How to Boost Your Mood During the Winter

Feeling the winter blues? You’re not alone. If January wasn’t bad enough, you, unfortunately, have to expect the coming months to be as brutally cold and dark. Some people thrive in the winter; they love wearing cozy sweaters, seeing the snow, and enjoying the cold weather. Yet there are many people whose whole mood changes (not for the better) during the winter season. With temperatures dropping and darkness lasting longer, it can be hard to feel bright and positive. So you don’t fall into a seasonal slump, here’s how to boost your mood during the winter.

When the sun sets before 5 pm it can feel like your whole day is over. On gloomy, dark days it’s hard to stay motivated, especially working from home. To brighten your mood, you need to get a sun lamp. Natural sunlight can affect your mind and body. Exposure to sun increases serotonin levels (the ‘happy’ hormone), reduces anxiety, and produces necessary Vitamin D. Because there is little natural sunshine during the winter, a light therapy lamp is a good way to boost your serotonin. These lamps help to regulate sleep, stabilize mood, improve focus, and help you feel more energized. So when the sun is setting at 4:30 and you have zero motivation to work, plug in your lamp and see how productive you feel. 

As Elle Woods once said, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people don’t shoot their husbands.” So if you’re feeling down, try working out and moving your body. A study done by the University of Vermont claims just 20 minutes of exercise can boost your mood for up to 12 hours. Walk around your neighborhood while listening to your favorite podcast to get those endorphins going. If it’s too cold to even go outside, do an at home workout. There are plenty of free videos on Youtube or apps that you can watch in the comfort of your living room. Warm up your body with a full body workout or relax with a quick virtual yoga session. Exercising can help you feel less stressed, happier, and more energized. It can be hard to feel motivated during the winter, but once you move your body you’ll feel so much better. Ask your roommate to join or phone a friend to virtually workout with you for extra motivation!

They say laughter is the best medicine. According to Mayo Clinic, “Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.” Scroll through Netflix’s comedy category for a quick mood booster. Shows like New Girl and Schitt’s Creek are guaranteed to make you giggle. Don’t think of bingeing tv all day as lazy; you’re taking care of your mental health. A funny show or movie can decrease stress and anxiety. So relax, grab some popcorn, and enjoy. It’s just what the doctor ordered!

When the winter blues are hitting you hard, eat something that comforts your soul. There’s scientific reasoning as to why comfort foods like ice cream and cheese make us feel better. Comfort foods high in sugar and fat can trigger an emotional response or temporarily relieve stress, according to UT Physicians. Some foods can release dopamine, the reward and pleasure hormone. So if you’re feeling down, a hot bowl of Kraft mac and cheese is a quick fix for feeling better. Dark chocolate is also known to help reduce anxiety and lift your mood, so satisfy your sweet tooth. Comfort foods don't have to be cheesy or sugary. Eating something that brings up good memories or make you feel happy count too. Maybe it's your grandma's matzah ball soup or the Chinese takeout place you and your family always order from. Cook something nostalgic or order in on those cold winter nights.

If looking at old pictures from the summer makes you miss the sun and sand, book a vacation. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or week-long trip, escape the cold and go somewhere warm. A little sunshine and warm weather can do wonders for your mood. Exposure to the sun can improve your sleep, which makes sense why there’s nothing better than a post beach nap. If you plan a trip in a few months, you’ll have something to look forward to all winter. If you need to get out of the cold tundra now, look online for quick island getaways. Pack a bathing suit, sunscreen, and a good book- serotonin here you come!

To boost your mood this winter, try redecorating your room. When the sun sets at 5 pm and darkness fills your windows, it can feel pretty depressing. To brighten your mood, brighten your space. Make a Pinterest or mood board of room decor that makes you happy. Stalk your favorite influencer’s Amazon home category and place an order. If you spend a lot of time at home for work or school, surrounding yourself with light and vibrant decor can make you feel more productive. A hot pink mushroom lamp will give you something to smile about. Bright yellows or pretty pastels are known to uplift mood, so try to base decorations off those colors. Put up vibrant art prints or beach scenes on your walls for a quick change of scenery.

Sometimes feeling good on the inside means taking care of the outside. To beat the winter blues, schedule a self care day. In the summer, people often feel good because their skin is glowing and tan. At least once a week, commit to pampering yourself. Looking refreshed and feeling clean can boost your whole mood. Start by giving yourself an at home facial; cleanse your skin, tone it to tighten the pores, pat on a brightening vitamin c serum, and moisturize. Exfoliating once a week can also help buff the dead, dull cells off to reveal brighter looking skin. You don’t have to lay out in the sun for glowing skin; try self tanning drops or a gradual lotion. Slip into a cozy set and fluffy slippers for the ultimate self care treatment. If it makes you feel better, blow out your hair and put on some mascara too. Sometimes looking “put together” makes you feel not so blue.