Keys to Keeping Your Health & Happiness During the Wintertime
Starting to feel those winter blues, are you? Know you’re not alone. The cold, extra darkness & difficulty getting out to do a whole lot can quickly become a recipe for diminished happiness during the coldest months. But, there’s hope!
There were a few years there in my twenties, while living in one of the county’s biggest cities, that I always seemed to get in a funk right around this time of year. Lower energy, apathy towards things I enjoyed, that kind of thing. And boy is that common! But I started making a concentered effort to reclaim agency over the way I approached winter, and it’s truly become my favorite season – not only for its coziness and natural beauty, but for how I feel during it too.
I share this personal tidbit as an offering of hope that you too can feel your happiest and healthiest in wintertime – or at least less blah! Why the focus on healthy in addition to happy? Because the two go hand in hand, of course.
So, in an effort to share the joy, I’ve compiled this list of some of my favorite ways to maintain (or even boost!) one’s health and happiness this winter.
Get Outside
You all know I was going to get here, so why not make it first? Getting out and enjoying nature is one of the surest ways to get a lasting mood boost any time of year, and winter is no different. Since daylight is scarce these days, I try to adjust my schedule to get out during lunch time. But if you can’t get outside during daylight, remember you can still get some of that uplift of fresh air in the evening or early morning. Even relishing standing near a sunny window for a few moments can bring a smile.
Of course, things like skiing, ice fishing and hiking are all great activities. But don’t underestimate the simple! For people who don’t have lots of equipment - or are like me and just enjoy simplicity - try a simple walk in the neighborhood. I walk most days, and it continues to be a central component in my physical and emotional self-care.
Click here for some tips on staying warm while doing so.
Prioritize Sleep
Rest assured (hah, get it?): you’re not making it up. Our bodies typically need more sleep in the winter, so take the hint from nature and make your nights a little longer if possible. Tips on getting more sleep coming to the blog soon!
Eat with the Season
While eating seasonally is a good practice year-round, it’s probably easiest to let it slip in winter months. Most of us are familiar with hearty stews and roasts for that “warm & cozy” feeling, but winter is a great time for fresh fruits and veggies too. Think: raw fennel and orange slaw, pear and walnut salad, and all the root vegetables under the sun…ahem, snow. Warming spices like cumin, cayenne, and cinnamon are a great add this time of year as well. My all-time favorite winter comfort food? Pho. This Vietnamese soup is hot, spicy and filling, and the bone broth is full of nutrients that support one’s health.
Supplement with Vitamin D
Take it. Take it now. Most Americans don’t get enough vitamin D, and levels are lowest in the winter when we’re least exposed to sunshine. Vitamin D is vital in many ways, and its importance in immunity has been especially buzzing around the health community of late. Always opt for whole food-based supplements.
Learn from the Happiest People on Earth: Scandinavians
Many countries in northern Europe, like Denmark, Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands, consistently rank among the happiest countries in the world. So if the cold drags you down, know there’s hope! While there are many factors behind this famed Scandinavian happiness, there are a handful of concepts/practices central to Nordic identity that should begin to shed some light. Here a few very brief descriptions:
Hygge (Dutch, pronounced: hoo-gah). Defined as: “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” A few ways to create more hygge in your life: surround yourself with loved ones, bring the outdoors in, light some candles, and slow down long enough to savor the little things in life.
Lagom (Swedish, pronounced: lah-gum). Defined as: “just enough” or “not too little; not too much.” Lagom is all about balance – the art of living presently and with moderation. Practice adopting this concept by taking a coffee break when needed at work, cultivating gratitude in what you have versus what you want, and enjoying unplugged time with loved ones.
Sisu (Finnish, pronounced: see-sew). Defined as: “Determination in the face of extreme adversity” or “sustained grit, bravery and resilience.” Sisu is not something you have to be born with; it’s a mindset that anyone can cultivate, and it certainly is helpful when facing the relentless harshness of winter. Start with self-care, affirm your own strength, intentionally practice facing difficult things here and there (see below for one example), and notice how life’s challenges become opportunities.
Cold Exposure. These days, cold exposure is practiced around the world, but it’s a central component of self-care for many northerners. Think activities like: cold baths and cold showers. Potential benefits include: better sleep, improved immunity, greater energy levels, and boosted mental, physical and emotional resilience. If interested in exploring this more, thoroughly research ahead of time for how-to and safety, and consider speaking with your doctor. Googling Wim Hof is a good place to start!
Wear Happy Colors
Yes, I’m serious. I’ll be honest and say I haven’t looked up the science behind it, but at a minimum I can say my friends and family agree with me that some colors just lift the mood. In the winter they can be harder to stumble upon, so it’s fun to add them to life ourselves. I tend to gravitate in the direction of minimalism with things like fashion and home décor, so it’s not like I recommend full-on rainbow. But little things like a yellow stocking cap, a multicolored bouquet of flowers on the table, or lavender fingernail paint can bring a little smile when you need it most.
Drink Ginger Tea
Anyone can agree a hot drink is always a great idea in the cold. My go-to in the winter is a nightly mug of ginger tea. Not only is it both yummy and good for things like digestion and immunity, the natural spiciness of ginger provides you with an added warmth.
Remember Self-Care
I’m all for year-round self-care, but I put extra emphasis on giving my mind and body a helping hand during cold-weather months. Eating well and drinking plenty of water is a good start. If you’re lucky enough to have access to a steam room or sauna, use it! If not, savor activities like a hot shower or bath. Don’t forget your skin needs some extra love too. I opt for a heavier moisturizer this time of year for both face and body. For me, it’s always more difficult in the winter to get up to do my morning rituals like: cold shower, prayer, meditation and my skincare routine. But harnessing the discipline to do so is one of my favorite ways to maintain agency over my overall wellbeing.
Move your Body
I’m hoping it’s not news to you that regular exercise is good for both health and happiness, but I’m putting it in here anyway because it’s that important. For many of us, exercise can feel a little more daunting when daylight is scarce, life’s busy and energy is hard to come by. But even a simple thirty-minute walk daily is sure to improve both health and mood.
Visit a Conservatory
Feel special. Feel very special. I have now shared with you my secret weapon! Public conservatories (or green houses) are my sneaky way to get a mini tropical vacation in the dead of winter. They’re hot, steamy, and full of fresh, clean air from all the greenery. Consider journaling, reading, strolling or taking some photos. If you’re not so lucky to live in a place that has a public conservatory, see below!
Buy a Houseplant
Crazy plant ladies, unite! Houseplants not only beautify your home while bringing a touch of the outdoors in, they also freshen air. Plus, the simple act of taking care of something can be a nice mood boost too. Two of my favorite houseplants are Jade and Ponytail Palm. They’re super cute and, importantly, very hard to kill.
Get Social
Community is one of the greatest factors in health, happiness and overall wellbeing according to numerous groundbreaking scientific studies, and it’s easy to see why. So don’t get trapped in solitary hibernation all winter. Enjoy your cozy alone time, absolutely, but make sure to get out and get social at least once per week. Practice several of these health-and-happiness recommendations at once by teaming up with a few friends for a distanced hike or walk.
I hope you found this useful! If so, spread the happiness by sharing this article with a friend. And as always, let me know what you think in the Comments section below.