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Monday, March 1, 2021

5 Winter Activities to Elevate Your Mood

Activities, and Ideas to Improve Outlook


Some of us find winter weather a bit daunting. Cold, wind, and other forms of inclement weather makes us hibernate indoors. 

Updated 1/07/2024

It seems as though a downbeat mood is a magnet for cabin fever. 

If you can relate, keep on reading to discover 5 winter self-care activities to elevate your mood.  


Catch a dose of sunshine


Vitamin D is sometimes called the “sunshine vitamin,” because it’s produced in your skin in response to sunlight. 

Research indicates Vitamin D can help prevent disease, reduces depression, and boosts weight loss. Vitamin D is an important element that regulates the immune system as well as the neuromuscular system. 

In winter, some people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a biochemical imbalance in the brain prompted by shorter daylight hours and less sunlight. 

If you are concerned about SAD or any other mental or physical health concern this winter, don't hesitate to consult with a health care pro. 

This post is for information and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.


Take time out 


Take a break from highly focused work to relieve mental weariness and the blahs. For more ideas read renew your enthusiasm. 

Temporarily let go of striving by sipping a cup of hot cocoa or tea. My favorite "pick me up" tea is ginger.

Cup of Tea Perks You Up at Colors 4 Health





Mediate on the beverage's warmth, flavor, texture, aroma, as you place the cup in your hand. 

When you actively engage your 5 senses, you make your experience grounding and therefore reduces stress. 

For more about mindfulness, stress reduction, and the 5 senses read this.

Another healthy fix for the blues is to phone a friend or acquaintance you sense might need encouragement. 

At times, all we need to feel uplifted is to reach out to someone else. Your gesture may make that person's day brighter and will give you a sense of satisfaction and connection as well.

Rev up your engine



Temperatures outdoors may be chilly, but winter is a fun time to bundle up and ice skate, ski, sled, build a snowman, or play ice hockey. 

Any form of aerobic movement will get your heart pumping, blood flowing, and endorphins circulating.

Exercise is a sure cure for that melancholy feeling.

Want creative ideas and tips for exercises that are economical and fun? Read Low cost exercise ideas. 

Exercise Ideas and Tips



Even if you want to stay indoors, you can get moving by dancing to upbeat music, or follow along with an online workout routine. 

When you participate in exercises you enjoy, chances are you'll have the motivation to follow through.


Meditate on what is good


Research and life experience indicates when we reflect on what is working in our lives, we strengthen our attitude of gratitude and improve our outlook.

Gratefulness makes us count our blessings, appreciate kindness around and in us, and feel thankful for small pleasures in daily living.

Instead of dreading colder weather, grateful people see winter as a chance see the beauty in the first snowfall, the shimmering colors in sparkling icicles, and sense each breath of crisp winter air with wonder.

For tips about how colors function to draw more gratitude into daily living, read this post. 

Perhaps you appreciate being able to enjoy an outdoor firepit or fireplace, or bask in the warmth of a crackling fireplace indoors. 

The colorful glow of the flames are a fine backdrop for reading a feel good book, listening to an audio love story,  or simply daydreaming. 


cozy and warm at Colors 4 Health


No hearth. No problem. Cuddle up in a warm blanket, fuzzy socks, and pajamas. Watch a winter thriller on video or TV.


Brighten your mood with colors


If your furniture, walls, and home environment contains many dark colors, it can add to winter woes. 

Deep tones do not reflect sufficient light, but there is a fix for it. 

Consider adding a foot mat in light blue in your bedroom, or put up crisp white curtains in the kitchen. 

Another color idea is to toss turquoise throw pillows on your couch or fill a vase with fresh flowers that are pink, yellow, or lavender.

Use light colored clothing accents to perk up your wardrobe. Perhaps your being hankers for uplifting colors including sky blue, coral, bright pink, and yellowy-beige. All can help cheer you this winter.

The colorful fruits and veggies you eat are mood elevators as well. Learn more about this subject at  4 Key Reasons to Eat a Variety of Colorful Fruits and Veggies.

Eat the Rainbow


The 5 winter activities I suggest above can enhance your spirit. Each one is an easy way to turn your day around for the better.

Before you go, don't forget to leave a comment. Please don't put links in comment, as it won't be published that way.

Please share your ideas in the comment section below about healthy things you do to elevate your mood and create positive energy.

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Thanks for visiting and please come back again.

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24 comments:

  1. Wow! This is exactly what I needed! Can't wait to try these activities out! :)

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  2. Good tips! Fibromyalgia and arthritis hurts me more in the fall and winter. I so long for the warm days of spring or even better the hotter days of summer! Seems like every winter it gets colder here and I don't like it! Thanks so much for linking up with me at the Unlimited Monthly Link Party 22. Shared!

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    1. Sorry the cold is getting to you Dee and hear you about preferring spring and summer. Hang in there and thanks for hosting the Unlimited Monthly Link Party 22. Happy Tues. as well.

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  3. Absolutely love these tips - I've been meditating every morning and this helps SO much!

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    1. Thanks Morgan and glad you dropped by. You are right about meditation. It's great for elevating our mood. Be well and enjoy the moment.

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  4. I so need this! Winter blues have been hitting me hard. But thankfully brighter days are on the way.

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    1. Sorry the winter blues have been hitting you hard and glad I could supply some ideas to elevate your mood right now. Hope you'll take time to selfcare. Without it you won't have the energy or desire to step ahead. In case you need it, I'm sending a gentle hug, Nan

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  5. So like your tips on gratitude, Nan. For me it's about being present and mindful as I go through my day. Presently I'm looking out my kitchen window at my lovely lemon tree with beautiful ripe lemons, how cheery!

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    1. Thanks Beth. Glad you like my tips on gratitude and mindfulness. Sounds like you have a gorgeous view. Enjoy!

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  6. Nancy,
    So many wonderful ideas that make so much sense. Winter blues are real and so many do suffer from seasonal disorder. I live in Florida now but I remember when I was in Philadelphia the winters were really hard especially when it got dark so early.

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    1. Thanks so much Judee for you sharing. Wishing you a bright and sunny March.

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  7. I have to say that I like every one of these ideas. Thank you!

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    1. You are so welcome Jeff. Glad to hear from you and wish you a bright, sunny day.

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  8. These are such smart tips for feeling better during the winter in a cold climate. Thank you for sharing this post in the Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-up 48.
    Carol
    www.scribblingboomer.com

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    1. Thanks Carol for your comment and hosting Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-up 48. I love attending your blog party

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  9. Thanks so much Carol for the visit and comment. Appreciate you hosting Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up 49. Have a beautiful day.

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  10. Thank you for sharing this post in the Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up 51.
    Carol
    www.scribblingboomer.com

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    1. My pleasure Carol. I so love your blog party(Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up) and am grateful you host every week. It gives us bloggers an opportunity to show off our stuff and see what other bloggers are up to. THANKS so much. Nancy Andres @ Colors 4 Health.

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  11. Thank you so much for hosting this fun blog party and the choosing my post as one of the features. I'm thrilled and honored. Have a great week and be well. Hugs, Nan

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  12. Lots of great ideas here. I'd go for cuddling up with a toasty blanket and a great winter movie!

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    1. Thanks so much for your comment and visit. Wishing you a great winter and many moments for cuddling up with a toasty blanket and a great winter movie!

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  13. These are all great tips! I do #1 and #2 regularly and they really help. Visiting from Senior Salon Pit Stop.

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    1. Thanks so much Jennifer. Wishing you a good vibes today and Happy Valentine's Day.

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