Got the Winter Blahs? Tips to Banish Them

Let’s face it—February’s 28 days (29 this year!) can seem like they last for years. The winter blahs tend to hit hard when the cold won’t let up and there’s no tropical vacation in sight.

Try out these options for when you need to bust out of your winter rut.

Get Outside

Believe it or not, getting outside, even when it’s cold, can help banish the winter blahs. If you aren’t the type for active winter sports like skiing, skating, or snowboarding, a brisk walk is a huge mood booster. Make sure you are dressed appropriately—layer up and pay special attention to protecting your hands, feet, and face. You’ll enjoy being outside if you’ve got the gear to offer warmth. Even better, grab a friend for company and catch up.

Take a Nap

There’s something about the dark winter that makes you want to curl up and hibernate a little. If the winter blahs are making your body crave a little extra rest, snuggle under the blankets and take a midday snooze on your day off. Don’t take it too late in the day and don’t make it too long, but you might notice a big pick-me-up from listening to your body.

Brighten Your Plate

In-season winter fruits and vegetables offer gorgeous colors and vitamins to help boost your immune system and banish the winter blahs. For nurses who care for and are around ill people frequently, anything you can do to supercharge your immune system will help keep you healthy this winter. Make a green veggie smoothie, roast squashes, put a vegetable soup together, or eat a salad with fruit.

See also

In the Spotlight: Dr. Kahlil Demonbreun

Pretend It’s Summer

When you want something you know is impossible, you can always pretend. Slather on a little coconut-scented sunscreen, put a bowl of shells on the table, or listen to some recorded ocean waves. Break out your favorite summer movie or soundtrack, drink a pina colada (with alcohol or not), and buy some bright fresh flowers. If nothing else, it will remind you that it won’t be winter forever.

Find Other People

For those who hole up in the winter months, the stretch until spring can seem a little lonely. This is a great time to make an effort to connect with other people. It can be as small as visiting with neighbors, seeing family, taking a short class in something fun, going to a gym to keep up with your fitness goals, or volunteering your time every now and then. The key is to make a connection with others.

According to Punxsutawney Phil, spring isn’t too far away. Until then, try out some of these tips to banish the winter blahs to see if it makes winter a little more bearable.