13 Tips to Cure the Winter Blues

This winter has been especially difficult. With the weather and the dreaded “C” word, we have a cocktail for some real hard times. And that 100% includes myself.

A few weeks back, it was getting rough. The sun hadn’t been out in days, the temperatures continued to drop below -35, I had minimal energy despite not doing much.. It was not a good headspace. 

But then, I came across this reading; 

It was quiet the “a- hah” moment. Like everything finally made sense.

After realizing and accepting everything I had been feeling, I made a promise to myself to do better. However small the steps, I was not going to give up.

That very day, I started small and started journaling again. I wrote out all my feelings, my goals, the places I wanted to see and the things I wanted to accomplish for the month.

It was a solid 4 weeks of pushing myself, getting creative and really diving into things that make my soul happy. I realized, we cant control the weather but we sure can control our minds with practice.

Through all the mental and physical changes, I’ve come up with a few ways for you to kick the winter blues with me!

So without further ado, here are my top tips to curing the winter blues:

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Journal

I can not stress this enough. Getting your feelings out, venting, writing down goals, wishes, desires, these are all positive places to put your mind. Yes, even the venting part. It’s extremely heavy to carry around all those bad feelings and thoughts everyday. Journaling gives you a safe space to spew it all. To get it off your chest, your heart and your mind. Allow it to help you heal and move you forward towards your goals.

Meditate

Okay hear me out, I know meditating can feel foreign and pointless. But trust me, with practice and patience, meditation will change everything. Not only does it increase imagination, creativity, tolerance and patience, it also reduces negative emotions and helps you focus on the present. If you’re in a hard place, I encourage you to work this into your morning routine. It only takes a few minutes! Start with one of my favorite, 6 minute, meditation sessions ↠ Click here

Read a book

Make some tea, light a candle and start a new book. But not the ones you usually go for.. I encourage you to step out of your norm and shake it up a bit! You never know, switching up your reading material may inspire you to step out of your comfort zones in other areas of your life.

Keep a schedule

With many of us working from home, without work right now or being a stay at home mom or wife, keeping a schedule is key. Going to bed at a decent time, waking up with purpose, fulfilling those to-do lists, will help you stay accountable and make you feel accomplished. I’ve supplied a free weekly journal entry to get you started! Click Here

Clean & Organize

I don’t know about you, but I know I feel a million times better when I have a clean and organized home. Of course theres no need to accomplish all this in a day. Spread it out into a few days or even weeks. One week focus on the bathrooms, next, the bedrooms and so on. Little by little you’ll have all your spring cleaning done!

Donate

As you are cleaning/organizing, don’t forget to PURGE. Getting rid of clutter and materials that no longer serve a purpose (or bring you joy) will make you feel more free. A lot of people are in need right now, donate to organizations that help those that need it most.

Take a drive

Warm up the car 10 minutes before getting in so it’s nice and cozy. While its warming up make a playlist of your all time favorite songs. Now hop in the car and go for a drive! Even if you’re not going anywhere, just go. Check out the cute little houses or an area you’ve never been before. Jamming out and taking 20 minutes for yourself can work wonders!

*Make sure you’re aware of the road and weather conditions*

Pick up a new hobby

For me, blogging has been extremely helpful. Its given me something to look forward to, keeps me creating and helps my mind stay busy. If blogging isn’t your thing, don’t worry! I have a few suggestions : cooking, painting, skiing/snowboarding, dance, woodwork, pottery, learn a new language, get into fitness or start an indoor herb garden. Just remember, the sky’s the limit here!

Projects / DIY

Tired of looking at those dark brown cabinets? Paint them! Being stuck inside gives us plenty of time to tackle those projects we’ve been avoiding or maybe haven’t had time for. It’s also the perfect time to try a new DIY project, or reinvent an old furniture piece!

Learn to cook

As mentioned before, this is a great new hobby to start! Even if you’re an amazing cook already (you lucky duck), you can always attempt something completely new. Try a fun new breakfast, dinner or dessert. Tap into your creative side and go for it!

Move your body

This can be as simple as going for a walk. Getting fresh air is a necessity to surviving long winters. We need it and we crave it, even if we don’t notice it. If you want to go further with this, try out a new workout routine, give yoga a try, or even jump-roping. Anything to get you moving and releasing those endorphins!

Do something new with your kids or pets

We have had a ball with our new pup, Kallie! (pun intended🙃) Along with her regular training, we’ve been teaching her how to catch the ball. Now, she’s a ball catching PRO! We don’t have any kids yet, but I imagine there’s something new to try. Maybe a new puzzle, science experiment, card tricks, or even baking together are few suggestions!

Plan a trip

Okay, so, we’ve been in lockdown for like, a million years now, but that doesn’t mean we’ll be stuck here forever. Planning a trip gives us something to look forward to. And luckily, right now, everything is a little cheaper! Sit down with the family or a group of friends and put some ideas together. Plan it 5 to 6 months in advance and make sure they have a free cancelation policy – just in case.

I truly hope this gives you a few new ideas and motivates you to kick those winter blues to the curb! Remember, progressing at a slow pace is still progress, and slow progress is better than no progress.

And to always, always, be kind and patient with yourself.

You’ve got this!

Our hearts truly go out to those experiencing this severe wether that is resulting in loss of power, water & lives. We send you our warmest love and prayers to all those effected.