Doing Winter Right ~ Beating the Winter Blues

Winter is a hard time for many of us who live in a cold climate. The daylight is shorter, days are colder and sometimes it just seems downright miserable. There are ways however, that I have found to combat this dreary season and make it lovely.

Watch the video here.

I’m a midwest girl, born and raised, and so hard winters are no stranger to me. There are often many days of cold and snow, making it near impossible to get out of the house. Winter here can mean -35 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chill and sometimes 2 feet of snow. However beautiful the snow may be, does not counter the harshness it brings. With that said, the 6 months of this season needs to be done right. The winter blues cannot take over and allow my heart to grow weary.

Doing winter right, I believe, requires a correct heart posture, along with what we do during this season.

FIrst of all,what do I mean by heart posture? When the end of Fall comes, I know that Winter will be here soon. My heart needs to be prepared with how I respond to less time outdoors, minimal daylight and cold days. I keep my heart in check on keeping a positive attitude towards this more challenging season. Prayer and time with the Lord gives me the encouragement I need to make it through the darker days. This can also be a time for rest and rejuvination. Give yourself the opportunity to just “be”. Read more books or tidy a room (that would be my personal preference).

What we do in this season for ourselves, our families and our homes plays a factor as well. Let’s get into other ways to do winter right.

Use your hands ~ Beating Winter Blues

What we do with our hands can be such a positive thing for us in the winter. This is a time to repot house plants or buy some herbs to plant and get our hands in the soil. There are many benefits to working with our hands in dirt,such as soil having natural antidepressants. Who woudn’t want that!

This season is a great time to for doing a DIY, crafting or sewing. I personally am not a sewer, but making homemade greeting cards or pouring my own beeswax candles is something I find enjoyable.

Improve on kitchen skills

This could fit under using your hands, however, I am of the mindset that the work in the kitchen is very important. So why not give it it’s own category!

With cold days and being inside more, I find I’m in the kitchen quite often. I love the cozy soups and warm homemade breads that are typical for the season. One of my goals for the winter is to improve upon my sourdough bread making. There is always something to learn with making food from scratch and what better opportunity.

Be a kid ~ Beating Winter Blues

In the winter our time inside is quite prevalent, which means more play time indoors. Instead of just telling your kids to play independently, why not join them every so often?! Take the time to get in their world. Build some towers, dress up in play clothes, make a fort and get inside. Not only will you benefit from the quality time, but your kids will be so excited to have you in their little world.

Create a cozy atmosphere

Our homes should be our place of rest and relaxation, so make your space cozy for the winter.

I shared in another post on How to Refresh your home after Christmas ways to create this vibe that will be enjoyable to be in. Simple additions such as candles, lamps and plants, add so much to any space.

Make a warm drink ~ Beating Winter Blues

Coffee or tea, it doesn’t really matter to me, I’m all for it! Each afternoon, during my kids nap/quiet time, I make myself a warm latte with our espresso machine. This little pick me up and treat is something I look forward to each and every day. I do not think there is anything wrong with having a little enjoyment for yourself in the way of a hot drink. One pointer, make it yourself. Going out and buying a coffee daily is not a good idea for the wallet.

Get outside (if it’s not too terribly cold)

Getting fresh air in the winter is so good for us. Take all the kids and bundle them up and walk through the snow, build a snowman or sled down a hill. The power of being outside can change a poor attitude, it can boost our energy and it truly can be quite fun!

Plan a garden & sort seeds ~ Beating Winter Blues

Even though planting my garden is several months away, this is the time to look through the seeds and plan out the season. Looking at the packets of seeds, getting them ordered and planning when to seed start always gives me joy for the warmer months. If you don’t seed start, you can look through garden books and plan out what you may want to plant.

Declutter & Organize

Going through our home and decluttering helps lift the weight of too much stuff around.

I am often decluttering and organizing spaces in my house, but if the time allows, do it now. Having less truly is freeing and helps me feel better about my home and my overall demeanor.

Well friends, I hope you are encouraged to do winter right. Find a way to encourage your heart, body and mind. Seasons come and go, so enjoy what each one has to offer.

Love,

Davee