How to Combat the Winter Blues and Get Back to Being Your Best Self

21 Ideas to Maintain Your Social, Emotional, and Mental Well-being This Winter Season

Staying positive during hard times can be challenging. The cold and darkness can be draining with the winter season heavily upon us. Many of us face seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or depression, and our self-care can easily get put on the back burner.

Maintaining social interactions and taking care of our well-being is critical now more than ever. It’s important to remain proactive to stop winter sadness.

Remember, it’s up to us to stay vigilant to combat the boredom blues and escape the mundane. However, don’t think that you have to go at it alone. Lean on your friends and family around you, even if it’s done virtually.

Here are 21 ideas to fight off the winter blues:

1. Check out the Libby App, which offers free e-books, magazines, and audiobooks from your local library. Or, head on over to the web browser at https://libbyapp.com/

2. Create a “camp-in” with the family. Treat yourself to smores on the stove, a movie, and build the coziest blanket fort. Also, try this healthier recipe for smores, which offers less sugar and uses dark chocolate.

3. Give back without leaving your couch. $1 can provide ten meals at Feeding America. The organization secures and distributes 4.3 billion meals each year through food pantries and meal programs throughout the United States and leads the nation in the fight against hunger.

4. Take up a new hobby and keep your brain active. Research suggests that stimulating leisure activities can lower your risk of dementia. Arts and crafts, anyone?

5. Set up a weekend virtual happy hour or Saturday morning virtual coffee time with friends. Although it may seem insignificant, it can give you something to look forward to.

6. Start a virtual book club. If there are time constraints, a podcast club also works. Many offer ten-minute powerful messages. During the virtual meeting, discuss lessons learned or your favorite part.

7. Seek out natural light. Sit near a window, take a walk, or find another outdoor activity, such as skiing or snowshoeing. Even though it’s winter, don’t forget your sunscreen. Health experts recommend using at least a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more if you plan to be out in the sun for more than a few minutes. If you live in a warmer climate, explore a new trail, go hiking or set up a social distance picnic.

8. Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Start your day with a full glass of water as you have gone all night without any fluids.  A recent study found that 80 % of Americans are not drinking enough water. Many experts recommend half of your body weight in oz. (If you weigh 150 pounds, drink 75 oz.) When you are hydrated, it can affect your ability to stay alert and cause increased fatigue.

9. Indulge in a bubble bath. Go ahead, bring that glass of wine or calming tea with you—you deserve it.

Related: How To Give Yourself The Same Care And Love That You Give To Others

10. Plan a future vacation. I have to tell you even a few moments of scanning beach photos puts me in a good mood.

11. Journal about your current experience with the pandemic. We are in the midst of making history, and it is a time we will reflect on for the rest of our lives. Young children or grandchildren may find it fascinating to read your story someday. Or you may want to write for yourself and get out all those stored emotions; it can be very therapeutic.

12. Find a new recipe. I recently received an Instant Pot as a gift. Exploring new recipes has been exciting, and it’s fun to try new things.

13. Find a new virtual workout buddy. YouTube and other media platforms offer fantastic workout routines and can help you get motivated.

14. Be sure you obtain efficient amounts of Vitamin D, which can help your immune system and is essential for calcium absorption. Vitamin D3 is also known as the “sunshine vitamin.”  During the winter, many of us are deficient. I encourage you to speak to your healthcare professional.

15. Add some newness to your home with ease by rearranging a room or your office. You can also get creative and color-code your books, find a new candle scent you love, or add a pop of color with new pillows.

16. Wake up earlier to have a little alone time. This habit can be important for parents who need a little quiet time. Slowly sip on your favorite tea or coffee and enjoy the moment.

17. It’s never too early to get a jump start on your spring cleaning. Just saying 🙂

18. Donate items you no longer need. Cleaning offers mental clarity, and you can help those less fortunate than you are. Check out your local donation center.

Related: Cleaning Your Closet For Clarity

19. Bust out an old playlist that used to bring you a lot of joy—no one will judge you if you still have some old CDs lying around.

20. Start gathering paperwork or items to prepare for your income taxes. Ugh—I know, but you’ll thank me later.

21. Stretch and strength train. Many of us are sitting at desks for long periods. It’s imperative to keep moving to ensure our muscles are strong and take frequent breaks to maintain a quality, healthy lifestyle.

Related: 25 Amazing Ways You Can Jump Start Your 2022

*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps keep my website up and running. I appreciate you and your support!