5 Unique Ways to Handle Winter Blues
The winter season has arrived! As much as people love spending time with family and making memories, this time of year can feel overwhelming. It’s very common to get wrapped up in all that’s happening and forget to slow down and appreciate all that is around you. Luckily, there are ways you can manage stress around this time of year. Below are five unique ways you can minimize winter blues.
Get Creative in the Kitchen
What better way to cheer up than with some delicious food? A study by The Journal of Positive Psychology, found that when people engage in small creative activities, they are more relaxed and happier in everyday life. Cooking or baking is a great way to bond with family and friends while putting your creativity to the test. One way to do this is to get a group together and have a cooking competition. Being able to get creative with loved ones will lift your spirits. And the added element of competition is sure to bring some added exhilaration. There is no shortage of fun cooking contests to try out. The possibilities are endless so hit the kitchen and get cooking, just be sure to take necessary safety precautions!
Do a Selfless Act
This time of year is the perfect time to do a good deed for someone else. As the winter season picks up, it is easy to get tunnel vision and it can be difficult to find joy in the small things. Shifting the focus onto those who need extra assistance is a great way to destress and feel more joyous. When it comes to selfless acts, a little goes a long way. Something as small as donating household items that you no longer need, or bringing canned goods to your local food bank is a great way to feel more fulfilled this winter! Every year we box up gently used clothes and toys to donate to local shelters. Check these ideas for small acts of kindness to help combat your winter blues.
Upgrade Your Space
There is no place like home! For many, home is a place where we can destress and relax. During the cold winter months, it can be easy to feel trapped inside your home. This can lead to feeling a little bored with your space. Upgrades can range from something as small as a new paint color or upgrading your windows to let in some additional light. It is also possible that in the winter months you find yourself starting to outgrow your home. If you’re stuck inside with your family and start to notice that the kids don’t have their own space or that your kitchen feels a little cramped, bigger home upgrades may be needed. If you feel like your home could benefit from some bigger home renovations, consider refinancing your mortgage and using the cash-out option. With the cash-out option you can opt for the lump sum and use it towards any home improvement projects you see fit. These could include home additions or finishing a basement.
Being content and comfortable with your home will allow you to enjoy the winter season to the fullest extent!
Practice Gratitude
It’s easy to get caught up in all of life’s craziness. As this winter season starts to pick up, you can forget how fortunate you really are but remembering to stay grateful will surely help you beat the winter blues. Taking a moment out of your day to appreciate all that you have will help you stay grounded during these crazy times. Journaling is a great way to monitor your emotions and stay in touch with yourself. Use these gratitude journal prompts to get started. Another way to practice gratitude is to reflect on everyone who has supported you in some way this past year. You can write them a thank you card or gift them with something to show how appreciative you are. Knowing that you’re actively appreciating and acknowledging all that you have will help you feel more cheerful this winter.
Stay Active
When the colder months start to roll in, it may be quite hard to get out of bed and get moving. According to studies, 35% of adults say that exercise puts them in a good mood, and 30% say they feel less stressed after exercising. Exercising your body and mind is a great way to relieve stress. You’ll feel an increase in energy and be more level-headed to take on all that may come your way. Something as simple as going on a walk or run is sure to boost your mood. You could also try something new such as skiing or snowboarding to help you get out of your comfort zone and outside. The bottom line is to take the time to start moving so that you can put your best foot forward.
As crazy as this season can get, there are many ways to lower your stress levels. Take advantage of these unique ideas to overcome the winter blues and make your winter as peaceful as possible.
