Winter can be dark, damp, grey and uninspiring which can leave us feeling a bit deflated, especially after the jolly festivities over Christmas.
Admittedly it’s not my favourite season and I long for the bright colours and freshness of spring come mid-January, however, I try to stay positive. We really are the products of our thoughts and if we get stuck in the mindset of misery about the season, it most probably will be. Instead, I like to put a few things into practice to help give my mood a boost if I feel like I’m going to slip into the winter blues. It’s easily done, the persistent grey clouds outside don’t make it easy to stay upbeat, but shifting your mindset to a more positive place will not only boost your mood but also uplift your wellbeing too.
Surround Yourself With Things That Bring You Joy
Whether it’s certain photos that bring back memories of happier times, a particular scented candle, pretty notebooks, a favourite jumper – surround yourself with the things that you love that bring a smile to your face. Little reminders dotted here and there at home or at work will instantly help to take you back to happier moments to bring comfort and a little happiness to your day if you need a boost.
Start a Gratitude Journal
A bit of gratitude can go a long way in your life and is a fantastic way to promote better emotional health when we’re feeling low. I try to practice gratitude daily when I can, but I feel that something is better than nothing where this is concerned. When the winter blues hit, open up a page in your notebook and write down everything that you’re grateful for to remind you that there can be rays of sunshine even on a grey day.
Declutter Your Space
Winter is a time when our homes seem to accumulate clutter and knick-knacks seem to stick around, mainly because we’re spending more time indoors so the nesting process is in full swing. Too much clutter can create a mental haze that makes us feel tense. Make your space a relaxing sanctuary by having a quick tidy up and declutter. This not only helps to make your home feel less chaotic but amazingly it will clear your headspace and bring a sense of calm.
Use Warm Yellow Lights Around Your Home
Warm yellow bulbs and fairy lights add a cosy feel to a home opposed to white bright lights. This added sense of hygge from the warm lights works as a mood booster, plus whoever needed a better excuse to put fairy lights up everywhere.
Carve Some Time in Your Day For Fun
We get so stuck in a routine and working hard that we forget to have some fun. Laughing with friends, doing a silly dance to your favourite song, a coffee date are all fun and can be the source of genuine joy. Remember to carve some time in your day to have some fun moments which are obviously going to help boost your mood.
Get Outdoors No Matter The Weather
In the colder months, we tend to go into hibernation and fear going outside because of the cold. I totally get it because I always fall into the same trap, it’s lovely to get all cosy indoors but I really thrive when I’m connecting with nature. I’m trying not to let the weather in winter put me off, it’s all about wrapping up warm, braving the cold and reaping the emotional health benefits.
This is such a fab post!! I love that each of these things can add positivity to your situation. Thanks for sharing x
These are some great ideas, I have to admit that I find my mood does get lower over winter, so I’ll have to try these and see if they help boost it up, even if just a little.
Love this post! These all sound like great mood boosters. I love to go out on walks no matter what the weather is like
I started a gratitude journal a couple of years ago and it’s literally changed my life. Not only does it force me to look for the good things in the day (big or small), but it gives me perspective when I feel down. There’s nothing that will brighten my mood faster than flipping through the pages of the things that have brought me joy. x
I quite like the winter when it’s not too bitterly cold. I have been trying to declutter as much as possible to make things a bit more calm in my flat x
The winter months can be sometimes difficult for a lot of people, this is a great post of doing things to keep yourself motivated until Spring arrives.
These are all great tips for tackling those unwanted January blues. I definitely agree that heading outside and getting some fresh air can really help to lift your mood!
I love your tips, esecially about decluttering which is something I really need to do and always helps my state of mind.
I love that declutter made your list as its what I am in the process of doing in each room of the house and it really does make you feel good
I have been for a brisk walk along the seafront today and feel so much better for it
I am actually planning on decluttering this weekend as indeed too much stuff can get your mood down, especially when you look the same day at the same things. Getting out of the house can indeed have positive effects but it’s so hard to when it’s so cold… brr
I love the idea of a gratitude journal as I think that really must keep you positive ??
I started a gratitude journal and I fill it in every night in bed. Helps me reflect positively on the day just gone and look forward to the one ahead.
Great advice! Declutering is a great idea although I just lack the motivation to do it! Im going to get n a mission this weekend!
I think im getting the post christmas blues. I will definitely take some of these ideas as i really think they will help, especially decluttering space
I actually love the winter and I embrace the cold. I love taking my dogs out to see the snow, and all of your suggestions bring positive vibes and peace.
This is such a great post! Decluttering is something I deffffinitely need to do soon. I’m terrible for having clutter everywhere, but always feel so much better after a tidy up. 🙂