Winter has long been when I gained weight, got sad, and worked relentlessly in Corporate because there wasn’t much else to do. I had to beat the winter blues because I squeezed all my joy into the spring-summer months. Winter as a season to survive rather than savor. But in the past few years, as a work-from-home business owner, I realized it’s so much more.
Of course, everything goes flat after the holidays—decorations come down, the weather doesn’t exactly excite, and the social energy fizzles out. Add shorter days and colder temps? It’s easy to fall into a funk. So what do you do with this? I’ve learned that a shift in mindset and embracing winter for what it is (a time for deep self-care and rejuvenation) made all the difference.
Here are seven simple ways to fight the gloom, nourish your body, and uplift your soul during the cold months ahead.
1. Shift Your Mindset (Get Outdoors)
The first thing I had to tackle was my mindset. I always saw winter as a time to hibernate indoors, missing the most fresh air and light I needed. I challenged that belief and committed to getting outside every day, no matter the weather. Some days, it’s just a 10-minute walk around the block; others, I might explore the neighborhood for 30 minutes.
There’s something invigorating about brisk air on your face and natural light—even when it’s cloudy. It was like a jolt to my system: my head cleared, my energy lifted, and I slept better. The light is key for your mood, but that refreshing cold air is an added boost to keep the sadness at bay.
Want to make outdoor walks more fun? Dress for the occasion with warm layers and gear that make you want to get outside. Check out this article for tips on shifting your mindset and some of my go-to cold-weather gear.
2. Move Your Body (Pvolve Changed My Game)
Winter became the perfect time to build a consistent workout routine because it gave my mind and body something to focus on. My secret? Pvolve–a low-impact, functional fitness method that completely transformed my approach to working out. It’s versatile, set up anywhere, and easy to stick to a routine from home.
The key isn’t to push yourself hard in winter but to show up. Once you start moving, you’ll often find that your energy improves and the endorphins take care of the rest. Some days, I show up for a complete workout; others, I do 10 minutes of gentle movement to stretch and feel alive. That’s the beauty of Pvolve—it’s flexible.
Check out Pvolve and explore their plans to see why this setup is a game-changer for me.
- Website: Pvolve
3. Create Personal Rituals
Routines can keep winter blues at bay by finding small pockets of joy in your daily life. For me, the routine of my morning coffee has evolved into a little slice of happiness—I upgraded to a French press, began pairing my coffee with journaling, and started jotting down three things I’m grateful for.
Evening routines matter, too. Experiment with lighting candles, setting out blankets, and curating a playlist of soft music or nature sounds to unwind. This season is about making your space feel like a warm, welcoming sanctuary.
Pro tip: Add aromatherapy to your life. Diffusing essential oils like lavender or citrus uplifts your mood and creates an intentional start or end to the day.
- More About Aromatherapy: Essential Oils Guide.
4. Cultivate Connection
Winter can feel isolating after the holidays, so it’s the perfect time to deliberately nurture relationships. Schedule virtual or in-person catch-ups over coffee, join a hobby that interests you (book clubs, vision board workshops, or even knitting groups), or connect with a loved one through the phone. Staying connected is a remedy for loneliness and an energizing force in an otherwise dull season.
5. Light It Up
Winter’s darker days can weigh you down, but there are ways to replicate sunlight. Bring more light into your mornings with a light therapy lamp, which is proven to combat the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Simple hacks:
- Open curtains early to soak up every ounce of natural sunlight.
- Swap out harsh home lighting for warmer options like Himalayan salt lamps or cozy string lights.
- Learn to Use Light Therapy Lamps Effectively: Mayo Clinic Guide.
6. Dive Into Winter Self-Care
The cold can be brutal on your skin, so I use winter as a chance to amp up my skincare routine. Rich moisturizers, hydrating sheet masks, and weekly exfoliation keep my skin glowing even when it’s dull outside. Self-pampering turns gloomy nights into soothing experiences, especially with a luxurious bubble bath or silky-soft pajamas.
Pro tip: Use bath therapies with essential oils or Epsom salts. Add a candle or two for ambiance and have the ultimate unwinding session.
7. Get Creative Indoors (Reclaim Your Space)
January and February aren’t just about staying home—they’re an opportunity to tackle creative DIY projects. There’s something deeply satisfying about organizing neglected spaces or updating rooms to feel fresh and functional.
One of my favorite winter rituals is heading to the basement to reclaim order or giving a small bathroom a facelift. These simple projects keep me active and bring a sense of accomplishment to those long, cold days.
Some DIY ideas to inspire:
- Declutter your storage spaces and donate unused items to start fresh.
- Paint or refresh a room (even minor updates like swapping curtains can be transformative).
- Create a cozy nook for reading, journaling, or evening tea rituals in your living room.
The point is to let your creative energy flow—winter is the perfect time to focus inward and create spaces you feel proud of.
Conclusion on How to Beat the Winter Blues: It is What You Make of It
Winter doesn’t have to be a time of sadness or stagnation. With small steps—a shift in mindset, a new workout routine, or cozy intentional rituals—you can create a season full of light, movement, and creativity. It’s not about escaping the winter blues but transforming them into growth, joy, and self-care opportunities.
Cheers to making these cold months some of the warmest for your soul.