I know, I know. It’s only September, and here I am already talking about winter depression. Summer is (almost) over, the darker days are coming, and even though I love the cozy months, they can also be a struggle for me and many others. The colder months also mean a lot of dark days without much sunshine.
A lot of people struggle with winter depression, so I thought I’d write a blog post about this topic and focus on preventing it rather than waiting until the winter depression starts creeping in.
How to Make Winter Feel Less Miserable
Create Your Ultimate Cozy Ritual
One of the reasons why I can still appreciate the colder and darker days is because they’re the perfect time to get cozy and enjoy all those little cozy things. And you can start now! Put some blankets and pillows on your couch, buy some candles, and stock up on cozy drinks like tea or hot chocolate.
Every day, make a little bit of time (or a lot!) for some cozy time. Put your phone away and eliminate other distractions. Just focus on yourself and enjoy the moment. Turn it into a little ritual that you can look forward to every day.
Go on a Daily Sun Hunt
Okay, the sun might not be shining all the time, but going outside during the day is still important. So, if you have time in the morning, go for a walk. I started doing this a couple of months ago, and I’m honestly loving it. It’s nice to get some fresh air early in the morning, and it doesn’t have to be a long walk. Mine is usually around 15–20 minutes, but it still makes me feel a little better.
There’s also something really nice about going for a walk when everyone else is still inside and/or sleeping. It’s so quiet outside. But you can also go outside during your break at work or school. Just find a little bit of time during the day to get some fresh air and daylight.
Make Winter Food an Event
The colder months also mean hearty meals like soup, stew, and all kinds of comfort food. But it’s also a great time to start baking more often and trying new recipes.
Soup is something I could eat all the time, and I love finding new recipes to try. You have something fun to do, and in the end, you get a delicious comfort meal to cheer yourself up. Make cooking and baking an event rather than just something you have to do.
Stop Hibernating, Just Make Socializing Cozier
When winter depression starts to hit, you might want to stay home all the time. You’re most likely not in the mood to go out and meet your friends. But seeing your friends and family is important. Socializing can help you feel happier and less lonely.
If you’re really struggling, ask your friends for a low-effort hangout. You don’t have to go out and do something exciting. Have a dinner party, play board games, or have a movie night. Sometimes, you just need people around you without having to put in a lot of effort.
Pick a Winter Hobby
You’re probably going to spend more time indoors during the colder months. If you love spending time outside, this can be difficult, but the trick is to find a hobby that makes you feel good and helps you forget about the time, and the fact that it’s cold and dark outside.
For me, that’s reading. It takes me to another world where winter depression doesn’t exist. But your hobby can be anything: building LEGO, journaling, watching movies, baking, gaming, painting, or whatever makes you happy.
Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To
During the colder and darker months, the days can sometimes feel endless, and you might wonder when things will get better again. One thing that can help is planning at least one fun thing each day, and it doesn’t have to be anything big.
When you don’t have much time, it could simply mean getting your favorite snack and enjoying it completely. When you have a little more time, maybe you can watch your favorite show. And when you have a whole day to yourself, you could plan a fun reading day with your favorite snacks, meals, and drinks.
Just give yourself something to look forward to, something that brings a little excitement to your day.
Lower the Pressure
I also feel like a lot of people see the colder months as the perfect time to get fit, learn a language, read 100 books, start a new hobby, and completely reinvent themselves. I’m not against self-improvement, but sometimes we put way too much pressure on ourselves, and it’s completely unnecessary.
Do what feels good to you. You don’t have to follow every trend you see on social media. You don’t have to become the “best version of yourself” this winter. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply make your life as easy and comfortable as possible.
Give Your Body Some Love
And, of course, don’t forget to take care of your body, too. Try to eat nutritious meals, although there’s absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying some junk food from time to time. Move your body, get enough sleep, and talk to a healthcare professional if you think you may need vitamin D or other supplements.
Most importantly, listen to your body and give it what it needs. Sometimes you just need an extra nap. Other times, going for a walk or moving your body can help you feel more energetic. There’s no perfect routine—just pay attention to what makes you feel good.
Photo by Shashi Chaturvedula on Unsplash