Fighting the Winter Blues
I’ve talked about this a number of times, but I always struggle in January and February. This Winter has felt particularly hard because I’ve been dealing so many schedule changes. I’ve been more tired, experiencing higher highs and lower lows, and just craving routine in general. I’ve been leaning into these small things to make my days a little better.
I don’t think there’s any shame in admitting when we’re having a hard time. For me, I always find that if I’m NOT talking about how I’m feeling, it’s an indication that I’m overcompensating for being in a bad place. I was chatting with a friend recently and I really need to lean on my routines to make things manageable for me. It’s okay to be tired, especially since Covid is still such a problem, but it’s also okay to figure out what you need to keep moving forward.
Happy Lamp // Candles // Indoor Plants // Cook Your Way Through a Cookbook // Summery Playlist
Happy Lamp—These are so great if you live somewhere with limited sunlight during the winter months like me. I immediately feel so different when the sun is out and these happy lamps can help give the same effect. It’s also a good idea to ask your doctor about taking a vitamin D supplement.
Candles—Sometimes you just need to lean into the cozy. Light some candles with a soothing scent or something vaguely springy and summery. I love the Capri Blue Volcano candle from Anthropology. It’s immediately soothing for me.
Indoor Plants—We know I love my garden in the Summer but this year I also added some greenery to my office. It’s another great part of my routine to add caring for them!
Cook Through a Cookbook—I am such a habitual person that sometimes, I get into cooking ruts. Why is planning meals the hardest part of adulthood? A fun way to challenge yourself and provide some routine is to cook your way through a cookbook! I’ve been using this one from Half Baked Harvest.
Summery Playlist—When all else fails, let music sweep you away. I’ve rediscovered my love for music in 2021 and it has the ability to alter my mood instantly. Make a playlist full of songs that take you back to summer!
Daily Dose of Movement // Craft a Morning + Night Routine You LOVE // Plan Something to Look Forward To // Start a New Hobby for You // Meditate + Limit Screen Time
And some actionable ideas for you.
Daily Dose of Movement—I am so grateful for my walks with my dog. They force me to get out and move every day. Moving my body is a privilege and it always helps me refresh my mind.
Craft a Morning + Night Routine You Love—This is why I do my morning commute reading! It helps me get out of bed because I’m excited to get back to my book. My night routine needs work, but I’ve really been trying to limit screen time in bed. I wind down with my nighttime skincare and get in bed with my book. I try to not look at my phone after 10 or 10:30pm.
Plan Something to Look Forward To—We are currently planning our long awaited honeymoon and it is filling me with SO much excitement. Whether it’s a trip home, a concert or event, having something to “count down” to always helps me get through the days.
Start a New Hobby for You—My bullet journal is my favorite creative hobby that I started just for me. It’s fun and simple and a great way to express myself.
Meditate + Limit Screen Time—Nick is huge on meditation and I’ve tried to get into it. I’m still working on it but I’ve noticed my attention span is much shorter due to social media so I’ve been using mediation and limited screen time to extend it again.
I’d love to know how you combat the winter blues!