Snow is in the forecast for New Jersey. In the meantime, the air is icy cold, and it’s a little foggy when I look out my window. The house is chilly. The air is dry. My hands are dry. My feet are dry. The trees are bare. These are the times when the blues set in. The winter blues.
We need to cheer ourselves up. How do we break out of the doldrums? Here are some tips.
Add color to your life.
- Put fresh flowers in a vase and keep them in front of a window to brighten up the bleak view. I found a lovely purple arrangement at the supermarket.
- Wear a boldly colored scarf or lipstick.
- Carry a colorful purse.
- Paint your nails a fun, summery color.
- Make a colorful salad with loads of vegetables in a rainbow of colors. Food always cheers me up, and healthy food will send positive feelings throughout your body and brain.
Get cozy.
- Have a cup of hot cocoa while wearing a snuggly pair of cashmere socks. Add mint or cherry flavors to perk it up. I love to add a shot of espresso.
- Light a candle. Try a beauty scent to remind you of warmer days to come.
- Read a book.
- Listen to cheerful music.
Add some warmth.
- Watch a summer movie under a soft blanket. I just watched Letters to Juliet. It was warm and touching and takes place in Verona, Italy.
- Make vacation plans for the future. It will give you something to look forward to after the winter ends.
- Go Internet “window shopping” for bathing suits and sandals. Put them in your wish list for later.
- Wear a summer perfume.
- Make a tropical drink.
Give in to the cold.
- Put on some boots and a cute knit hat with matching mittens, and meet a friend for a coffee or a fancy lunch.
- Just go with it. It’ll be over soon enough, and then we’ll all be complaining about how hot it is.
How do you get through the winter blues?
I try to keep busy through my winter blues. I like your idea regarding wearing a summer perfume. I’m putting on my favorite today. Providence Perfume’s Hindu Honeysuckle
That sounds lovely. I love honeysuckle.
Thanks for sharing. I love to see the blooms of an amaryllis. They can breathe a lot of life into a room and are easy to grow.
I love flowers. I turn to them for comfort often. I have a friend who says, “flowers are Nature’s Chanel.” I love that idea.
Donna,
Your green hat sounds cute. Love these ideas. We don’t get snow where I live but it gets very rainy and dreary. Going to make some hot cocoa now.
It’s funny, I never liked cocoa as a kid. But now that I’m older I love it. I want to learn how to make homemade marshmallows. My next project, maybe.
I brew myself a big cup of hot tea and cuddle up with a blanket & a favorite book when winter has me down! ~ Cassie
Mmm. Sounds like my kinda night.
Love these ideas! For me, I moved to somewhere that doesn’t tend to get cold or snowy. 😉 That’s not going to work for most!
You could do the opposite and pretend you’re having a snow day. 🙂
Usually when I start feeling down its because I’ve spread myself too thin. You aren’t as productive in that case, so slowing down and taking better care of yourself helps in two ways: it makes you feel better at the moment; and helps you become more productive in the long run. Love the other ideas too!
Yes, self-care is so important.
We are actually dealing with a snowstorm today: lighting a candle and red lipstick are two of my faves on this list
We’re expecting more snow tomorrow night into Tuesday. I’ll be using some of my own ideas.