Beating the Winter Blues

Winter gets a bad rap. I get it, it can be cold, bitter, and dark. January comes and all the holiday cheer is packed away, and then February sneaks in and even though it is the shortest month, it somehow always feels like the longest. It's hard to be in a joyful mood when the sun goes down at 5 PM every day and the brutal air makes it difficult to even step outside. Not to mention you feel the weight of all these daunting resolutions you're supposed to be achieving. Instead of succumbing to the gloom of the gray skies, here are a few tricks to combatting winter blues.

Get Outside

In Norway, they have a tradition called friluftsliv (free-loofts-liv). This is the act of getting out and enjoying the outdoors, especially in the winter. We get into the winter habit of hiding indoors from the cold, which has its time and place, but our bodies have a need for fresh air and nature. Bundle up, grab a warm drink, and go for a walk. Get that vitamin D and some beneficial movement to shake off the mundane mood.

Warming your Gut

The winter is for warming foods: decadent soups, radiant spices, and hearty comfort foods. Your hair and skin may dry out in the winter months, but guess what also does... Your insides. Eating warm, oily foods helps nourish those areas. Instead of eating raw vegetables eat cooked vegetables, start your day with a warming cup of tea, meal prep a soup for lunch. You don't have to overindulge to eat food you find comforting. The goal is to be balanced.

Add Color and Life to Your Home

I've said it before and I am going to say it again: "Buy yourself some flowers!". Looking outside, all the lively, colorful plant life is dormant awaiting for the first whiffs of spring air to return. Thankfully, we live in the age of modern technology and constant access to anything you want which means we can get flowers any time of year. Adding plants or fresh-cut flowers to your home breaks up the morose winter hues of brown. Some cat-friendly options are roses, daisies, jasmine, and snapdragons.

Moisturize

As the air gets colder, it also gets dry meaning your summer skincare routine just isn't going to hack it. Instead of light moisturizers, you need to make the transition to richer lotions and oils. Take the time to give yourself an oil massage. I personally like to use argan oil and give myself a scalp massage to liven my hair. Not only are oil massages softening, but also warming. Create a skin and hair routine that feels luxurious and just for you.

Be Social

It's tempting to cuddle up within blankets and take cover from the winter gloom and darkness, but don't miss out on seeing your friends. There are plenty of winter-friendly activities that you and your squad can participate in. Start a book club, cook a meal together, host a clothing swap... The ideas are endless.

New Year, Same You

It's easy to be overwhelmed with all the talk of resolutions. Just relish in the fact that you are exactly who you are supposed to be and that is something to celebrate. It's okay to make attainable goals, but don't do it to the detriment of your mental health. Winter is the perfect time to reflect and rest. Take the time to consider the things you are grateful for.