7 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

Right around this time of year, I start to feel a little down. There’s nothing much on the horizon except for Easter weekend and I’m still coming off the high from the holidays and my daughters birthday. February and March for me is probably my least eventful months out of the whole year. We’re not big on Valentine’s and don’t make a huge hoopla about it and March is like the longest month ever (or thats what it feels like anyway).

It’s also the time of year I start craving Spring, the smell of freshly cut grass and longer days. I’m kind of over the fact that it gets dark at 5pm. I want to go for my evening jogs again while the sun is still out and drive with my window open. I find that people are also a lot friendlier in the Spring. Or maybe it’s just me because I’m one of those people whose moods are directly affected by the weather.

Hence why I moved from Canada to sunny California! 

To kick this blah feeling to the curb, I’ve discovered 7 ways to beat the winter blues that has worked for me.

1. Eat Smarter 

Working on your overall well-being from the inside out is no brainer. You eat well, you’ll feel better about yourself, your energy levels will go up and you’ll just be in a better mood period. You eat like crap and well, you feel like crap too. Don’t get me wrong though, I definitely enjoy my splurge meals here and there. Sometimes you just need a good meal to feel happy again. But getting back on track is important.

2. Exercise

I just love the high I’m in after I exercise. There is nothing like it. After a good spin class or a three mile run, I legit feel so awesome. Even a walk around my neighborhood puts me in a much better mood than staying cooped up inside and laying on the couch. Get moving and it’ll wake up your endorphins and give you that nice “happiness” high you’ve been looking for.

3. Turn on music

I love me some Bruno Mars. His music instantly lifts my spirits and, seriously, is it even possible not to dance to his music? I tried and could not do it. Try not tapping your feet or swaying your body when his music comes on. Told you. Impossible. If Bruno Mars doesn’t do it for you, just listen to whatever gets your mojo going and trust me, it’ll turn your mood around.

4. Plan a vacation

Planning a vacation is one of my favorite things to do in life. It’s so exciting to me to research where to go, what flights to take, where to stay and most importantly where to eat and what to do once we are there. It gets me super pumped when I plan a vacation for my family. Not only is it an escape from the regular mundane day-to-day but it gives me something to look forward to. Right now, I’m preparing for a cruise to Cabo with my family in April. Cannot wait!

5. Get outside

Sometimes when I find myself feeling like a complete blob and being super lazy inside, I force myself to get outside. Even if its to watch my son ride his bike right outside our house. 99% of the time, as soon as I get outside, I have way more energy.

6. Read a good book

I recently finished The Girl On The Train and I was so completely wrapped up in that book for weeks. It was so good. Then I watched the movie and was disappointed but oh well, tis is life. Anyway, my point is reading a good book, whether its fiction or non-fiction gets your brain going. Taps into your imagination and allows you to get lost in a sense. I love that. I love the feeling of being so wrapped up in a book that I don’t want to put it down.

7. Binge watch

Okay, this one may sound odd considering the fact that I just told you to get moving and get outside but hear me out. Binge watching shows has gotten me through some rough winter months. I’ve watched full seasons of Downton Abbey and Sherlock Holmes in an entire weekend. Recently I’ve completed Stranger Things and The Crown on Netflix. Both amazing shows. The reason why this helps me through the winter months is because it allows me to escape my reality and enter a fantasy for a little while. Escapism is a wonderful thing. That’s why they invented reality shows. So you can leave your reality and escape to Housewives of Beverly Hills. I prefer well written British dramas but hey, to each is own.