3 Powerful Ways to Beat Winter Blues

Beat the Winter Blues

Here in Michigan, we are in the dead of winter. Are these gloomy winter days getting to you? Are you ready to beat those winter blues? It is January, and you find yourself dreaming about spring. We are currently implementing social distancing, staying in your home, and, of course, some places that are still shut down. So not only is it cold outside, cloudy, and no sun, but places we use to go during the winter to enjoy ourselves is closed down.

If you are like me, you are already tired of it, and it is only January. It is time to find some enjoyment in life despite the circumstances. But there are things you can do to lift your mood. Here you will find 3 powerful ways to beat winter blues and enjoy your life.

3 Powerful Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

1. Despite cloudy days, go outside.

- Take a walk and breath in the cool crisp air. Allow the air to fill your lungs and stomach. Breath in slowly and deeply, hold it, breath out slowly and completely.
- While walking and deep breathing, use your senses to be in the moment.
  - Acknowledge what you see. Look around you and really take notice of your environment. Pick out the good whether you are in a city or county; pick out the good around you.
  - Acknowledge what you hear. Do you hear the birds, the squirrels, etc.? Do you hear the hum of cars, others talking, or water flowing?
  - Acknowledge what you smell. The fresh air? Freshwater? How about food from restaurants?
  - Acknowledge what you feel. The cold air on your exposed skin? The warmth of your clothing? Do you feel the comfort of your shoes? If you stopped to sit down, do you feel the seat beneath you? Do you feel the ground you are walking on?
  - Hopefully, you are not tasting anything while walking outside unless you have a warm drink with you or chewing something

2. Find an indoor hobby to learn and engage in.

- What is a hobby you have always wanted to learn? Is there something that you would like to grow and develop in? For example, cooking, trains, woodworking, painting, drawing, refurbishing old furniture, being a makeup artist, restoring classic cars, sewing, writing, vlogging, etc. If you have a hard time thinking of one to engage in do research on different indoor hobbies according to your budget and figure out which one interests you.
- Find what you can afford to do, and do it. Write down what you would like to learn and engage in. Instead of spending hours watching tv or on social media, take an hour and learn about your hobby and begin to create something or engage in something of enjoyment.

3. Stay in contact with friends and family.

- It is important that you continue to live in community with others, whether family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. Yes, you must engage in social distancing during this time, but you can video chat and call people. I did not say text because, through text, part of communication and understanding is lost. Make sure you are not doing life alone.

Remember the 3 powerful ways to beat the winter blues are: go outside, find an indoor hobby to engage in, and stay in contact with friends and family.

Please leave a comment below and let me know how these steps have helped you and what you would like to see more of.