As the days grow shorter and colder, many people notice a dip in mood or energy often referred to as the “winter blues.” Thankfully, there are practical and comforting ways to support mental and emotional well-being throughout the winter months.
One of the most important factors is light! Reduced daylight can disrupt circadian rhythms and affect mood-regulating hormones. Go for a walk on the sunshine, sit near a sunny window, or utilize a light therapy lamp during stretches of dark days. Taking in light can markedly improve your energy, mood, and focus.
Staying active is another powerful mood booster. Exercise increases endorphins and helps combat fatigue and low motivation. Going for walks, working out at home or in the gym, stretching or yoga, even a dance party in your pajamas - all of these help to combat the winter blues.
It’s also not surprising to feel a little lonely during the winter season, as we often isolate when it’s cold outside. Make an intentional effort to maintain your social connections; call friends and family, host indoor activities, and engage in extra snuggles if that’s something that appeals.
Finally, lean into the season rather than resisting it. What are all of the animals doing during winter? They are resting! Winter is a great time to incubate dreams, visions, and ideas for when the spring comes. Often our best “work” comes from a place of rest.
With intention, winter can become a season of care, rest, and quiet nourishment rather than something to simply endure. However, if your feelings of sadness or loss of motivation persist, or are met with a sense of hopelessness, it’s important to reach out to a mental health professional or doctor. They will provide you with solutions to support you and help you feel like yourself again.
Amanda is the co-founder of KC Well Co., a therapy and wellness collective in the heart of Kansas City. As a therapist and entrepreneur, her passion is to help others find their voice, experience breakthroughs, and live in freedom and alignment. When she’s not working, you can find her cooking and eating delicious food, reading, dancing, exploring, traveling, and finding opportunities to laugh and play.