15 WAYS TO HELP YOU MENTALLY BREAK OUT OF THE WINTER BLAHS
Baby, it’s cold outside…AND it gets dark at 4:30. Winter, she be a harsh mistress thanks to the unpredictable weather patterns that could leave you slipping in the slush or stuck on an unplowed highway for hours. Seasonal Affective Disorder is very real, and mental health experts say visualization is a powerful tool to pull yourself out of a bad spot. So when the weather outside is frightful, don’t be S.A.D., get happy with these recommendations to trick your brain into believing you’re in the Bahamas instead of buried under two feet of snow.
- Get Out of Town! It’s the most obvious–and priciest–fix to escape the gray clouds for bluer skies. But you don’t have to empty out what’s left of your bank account after the holidays, according to Dollar Flight Club. They’ve put together a handy list of the cheapest destinations, both domestic and internationally, where the sun is probably shining RIGHT NOW–like in this photo of their #1 international travel spot, Las Palmas, Canary Islands. *tries not to cry*

2. Bring the Beach to You (Part 1). If you’re someone who feels calmed just by being by the ocean but you’re fully landlocked, consider a salt lamp. The odorless ions released by the lamp help keep you balanced while purifying the air, and the soft glow creates a warm ambience. It can also improve the quality of your sleep, which is the biggest selling point for yours truly.

3. Bring the Beach to You (Part 2). If the above image of Las Palmas made you smile, then get yourself 12 months’ worth of beachy bliss for less than $20. A wall calendar featuring photos of exotic seaside destinations is like taking a quick mental trip to the shore 365 days a year without getting a single grain of sand in your shoes.

4. Bring the Beach to You (Part 3). Natural daylight is hard to come by at this time of year, so consider a light therapy lamp. There are a variety to choose from, so you can pick one based on its design. I like this one from FARRIDE, which is stylish, has adjustable colors, comes with a USB port for charging phones and tablets, and is only $39.99.

5. Move Yourself. What good is sitting alone in your room? Get up and shake off the doldrums with a dance around the house. Blast your favorite upbeat playlist or put on a YouTube video of that song from your high school years you still can’t resist. Come on baby, let’s get nuts and get your heart racing with some mood-boosting cardio!

6. Paws For Reflection. Getting my cats Maxine and Duke boosted my mood tremendously during the 2020 quarantines. If you have space in your home and your life for a furry friend, there’s no better time than right now to rectify that situation. Aside from the unconditional love, having a pet gives you reasons to get out of bed and get out of the house. Pet owners are said to be happier and live longer, so swing by a local shelter or Humane Society to see about a mutual rescue situation.

7. Make Your Own Heat. The frigid temperatures outside will be a distant memory after warming yourself up from the inside with a spicy meal. Take inspiration from your favorite cuisines and experiment with new and different flavors. Try a bold chili you can whip up in the crockpot, or add extra heat to the Gochujang in your Korean bibimbap, and wrap your kitchen in warmth.

8. Switch Things Up. Redecorating your home can definitely lift your mood, but it can also get expensive. Instead of a drastic overhaul that can cost thousands, try simply rearranging your furniture and some of your decor. Move that lamp by the couch to your bedside table. Try that club chair in a different corner of the living room. Paint a wall or get some peel and stick wallpaper to redo your closet doors. Even small changes can make a big impact on your mood.
9. Give In to the Urge to Purge. Your closet, that is. Taking inventory of what you have almost always results in you trying to remember the last time you used or wore something. Do you really need five different black cardigan sweaters? When was the last time you wore those chunky boots? Aside from creating physical and mental space, a good closet purge could see you making some extra scratch if you sell your stuff on consignment, or you could donate it all for the write-off. Everyone wins!

10. Get Crafty. Keeping your hands busy also keeps your brain occupied. There’s a craft or a hobby for everyone, it just takes time to find your thing. I recently spent more hours than I care to tell you about making hundreds of friendship bracelets, and at no time did I think about anything sad. Find your bliss at your local craft store and then share the results with friends.

11. Flee the Scene. Sometimes you just need to change your immediate surroundings and pull yourself out of a rut. If it’s a dry day, bundle up and take a walk, even if it’s just around your neighborhood. If the weather’s not conducive, hit a local mall and window shop while stretching your legs. Once you get moving, you’ll mostly likely find you’ll want to keep going. You can even treat yourself to some ice cream, I said so.

12. Get Some Laughs. The reason “laughter is the best medicine” is because of the immediate psychic lift it brings. When it seems impossible to pull yourself out of a rut, turn on your favorite funny film, or hit a local comedy club for Open Mic Night to check out the local talent. You’ll be reminded that there is always plenty to laugh about, regardless of whatever else might be going on.

13. Create An Oasis–In Your Bathroom. Remember those old “Calgon, take me away!” commercials? They weren’t too far off the mark. A nice warm soak in a lightly scented bubble bath is a cure-all. Dim the lights, add some candles, and drape a warm washcloth or a soothing mask over your eyes for a full body reset. Add some soft music or a meditation and allow yourself to mentally be transported to Anywhere But Here for a little while.

14. Pass the Time…By Giving Yours. If you’re feeling a little bummed out, you’re not only not alone, but there are others who might say you have it better than they do. Volunteering is a perfect way to get out of your own head while you’re also getting out of the house. Being in service to others puts you around other like-minded people, so you just might find a new community–as well as a new perspective–while you’re giving your time.

15. Find Your People. You don’t have to make a resolution or shout it out to the world. But if there’s something you’ve always wanted to try, what are you waiting for? You can make excuses or you can make plans, which is a saying I just made up. If you have an interest in something, there’s most likely already a group in your community doing it. A website like Meetup.com can point you in specific directions, or you can peruse Facebook groups or even the bulletin board at your local coffee spot. You aren’t the only one looking for connection and community, so get after it!
