Do you experience the winter doldrums? Many people do and it’s no joke. I’m one of those irritating people who loves winter. But I’m a homebody. I have to force myself outside from time to time. However, for those who like to get outside and are active, cold temperatures and snow can severely change their lives.
So while I’m nice and cozy in my recliner, watching the snow fall, drinking a cup of coffee and reading a good book, you may be climbing the walls and questioning God’s decision to create four seasons instead of three. For you, here are some things you can do to make winter easier and lift your mood.
1. Exercise. Yes, you knew that was coming, but many people enjoy exercise. You don’t have to do jumping jacks and pushups. Instead, put on your favorite music and dance. Dancing is fun and will help you feel better physically as well as improve your attitude.
2. Get Out. “But it’s too cold!” you holler. So grab some friends, get in the car and go somewhere fun. A museum. Your favorite restaurant. You don’t have to be out in the cold to get out of the house.
3. Watch What You Eat. Many of us run to comfort food in the winter. It’s part of the experience, right? Well, it’s also why a lot of us have to diet before summer. You don’t have to fall into this habit. Eat good healthy foods that give you energy and boost your outlook. And try not to plant yourself in front of the TV. It can lead to mindless snacking. Those snacks are usually fatty and will cause you to feel sluggish and depressed.
4. Take Probiotics. Probiotics can help your immune system and keep you from catching winter colds and the flu. Being sick certainly doesn’t help us feel positive!
5. Pamper Yourself. Winter is a great time to treat yourself to a spa day. Get a massage. Get your hair done and your nails painted. A facial can make you feel better about yourself - and that can make you feel happier.
6. Learn Something New. Is there something you’ve been wanting to learn? A new language? Knitting? Quilting? Painting? All of us have something we’ve always wanted to do. While you’re stuck inside, it’s the perfect time to indulge that desire. It will add some excitement to your life and help you make it until spring.
7. Read Your Bible. God knows what you need to feel joyful. Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you. Receive God’s perfect peace and walk in the joy that is yours in Christ. This doesn’t just apply to winter. His joy is yours every day.
Leave a comment, along with your contact information, and you could win a copy of my latest release, DEAD FALL. You can choose an e-book or a print copy. (U.S. only for print copies.)
God bless you,
Nancy
Once upon a time I enjoyed winter. Then I grew up. Really though, it''s not the cold I mind, it's the wind. Great advice for beating the wintertime blues!
ReplyDeleteYou grew up? Wait a minute. Was that a snarky comment??? LOL! There's actually a lot of truth to that. I remember snow ice cream, making snow men, Snow angels, and throwing snowballs at my friends. Good days. I miss them.
DeleteI don’t like going out in the winter either. I have to push myself out the the door almost everyday. I hardly go anywhere because we have only one car and my daughter has it at work. I loved going out when I was growing up. We lived in upstate New York when it was very cold and had lots of snow.
ReplyDeleteduellonlysis(at)aol(dot)com
Life changes and our likes and dislikes change as well. I do need to push myself out of the house sometimes though. My husband is good at encouraging me to walk away from my computer and see what's happening in the real world. LOL!
Deleteinteresting list
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
Nancy, I don't mind our mild Winter's here in Texas.
ReplyDeletepsalm103and138atgmaildotcom
I love winter! I look forward to "getting" to stay home! jarning67(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks for an opportunity to win one of your books! I was born & raised in MN, & have lived in NE Ohio for the past 38 years... I like the 4 seasons (spring & fall are my favorite, when I can leave the windows open & don't need the AC, or the furnace!) I do get the winter doldrums--my oldest son died Feb 26, 2010 (33½ yrs old) & his b-day was Mar 30, 1976, so during that time period, I struggle... Badawson16 at aol dot com
ReplyDeleteHi, I live in Texas, so we don't get much snow, it gets a little too cold , but that is o.k., it is just part of winter. Every day my husband and I walk our pup , rain, snow or sun which is pretty nice. I love staying home anytime , and I do enjoy our 4 seasons. I enjoyed your post , so much truth to it! Thank you for sharing it. Have a great weekend and stay safe. Thank you for the chance. aliciabhaney(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
ReplyDeleteMy arthritis and fibromyalgia don’t like winter weather so I look forward to spring. Thank you for sharing. leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your winter tips. I try to watch what I eat and not have too many snacks. My bones and joints don't like winter. I would love to read your new book.
ReplyDeletemarypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann
I love winter because I love to ice fish. That being said, winter in northern MI can be long, cold and too cloudy! debwinsit@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI don't get the winter blues, but I know my Mom suffers mildly from it. Without googling it, I think it is sometimes referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder or something like that. And like you mentioned getting outside can help. The sunlight even when it is cold can help!
ReplyDeletepattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
some good suggestions for fighting the winter blues. sheliarha64(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fab of winter. All good suggestions.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I enjoyed reading your post, very interesting. We don't get snow where I live in southern California near the coast.
ReplyDeletedianah7272(at)gmail(dot)com