course, be wonderful…but it that’s not always possible, escape to your room and watch a show on your iPad, or read a book. If it relaxes you to be in your kitchen, plan a bread-baking afternoon, or make a special dinner. Truthfully, it doesn’t matter what you do, but do something for yourself. Make sure it’s something that you love, and something that will help you face another day.
Quarantine Edition Tips
Stay Connected
Nothing lifts my spirits more than when I get a text message from my kids, or a phone call from a friend. Staying connected to our family and friends is a vital part of maintaining our mental health during this pandemic. If you are feeling blue or lonely, just reach out. Send a text or email, or pick up the phone. The simple act of connecting with another human being will lift your spirits, and make getting through the day much easier.
Grant Yourself Grace
I read not too long ago that granting yourself grace is nothing more than making excuses. I totally and categorically disagree…and here’s why. Grace means forgiving ourselves for making mistakes, and it means showing ourselves the kindness we show to others. It means allowing ourselves to be human, and embracing our imperfections. So if you have a bad day, or a bad week, know you are not alone. Grant yourself grace, and just strive to do better. We cannot ask more from ourselves than that.
I hope you found a few tips to add to your arsenal of tricks to beat the winter blues during this quarantine. 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 illness or 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 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.