7 Ways to Beat the Winter Doldrums

When the days get shorter, the temperatures drop, and spring feels a million miles away, it’s easy to fall into a winter rut. But the colder months can be the perfect opportunity to try something new, reconnect with loved ones, and make your everyday routine a little more exciting.

Here are our 7 suggestions to shake off the cold weather blues:

1. Get moving and shake off the slump.  You don’t need a gym membership or an elaborate workout plan to get moving.  Physical activity can help boost your mood, improve your energy, and break up long days spent indoors.  Try taking a brisk 20-minute walk during daylight hours when the weather permits, having a dance party in your living room to your favorite playlist, or challenging a friend or family member to a daily step-count competition.
2. Warm up with a new recipe.  Cold weather is the perfect excuse to spend time in the kitchen.  Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner, trying new recipes can turn an ordinary afternoon into something delicious.  Re-create a favorite restaurant meal at home or make a hearty soup, stew, or chili from scratch.  Fun challenge: Choose one new recipe each week and create your own winter cookbook filled with your favorites.
3. Bring back game night.  Put away the phones, gather around the table, and rediscover the fun of playing games together.  Game nights are a great way to connect with family and friends while adding a little friendly competition to the winter routine.  Not a fan of classic board games like Scrabble, Monopoly, or Clue? Organize a trivia contest with questions about music, movies, sports, or history, or create a family quiz with questions about shared memories and funny experiences.
4. Refresh your home and clear the clutter.  Spending more time indoors can make you notice things around the house that need attention.  Rather than tackling everything at once, use winter as an opportunity to create a space that feels more comfortable, organized, and inviting.  Start with small projects, such as organizing one closet, kitchen drawer, or bookshelf, or setting a timer for 15 minutes and focusing on just one area.  Pro tip: Rearrange your living room to create a cozy reading corner, then add warm lighting, colorful pillows, or a soft throw blanket.
5. Reconnect with friends and family.  Cold weather and busy schedules can make it tempting to put social plans on hold.  However, staying connected with the people who matter can make winter feel much less isolating.  Try scheduling a weekly coffee date or lunch with a friend, inviting family over for a casual Sunday dinner, or planning a potluck where everyone brings a favorite dish.  Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while instead of sending a quick text.
6. Learn something new.  Why not use those extra indoor hours to pick up a skill or explore a subject that has always interested you?  Learning something new can give you a sense of accomplishment and provide a welcome change to your routine.  Learn to play a musical instrument or practice one you already own.  Watch tutorials on drawing, woodworking, gardening, or home improvement, or try a beginner’s course in photography, cooking, writing, or computer skills.
7. Treat yourself to an at-home spa day.  Sometimes the best way to beat the winter doldrums is to slow down and give yourself permission to relax.  Turn your home into a peaceful retreat without spending a fortune.  Start by applying a face mask or giving yourself a manicure.  Play calming music and enjoy a favorite tea or other warm beverage.  Take a warm bath or a long shower, then put on comfortable clothes and spend the evening doing something you genuinely enjoy.