When the days get shorter and the weather colder, it’s easy to start feeling blue and unmotivated. We may even want to hibernate until Spring. Winter, however, can be enjoyed, not just endured. Here are 9 simple tips to help transform winter into a time to thrive, not just survive.
Create a Sensation of Coziness
When it is cold outdoors, enjoy the opportunity to put on a comfy sweatshirt and thick socks, warm up a cup of cocoa, curl up in a blanket, have a comforting bowl of chili, read a book, light a candle, or better yet light a fire in the fireplace if you have one. Finding things that make you feel warm, and cozy can help make winter something to look forward to.
Dress the Part
Winter always goes better when we have a good winter coat, gloves, hat, and boots to keep us warm in the outdoors. It is also fun to have at least a few seasonal shirts or sweaters that only come out in the winter. This can help make the season feel special.
Find a Winter Hobby
Choose a hobby or an activity to look forward to each winter. There are so many options like going ice skating, skiing/snowboarding, or snowshoeing; attending plays, concerts, or festivals; doing crafts; sledding; building snowmen, igloos, or ice sculptures; playing ball at the gym; singing in a choir; taking a yoga class; writing a book; etc. Let’s not let life pass us by because of the cold.
Get Some Sunshine
Even though some days can be cold, it’s important to spend some time outdoors in the sunshine. This is great therapy for those who experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Winterize Your Fitness Routine
Find ways to keep up our fitness during the winter. This may mean making a workout space in our house to do an exercise video, going to a gym, or finding warmer workout clothing. It may take a little creativity but it’s well worth the effort to help keep those feel-good hormones working for us.
Eat for the Season
Some foods are especially wonderful for the cooler months. These could include a warm bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, soup, squash, roasted vegetables, chili, stew, casserole, lasagna, and more. Having tasty and nutritious in-season dishes can make all the difference.
Turn Outside Yourself
We always feel so much better about ourselves when we focus on others. Winter is a great time to reconnect with friends and family or to cheer up those who are lonely. There are unlimited opportunities for service, and we can choose to serve in ways that bring us joy.
Choose a Positive Attitude
So much of how we experience life depends on our attitude. We can choose to live a life of joy or misery. When we focus on seeing the good, our lives feel more abundant. A great way to see more of our blessings is to keep a daily gratitude journal.
Focus on the Savior
The winter season brings opportunity to study the scriptures, pray, bear testimony, and focus on the Savior. As we think of Him this Christmas season, we can find joy in His immeasurable gift to each of us.