Get Ahead of the Winter Blues: 5 Ideas to Stay Up-Beat All Season Long
Winter is coming, but it doesn’t have to drag you down! There are plenty of ways to keep your spirits high and your body moving, even when the cold sets in. Here are some of my favorite strategies to beat the winter blues and make the most of the season.
1. If you’re not already, start taking Vitamin D3... like, now.
This is your gentle nudge to get your hands on some Vitamin D3. We don’t get as much sunshine in the winter, and that lack of sun can really affect your mood and energy. I find that D3 helps fill the gap, boosting my immune system and keeping me feeling a little more balanced. Your body and mind will thank you.
2. Create a list of must-do winter activities.
I swear by this one. Making plans for winter gives me something to look forward to and helps me push through the colder days. It’s so important to have something to look forward to, and let’s be honest, it’s always nice to have a reason to get cute. And if you can do these activities with a friend or loved one, even better! Here are some ideas to get you started:
Seasonal activities in your city – Think holiday markets, ice skating rinks, or winter light displays.
Concerts – Music lifts the mood. Check out who's performing in your area this winter!
NBA games – I love a good game, and basketball season brings the energy you need to beat the winter blues.
Museum visits or public art gallery openings – These are perfect for slow, cozy afternoons when you want to stay indoors but still feel engaged.
3. Try a Dawn Simulator (like the Hatch Alarm).
This one is a game-changer for anyone who struggles with waking up when it’s still dark outside. Dawn simulators mimic the sunrise, slowly filling your room with light before your alarm goes off. This gentle wake-up method is backed by research, too! There’s even a study by K. V. Danilenko that shows dawn simulators can improve your mood and energy levels in the morning. It’s like waking up with a little bit of summer, even in the dead of winter.
4. Embrace TV, movie, or book marathons.
Sometimes, the best way to survive winter is to embrace the cozy vibes. Pick a theme or challenge for yourself! For example:
Watch every Oscar-nominated film from 1990 (I promise you'll rediscover some gems).
Go through every Denzel Washington movie in chronological order (you can never go wrong with Denzel).
Or cozy up with a book series you've been meaning to read. Kennedy Ryan has never led me astray.
Whether you're a movie buff or a book lover, there’s something magical about marathoning through a collection during winter.
5. Move your body!
This one’s big for me. It can be tempting to just curl up under a blanket all winter, but your body needs to stay active. I recommend joining a gym if possible, or finding a workout routine that works for you at home. Apple Fitness has some great indoor workouts, or just make it a habit to walk when you can. Even short bursts of movement can lift your mood and make you feel more energized.
So, what's on your winter to-do list? Plan it out now, because winter will be here before you know it, and you’ll want to be ready to make the most of it! Stay active, stay cozy, and remember that spring is always just around the corner.
