Tips for beating the winter blues

I don’t know about you but the winter season drains my spirits. I lack motivation, confidence and my mood is often lackluster. It’s so easy to get down in the dumps when the temperature is cold, and the weather is crappy. All I want to do is stay indoors and veg but, that doesn’t seem to help.

A few weeks ago I was really down.  I just felt like I had been going through the motions for a long time. Then I remembered that it’s just the winter blues and I decided I am not going to let this season bring me down any longer.
Here is what I am doing  to battle the winter blues:

On nice days get outside
A few days ago the weather was warm and sunny. I ate lunch outside and it was a big boost to my spirits. The sun felt so good on my skin and it made excited for the warmer months ahead. Even on the not so nice days it’s great to get out and walk around your neighborhood.

Stick to your workout routine
There are  so many days when it’s cold and dark where all I want to do is go home and get into bed. Instead of giving in to that feeling I head to the gym. On the days that I do workout I feel so much better. I guess the saying is true, you only regret the workouts you don’t do.

See family and friends
Like I said, in the winter it’s easy to stay in and isolate yourself, but it’s so much better to up and out. Getting together with family and friends is a great way to relax and catch up with people you love and that love you back.

Surround yourself with color
Wearing bright colors or buying yourself pretty flowers are great pick-me-ups. I love going to Whole Foods and buying myself a bouquet of flowers for my desk at work or my apartment. They look pretty and enjoy going to the store and getting them.

Self care routines
When I take the time to do a face mask or light a candle and read a book it relaxes me. I know I am taking care of myself inside and out. The most important relationship you have is with yourself, and I like those quiet moments with just me.

Take a break from social media or electronics
There is so much negativity in the world that sometimes I just need to take a break from it. I’ll stay away from social media and stop listening to the news for a few days. Doing this feels like a weight is lifted off of me.

Do you ever get the winter blues? How do you fight back?

Thanks for reading!

XO- Samantha Leigh

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53 thoughts on “Tips for beating the winter blues”

  3. debrahm says:
    Reply

    Love the suggestion of including bright colours in your daily life in winter! Must be part of our hibernation mode, no colour, greys, browns, gloom, gloom, gloom (helps the sleeping happen!) but that’s not what we want is it? So bring on the colour! Thanks for that Samantha!

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  4. bib0204 says:
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    I need this post! I’ve been feeling a bit “blehh” this winter. It can be tough, especially when it’s cold and gray, but one of the best things is getting outside as much as possible. Sticking to your workout routine is important too! Thanks for sharing these great tips!

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  5. Mimi says:
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    Great tips! I actually love winter but I deal with depression so sometimes I have winter blues even if I love it, I find that enjoying the sunny days totally help

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  8. Kerry LifeandLoves says:
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    Yep, I agree, winter blues are a thing! I feel like I have a tendency to hibernate if given the chance. Lately, I have been taking a walk before I start my day, just round the block so only about 20 minutes, but I think it really helps. It will soon be brighter days x

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  11. Madi Dearson says:
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    Great points. We are lucky where I live – we get a lot of winter sun, so I take my laptop outside and work in the sun, it does wanders for my mood.I also try to stay away from news in general, I keep up with whats going on by skimming news website really fast and that’s about that, can not handle all the sadness.

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  12. amominspiredblog says:
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    This is a great list! I’ve struggled with depression for most of my life and choose to avoid medication and take a holistic approach, but winter time is TOUGH! These are all things I incorporate into my everyday life to avoid getting down!

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  18. elaineebest says:
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    I am here for this! Winter is my favorite season, but I can totally understand why it makes people feel down in the dumps. I’ve found that on beautifully sunny days, even if it’s deathly cold outside, sitting by the window (preferably a HUGE window) helps. You’re almost out in nature, but still protected from the cold by the four walls surrounding you. 🙂

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  19. Bryan says:
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    Another possible solution? Relocate to a warmer climate! That is part of the reason I moved my family to Houston, Texas about a decade ago. We have never regretted it

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  20. spiceitupp says:
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    I am not a very winter or dark days person. I found exercising and meeting with friends most helpful to keep the blues away. Great tips here.

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  23. Grace says:
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    I’ve definitely been feeling the winter blues this entire season and the dreary, cold weather here always makes me not want to go out. Today though, the sun was out and shining and the temperature was finally a little warmer than normal and it felt great. I love the idea of having colorful flowers and such to light up the room during these times!

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  24. D'Ana Joi says:
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    I too suffer from the winter blues. I love how you said “you only regret the workouts you don’t do,” I have never heard that saying before but it’s so true! One last idea is to get a “happy light” I love mine and it gives a nice boost of UV rays which makes me feel super energized and productive.

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