5 Winter Activities to Elevate Your Mood

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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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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