5 Simple Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

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I love everything about the holiday season. The family gatherings, delicious food and decorations are all some of the things I look forward to each year. However, when the holiday season comes to an end I dread the winter days ahead. Shorter days, freezing cold temperatures and cabin fever can bring on the winter blues if I don’t find ways to boost my mood. Today I’m sharing some of my favorite ways to combat the winter blues.

5 Simple Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

1. Embrace the season

If you can’t beat it, embrace it. I dread the cold winter season, but dwelling on the negative aspects of winter is not going to make it go by any faster. Instead, embrace the things you love most about winter. For me, it’s hot chocolate, snow tubing, fuzzy slippers and filling our home with my favorite seasonal scents.

One of my favorite scents is cinnamon and orange, it instantly lifts my mood and smells wonderful. Simply fill a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Add cinnamon sticks, orange slices, fresh cranberries and simmer to keep your home smelling amazing. Just add water as needed to continue simmering. You can also use your leftover mixture up to a week as long as you refrigerate it.

2. Stay active

Winter is a great time to work out, take a fun class or dedicate time to your favorite hobby. Whatever it is you decide to do, ensure that it’s something that you enjoy. You can even include your family and pick some of your favorite group activities. It’s easy to go into hibernation mode when the weather is not ideal for outdoor activities. However, it’s important that you continue to stay connected with family and friends. A quick coffee date and good conversation will do wonders for your spirit. Plus exposure to natural light can have a positive effect on your mood.

3. Put your health first

Eating healthy foods and staying active will not only boost your mood, but will also help your body fight winter ailments. I also find that taking a daily multivitamin and choosing foods that are packed with protein helps keep my energy levels high. I also like to have healthy snacks handy in case I’m too busy to sit and eat. I recently discovered an Almond & Coconut Nut Bar at CVS that is not only delicious, but it’s also made with natural ingredients and offer 5 grams of protein per bar. A win-win in my book.

Need more tips on how to stay healthy during the winter season? Click on the post below for more tips!

4. Make plans

Longing for warm sunny days? Plan a summer trip to the beach or to your favorite vacation destination. I find that talking about our future travel plans gives me something to look forward to. If you can swing it financially, you can even consider a weekend getaway with your family to break up the monotony of winter. We’ve taken short trips during the winter season since hotels are a lot more affordable and attractions are a lot less crowded.

5. Treat yourself

Winter is the perfect time to treat yourself with some of your favorite things. I like to have a small stash with my favorite magazines, sweet treats and a few things that lift my mood when I need a little pick me up. Even painting my nails with a bright fun nail polish can instantly lift my spirits. I found all of my “fun” stash items at my local CVS including these Gold Emblem Soft Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies, soo good. 😉

What are some of your favorite ways to beat the winter blues? I’d love to hear your tips!