5 Fun Ways to Beat the Winter Blues
We are all weary. We are all left wondering. We need to find ways to beat stress, especially during these winter months and the continuing pandemic. You may feel depressed, blue, unmotivated, and uninspired. The world may seem only negative, polarized, and in a lot of turmoil. It’s hard to turn off the continuous streams of social media, television, and news programs. And my guess is that your mental and physical health may be suffering. It’s like being on an amusement park ride that is spinning and moving so fast that you just can’t wait to get off this terrible ride!
So, what can you do? How do you shake off these winter blues and start being your best self? There are a lot of lists out there with good ideas – stay present, limit your screen time, take walks, practice mindfulness, etc. What I’m here to offer are 5 fun ways to help you beat the winter blues, calm stress and anxiety, make new habits, and feel healthier in mind, body and spirit. So, here goes:
5 Fun Ways to Beat the Winter Blues
Laugh and don’t let the turkeys get you down. When I was in my late 20’s I suffered through traumatic experiences. I received many cards of sympathy with encouraging words. I appreciated the sentiments, but none really resonated with me. Then I received the best card. On the front was a turkey and on the inside the words “don’t let the turkeys get you down”. It made me smile.
Eventually I was inspired to ignore all the negative comments from people I thought were supporting me and move towards those who really cared. That card was so important to me (and I still have it 30+ years later) especially because when I was feeling bad, I could look at it and laugh.
My number 1 suggestion – find something that makes you laugh. Maybe it’s a funny movie, cartoon show, book, or podcast. I recently purchased the book by Sandra Boynton, Don’t Let the Turkeys Get You Down and it is so funny.
Did you know that when you laugh, tension and stress are reduced? Oxygen fills your heart, lungs and other organs and endorphins (feel good chemicals) are increased in your brain.
Laughing is good medicine.
Immerse yourself in color; bring joy to your senses.
Although we may be feeling the winter blues, this season can be a dull time of year, color wise. There are lots of grays and whites with a few peeks of yellow from the sun, especially if you are in an area that tends to be cold or rainy during the winter months. One thing I love to do to bring me out from my sadness, is visit a museum.
Recently I went to an exhibit of North American quilts. The colors in these quilts were bright and cheerful and I found my spirits lift as I walked around absorbed in the beauty of these fabric creations. If your schedule doesn’t permit an in person visit, spend a few moments during your day exploring art from around the world on a virtual tour .
My other favorite thing to do when feeling the winter blues? Visit a greenhouse or flower show. Many local garden clubs host indoor flower shows like this one on Cape Cod.
Phone a friend, comfort another – your heart will be warmed. We all crave face to face interaction. That opportunity to laugh, cry, and listen to a friend, or neighbor. Winter weather may make it hard, but the pandemic has certainly made it much harder. Still, we need to find a way to reach out. Move out of our own “complaining and down in the dumps” mode and connect.
Do you have an elderly neighbor you could visit? Can you volunteer with your local council on aging to phone someone who is home bound? Visit with a friend? One thing I really love to do is send cards to my friends – it’s a nice treat for them and I feel happy knowing that they will receive this card with a smile on their face.
Getting out of your own head and comforting another person will bring you a lot of joy and more meaning into your life. When you make someone else smile, you’ll find yourself smiling too.
Get nurtured by nature – be curious while wandering.
“The earth will help us. There is such strength in the ground, the trees, the water. The air we breathe washes over us with new life.” Healing After Loss, Martha W. Hickman.
During these days of feeling the winter blues, you might look outside and think that it’s too bleak, or rainy, or windy or cold to go outside. However, when you put your “curiosity” hat on, you may be surprised at what you find. Have you ever noticed all the birds that hide in the dense thicket of bushes? Can you spot the squirrel nests high up in the trees now that the leaves have fallen from the branches?
Maybe you get outside every day for exercise or to walk your dog. But think of how much fun that walk might be if you wander and explore.
In a recent study, it was found that spending 2 hours a week in nature improves your physical and mental health.
Can’t get outside today? Find a comfortable sitting or lying down position and listen to a nature audio recording like these offered by the Audubon Society. Let your imagination wander and you may find yourself in this natural setting.
Dance your heart out and reduce your anxiety and stress
Growing up I remember my mom dancing in the living room just for fun and us kids joining in with her. I don’t know why she was dancing but it made us all laugh and feel good when we were through.
When was the last time you just let loose and moved? Do you remember how it made you feel? The nice thing about dancing at home is that no one needs to see you, if you feel self-conscious. You can some music on, clean the house, wash the dishes or do the laundry, while dancing and moving to a favorite song.
Dancing helps boost your mood by stimulating the production of dopamine and endorphins, chemicals in our brain responsible for happiness and pleasure.
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