At the moment we are dealing with a particularly dark and unpleasant winter, at least in Germany. The constant cold, gloominess, and leafless trees can really get you down, causing winter blues. To help you fight the inevitable winter blues I collected some ideas for those, who can’t just jet off to the Caribbean:
Cozy up
The easiest way to fight the winter blues or even depression that comes with the muddy mess that is the outside world during the winter month (at least where I live) is to cozy up. Go treat yourself to a nice shopping trip and get your hands on some cozy sweaters, over-knee-socks, and fluffy sweatpants. There is nothing better than to snuggle up on the sofa or, even better, in front of the fireplace and read a book you’ve been meaning to finish for months now. But isn’t there something missing? Right. Hot beverages always make me happy, during the winter month I love to make myself a hot chocolate in the evening, especially if I had a bad day. Maybe it is a childhood thing, but it always lightens me up. And who doesn’t love chocolate?
Look at the sun
Yes, this might sound crazy, but it is proven that looking (not directly, obvi) at the sun can help fight depression. This is sometimes not as easy when the sun is hidden by all those thick, grey clouds. Just looking up at noon can do wonders. Just try it tomorrow.
Catch up on your reading
Winter is the perfect time to tackle all the books you bought months ago and never got around to read. Since the outside weather makes longer outdoor activities unappealing I spend the majority of my spare time indoors and reading makes me feel way more productive than just lying around binge watching Friends on Netflix. (That still happens way too often)
Work out
You probably heard this a million times before, but working out can lift your mood significantly. Your body sets free endorphins which make you feel happy and energized. Working out is also great to get rid of all those hot chocolates and treats. Dancing, yoga, running on a treadmill and working out at a gym are perfect for workouts in the winter. Sometimes all you need can also be a short walk in the crisp air all bundled up in your favorite coat at mittens.
Meet friends at a cozy café
Cozy chairs, delicious pastries, the warm smell of coffee in the air… What more can you ask for? I find that chilly temperatures make coffeehouses feel even cozier and more inviting than usual. A perfect way to fight winter blues: Invite a friend out for a coffee date and catch up or go study at Starbucks together. That way you are not alone and still somewhat productive.
Blast some happy tunes
This one is as easy as it is effective. Music can have a huge impact on your mood. So make a happy playlist and listen to it on your way to work or school, or just have a little dance party at home and the winter blues is gone.
Plan a vacation
If the cold weather has you dreaming about sunny beaches and blue swimming pools, turn that dream into action. Plan a great vacation you can get excited about. It doesn’t have to be a super expensive one, just something on your bucket list that lets you escape your everyday life.
Want some help planning your vacation? Here are some blog posts that might help you.
All pictures from pexels.