Banishing the Winter Blahs: 10 Quick Tips

There’s snow in some parts of the country, and it’s colder just about everywhere. With less sun, more indoor heating and the advent of coats, hats and mittens—or at least jackets and long pants—many of us begin to get a little cranky. Enter the Winter Blah Zone.

But, with a little effort, you can take your extra free time during winter and turn it into something new and exciting. Here is a list of 10 quick tips for beating the winter blahs:

1. Exercise. The best way to get your blood pumping and get a better attitude about everything is to exercise. Inside or outside, exercise can improve your body and your mind.

2. Read some good books. If you live in a colder climate where there’s no yard work for months, take time off to read. Even read garden books or catalogs and plan your summer garden.

3. Find a new hobby. Try something you’ve always wanted to do. Take a class.

4. Socialize. Don’t just hunker down in your house. Humans don’t hibernate. Force yourself to go out either with friends or to meet others.

5. Color your home with flowers. Spring is ways away, but many plants can be brought inside to bloom. You can force daffodils, tulips and hyacinths during the winter months. If you don’t have a green thumb, buy some pretty plants or flowers for your house.

6. Soak up some rays. See the sun shine for at least 15 to 20 minutes a day. Many people are affected by the lack of sun and daylight during the winter months.

7. Simplify, simplify, simplify. Henry David Thoreau said it best, and it still works. Take time now to bring order to your life. Reorganize and clean out closets, dresser drawers and desks. Shred documents you no longer need (see Creating and Maintaining a Personal Record System). Give things away to charity.

8. Watch what you eat. In winter, lots of people pack on the pounds with heavy pastas and soups. Keep warm with comforting beans, lentils and other tasty legumes in your diet. They make hearty meals without heavy calories.

9. Take up a winter sport. In cold climates, some people actually like to pursue winter recreation. Head over to a public skating rink, sled hill or cross country trail and embrace the weather.

10. Get those indoor projects done. When the weather gets warmer, you’ll spend more time outside. Now that you’re indoors through more of the day, look around and see what indoor projects you can finally find time to work on. It could be as simple as fixing a light fixture or as involved as painting a room. You’ll feel better when you cross a long-needed project off your to-do list.

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