20 Ways to beat the winter blues... and a bonus!

Winter can be a hard time for me, it seems to hit me every year about mid-January. The holidays are over, it still gets dark early, the sky is gray, the leaves are brown...

Hey! That sounds like a song! I crack myself up...

Anyway... here is a list that I made of things that I do to help when I feel blah, in a funk, a little depressed... and I hope it helps you too!

20 Ways to beat winter blues (or blahs)

1. Create something, paint, bake bread, be crafty!

2. Go for a long walk, even though it may be cold outside. If you walk a lot, change it up and walk                     someplace new.

3. Cuddle up with herbal tea (or coffee) & a good book.

4. Do a necessary chore that makes you feel better. I take everything out of my fridge and wash the shelves, taking them out and wiping them down. It's so shiny when it's done!

5. Break up your routine- shop at a new place, eat at a different restaurant, shop at a different store. 

6. Plan something to look forward to— a Spring break trip or a summer garden.

7. Listen to a new podcast.

8. Get together with a friend for a walk or coffee. 

9. Write thank you notes for Christmas if you haven’t already.

10. Paint your nails, soak your feet, style your hair a different way… pamper yourself after the busy Christmas season.

11. Try a new recipe- maybe a soup for these chilly evenings...

12. Declutter- whether it be your wardrobe, a closet, cupboard, etc.,

13. Watch a funny show that makes you laugh- like “Date Night” or “Rat Race.”

14. Celebrate a fun holiday- like Peanut Butter Day or Spouses Day.

15. Invite friends to your home to play games.

16. Complete a new or old puzzle- a perfect indoor activity!

17. Wear bright colors, or something soft & comfortable- your favorite sweater or sweatshirt, jeans, socks, etc.,

18. Remember that you are not alone. Take time to read God’s word and pray. (1 Peter 5:7)

19. Color in an adult coloring book- it can be relaxing!

20. Make an upbeat songs playlist- it’s nice to listen to while on a walk or while cleaning. 

And one bonus...

21. Add cheerful essential oils to your diffuser, such as Orange, Lemon, or grapefruit...make your house smell good!

What about you? Do you have any ideas to add?

Genesis 8:22
“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.”

Psalm 74:17
It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.

Hosea 6:3
Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”