If you want to avoid the winter blues this year, say hello to these 8 new habits

For years, I dreaded the arrival of winter. The shorter days, the cold, the lack of sunlight—it all seemed to drag me down into a funk that was hard to shake.

I’d start each winter full of hope, only to find myself struggling to stay motivated, battling my mood, and feeling like I was just waiting for the season to end.

But then, I decided to stop letting winter control me and took charge of my habits instead.

By intentionally adopting a few key changes in my daily routine, I not only survived winter—I started to thrive during it. 

If you’re someone who feels the weight of the winter blues creeping in each year, know that it doesn’t have to be this way.

In this article, I’ll share 8 new habits that can help you beat the winter blues and embrace the season with energy and positivity.

1) Embrace the power of routine

Routines become your secret weapon against the winter blues.

When the days get shorter and the world outside feels cold and dreary, routines offer a comforting structure that helps you regain a sense of control.

Routines give you a sense of familiarity and stability, which is especially important when everything around you feels unpredictable.

They allow you to set the tone for the day and give you something positive to look forward to. 

For example, starting your day at the same time every morning gives your body a rhythm to follow, signaling that it’s time to wake up and get moving.

A warm, nourishing breakfast not only fuels your body but also creates a sense of comfort and calm.

A quick walk in the fresh, crisp morning light—even if it’s just for a few minutes—helps reset your mind and gives you the energy boost you need to face the day.

With a routine in place, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed or lost.

Instead, you create your own rhythm that can help carry you through the darkest, coldest days of the year

2) Get moving, even when it’s freezing

I know, I know. The last thing you want to do when it’s freezing outside is to get up and move.

Trust me, I’ve been there.

One winter, I found myself sinking into a lethargic state, finding it harder and harder to get out of bed each morning.

The cold seemed unbearable and the idea of going outside was far from appealing.

Then I decided to try something new.

I started doing a quick 15-minute indoor workout each morning, right after getting out of bed.

Nothing too strenuous, just enough to get my heart rate up and feel a rush of endorphins.

And guess what?

It worked wonders! Not only did I start my day feeling energized and positive, but the cold didn’t bother me as much anymore.

So, if you’re feeling the chill this winter, remember this – movement is key.

Whether it’s a brisk walk around the block, an indoor workout or a fun dance session in your living room, find something that gets you moving and stick with it.

3) Soak up some sunlight

Winter often means less daylight, and that can really mess with your mood.

Sunlight does more than just brighten up your surroundings.

It also triggers the release of serotonin in your brain – that’s the hormone responsible for boosting your mood and helping you feel calm and focused.

Lack of sunlight during the winter is associated with a type of depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

The lack of sunlight and shorter days can trigger symptoms of depression, such as:

• Low energy
• Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in sleep patterns (usually oversleeping)
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

So, even in the midst of winter, make sure you’re getting your dose of sunshine:

• Spend time outdoors during daylight hours
• Keep your curtains open to let in as much natural light as possible
• Consider using a light therapy box if you live in a place where winter sunlight is scarce

A little bit of sunlight can go a long way in keeping those winter blues at bay!

4) Keep your diet in check

It’s easy to give in to the temptation of comfort food during the cold winter months.

Hearty meals and hot chocolate do seem like the perfect combination, don’t they?

But here’s the catch.

While these foods might make you feel good in the moment, they can also lead to energy crashes and mood swings later on.

So, aim for a balanced diet. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates in your meals.

And don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated.

A healthy diet might not seem like a big deal, but it plays a vital role in maintaining your mental health.

It can help regulate your mood, improve your energy, and boost your immune system.

5) Stay social, even from a distance

I’ve always found that staying connected with loved ones helps me beat the winter blues.

Sure, the cold weather might make you want to hibernate, but isolation can often amplify feelings of sadness and loneliness.

I make it a point to reach out to friends and family regularly, even if it’s just a quick call or text.

And let me tell you, hearing a familiar voice or reading a friendly message can instantly lift your spirits.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with it:

• Organize a virtual game night
• Have a catch-up session over video call
• Send a funny meme to a friend

We’re all in this together. And together, we can definitely make winter a lot more bearable!

6) Embrace the cold

Now, this might seem a bit odd, but hear me out. Instead of dreading the cold, try embracing it.

We often spend so much energy trying to stay warm that we forget to appreciate the beauty that winter brings.

The crisp air, the quietness, the snow-covered landscapes – there’s a certain magic to it all.

Even more so, exposing yourself to the cold can actually boost your mood. It’s also been shown to:

• Increase your circulation
• Boost your immune system
• Help you burn more calories

So go ahead and step outside.

Take a walk in the snow, have a friendly snowball fight, or simply enjoy a hot cup of cocoa while watching the snowflakes fall.

You might just find that winter isn’t so bad after all!

7) Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is a powerful tool when it comes to managing your mood.

It’s all about being present in the moment, being aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgement.

This winter, try incorporating mindfulness exercises into your daily routine.

This could be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, or consciously taking note of the sights, sounds and smells around you.

Practicing mindfulness can help you stay grounded and connected with yourself, making it easier to navigate through the ups and downs of winter.

And remember, it’s okay to have bad days. The key is to acknowledge these feelings and let them pass without letting them consume you.

8) Don’t hesitate to seek help

This is important. If you feel that the winter blues are getting too heavy to handle, don’t hesitate to seek help.

It’s okay to reach out to a mental health professional and talk about what you’re feeling.

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.

So if the winter blues are weighing you down, asking for help is not just okay, it’s necessary.

Embracing winter, embracing change

Winter is not just a season. It’s a phase of change, a time for reflection, and an opportunity for growth.

It’s about appreciating the quiet moments, finding joy in the simple things, and understanding that it’s okay to feel a little blue sometimes.

The key is to not let these feelings consume you.

Instead, use them as a catalyst to build resilience and develop habits that not only help you survive winter but also thrive in it.

And if you can do that, you’re not just avoiding the winter blues. You’re embracing life in all its seasons.

Winter might be cold, but it can also be incredibly beautiful.

All it takes is a little shift in perspective and the willingness to embrace new habits.