Say Goodbye To The Winter Blues

Four Tips to Prepare for Wintertime

Worried about winter during a pandemic? Me too! Winter in the Pacific Northwest already can be challenging with the lack of sun, cold and rainy weather and Seasonal Affective Disorder aka SAD. This year we will have added isolation and loss of social gatherings, holiday events, travel and more.

The winter can feel like the longest season with the lack of sunshine and reduced time outdoors. Be proactive now with these tips and have your winter self thank you!

Tip #1 Let in the light

If you have plants then you know the amount of sunlight matters. Make a space in your home near a window that you can sit to get some natural light or try light therapy using a SAD specific lamp to use daily. If you’re able to take a walk on nicer days that’s a double whammy of exercise and sunlight. Lastly consider asking your primary care doctor about taking Vitamin D, the “sunshine vitamin.”

Tip #2 I’m awake

It’s hard to look forward to dreary winter mornings so this tip is all about making your start smoother. Some days it’s tough to get moving and especially when your workspace is a few feet away. Create a morning routine that helps you get out of bed and settles you into the day. Some examples are listening to music in the shower each morning, building in a lounge in bed time, having a cup of tea/coffee near a window while you follow Tip #1, or putting on clothes you pick out the night before doing your morning hygiene. Try to stick to your routine and use it as a way to ease into the day with the predictability of it and make it something you don’t dread.

Tip #3 Stockpile Self-care

We will likely all need ways to comfort ourselves more than ever before this winter.  Save some things you can look forward to. My top ideas are: make a wintertime music or podcast playlist, check out a few new books or audiobooks, add a couple movies or shows to your winter watch list (Great British Bake Off anyone?) or have an emergency chocolate stash. Whatever your favorite self-care is make sure you have it ready and give yourself permission to use it.

Tip #4 Social Connections

When we feel down and are isolated it can be really hard to reach out. To help set up a regular time now to talk with a family member or friend, even just once a month is a start! Other great ideas are being a part of a group text, signing up for trainings or virtual classes (everything from dance to chocolate making is available right now). And there are apps like Bumble BFF or Friender if you find you need to add to your social circle to match you with people in the same boat. You can also work to build community through apps like Nextdoor or joining a Facebook group – I think there’s one for everything!  

Winter will end even if it feels like the longest season. I know you can do hard things and you will get through this challenging time. 

Let me know which tip you plan to try in the comments.