This weekend I went to brunch with some girls in my small group and we got to talking about how this was the worst winter any of us had experienced in Chicago so far. Usually temperatures are in the upper 20s to low 30s but this year, days above 20 (or even 10…) are the outliers.
Not only are the temps low, but the sun rarely comes out. When I arrived in Phoenix last weekend I realized I didn’t even think to pack my sunglasses. Why? Because I put them away sometime around November and forgot about them.
Neither of these factors bodes well for an optimistic attitude.
Personally, I love the snow, but by the end of January I am so over winter, especially this year. The cold and lack of sun combined with my fruitless job search and a few other personal matters has left me feeling somewhat depressed, lethargic and anti-social.
I know many of you may be suffering from similar symptoms so I thought I would share some things that help me improve my mood and motivation while Fighting the Winter Blues:
1. Exercise: “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.” –Elle Woods in Legally Blonde
MOVE! I know I have a really hard time motivating myself to bundle up, walk the half mile to the gym, change, workout and then re-bundle up and walk home but I do it. Why? Because I feel SO MUCH BETTER on days that I go to the gym than on days that I stay home. Gotta get those endorphins!
2. Force yourself to be social: There are some days that I just want to hole up in my apartment and not talk to anyone, but again, my best days are the ones where I get out there and make plans. Even if go to work with other people, there’s nothing like an after-work happy hour with your friends to cheer you up!
3. Animals: If you have a pet then try and take some extra time to play and snuggle with your furball. If you don’t have pet, then borrow one! I pretend Molly is my dog all the time, and I know she loves it! If you can’t borrow someone’s pet, then head to your local animal shelter and walk around. No one can resist smiling at puppies, right?
4. Go outside: it might be freezing cold, but if there’s a little sunshine, then GO! I find that even if it’s really cold, I feel so much better if I just stop and stand with the sun on my face for a couple of minutes. Not only does it feel good (depending on the wind…) but just 15 minutes of sunshine is all you need for Vitamin D absorption!
5. Faith: This is personal to everyone, I know, but for me a huge part of getting me through rough times is my faith. Even on my hardest days nothing makes me feel better than knowing that I just need to do my best and the rest is in God’s hands. We are all on a journey and it’s important to just stop, look around and be thankful for everything that you have right now, rather than worrying about the future.
Do you have a hard time dealing with winter weather?
What do you do to “fight the winter blues?”
It might be worth it to take an additional Vitamin D supplement during this time. I know my chiros usually recommend increasing our intake during the winter months when we get less sunshine on our faces since we’re not spending as much time outside.
I thought about looking into that – do you have a brand you like?
Innate Choice is the brand my chiros recommend. I often just buy Target’s brand because I get cheap and it’s better than nothing…
I struggle with big time SAD every year. So far this year hasn’t been too bad compared to years past, but the weather is awful. I think having a puppy this winter has helped a lot. Great tips.
Awww I bet your little puppy helps! Too cute
I totally feel you on the winter blues here in Chicago… All I want to do is sit in my sweatpants and be antisocial. Thankfully I don’t have a problem getting to the gym. That’s my social activity for the next month, haha!
I’m always jealous of your workout instagrams! I wish my gym weren’t such a walk, or had better classes!
The weather up in Canada has been pretty bad this winter too. We had huge snow falls at the beginning of winter and now we’re dealing with -40C with the windchill almost every day. I’m usually pretty good with dealing with my emotions/feelings during winter. Hubby and I were on all our 4s to play with our dog this weekend. It felt so good!
Ugh – that is AWFUL weather! Glad you have your dog to keep up your spirits!
I did a post referencing this yesterday too! When I lived in Chicago-land the weather never used to both me, but up here in Alaska I have found myself suffering from the winter blues. I think it is the lack of sunlight and just how LONG winter is. Exercise, doggy walks, and finding an outdoor sport (and forcing myself to do it even in crappy weather) have helped a lot. It can still be tough though! Great post! 🙂
Ah I bet it’s a lot harder in Alaska!
I’m right there with you on being affected by the winter weather. Fortunately, Utah has had a really good and sunny January this year, but some years can get really bad! (Like last year! It was terrible.) I’m still holding out for February though… We’ll see. Exercise, getting myself ready for the day, and making plans with friends all help me a ton in this area!
Ah I need to get dressed in real clothes more often!
Cheers to that. I spent all of December in Phoenix and loved it! January in Chicago has thoroughly surprised me. I make a February vacation rule every winter. I plan, a year in advance, a trip to a place where it is summer and that keeps me so much happier in the winter. I know I have something glorious to look forward too and I get as much Vit D as I can handle for that time. this Feb is Kenya. Very excited. Found super cheap tickets and am staying with a friend, so costs are quite minimal. If something like that is accessible to you, maybe try another trip to sun.
I’ve also read that in the winter we get NO vit D due to the angle of the sun, so letting the sun shine on your face feels good and definitely makes life more bearable, but as far as I’m aware does not help the Vitamin D situation. I take a supplement in the winter if I’m not traveling much to warmer climes.
Hopefully this will end soon, and we’ll have 30’s and sunshine for the rest of winter.
Oh wow, Kenya!! What an amazing trip – I definitely don’t have any friends in Kenya or anywhere in Africa… haha or anywhere outside the US
I’m so with you on this entire post, Katie. This Chicago winter has been just horrid. The snow, the lack of sun, the constant snow blasts…no end in site. I am also unemployed which keeps me pretty isolated in my apartment alone all day. It’s just adding to the winter blues. I can’t afford a gym, and it’s too cold to walk outside…so I have not gotten any exercise either. I have visited the local animal shelter often, but it’s sad, isn’t it…to see the animals in cages with those sad faces. I also have fallen into the habit of living in my sweats. I so needed this post today!! Great ideas on how to beat the winter blues!! Spring is a little over 50 days away… not that that means anything in Chicago. You know what does make me feel better? Going to the local mall and seeing all the spring and summer clothes and sandals displayed!!! Yes, warm weather is coming??? Hang in there! You have some awesome tips and you are actually using them! 🙂
Drinking hot herbal tea is so comforting in the winter. But I really think I’m ready to move someplace with less extreme weather!! Even though I have spent my entire life in this area. Have you ever thought of moving out of Chicago? Or do you like it here? Just curious!
I really like Chicago right now, but I’m open to moving anywhere based on finding a job!
The winter blues are for the birds! but totally love your tips for staying positive… =) and reminding me i MUST watch legally blonde again soon!
Haha I’m dying to watch it now too!
I can relate so much. If you ever want to email or text me, feel free! I didn’t realize how sad and anxious I was until I started my new job. It doesn’t even matter that it has nothing to do with what I studied in college, it’s just good for me to have a reason to get out of the house! I can’t believe how much my mood has lifted. I know it’s a really hard decision to make, especially because you worked so hard in law school, but maybe finding something to do part-time would help boost your mood during the work weeks?
I’m working on getting a temp job somewhere, I really need somewhere to go everyday. I’m glad to know you understand how I’m feeling, haha I feel like we always have so many similarities!
I am a big advocate for going to pet stores and shelters and hanging out with all the pups! I call it happiness therapy, it always works 🙂 Philly has been cold and lame, too. Come on Spring!
I still haven’t gone but I need to! I think I’m nervous about just walking in?
Winter here isn’t so bad (Around 8c most days, no snow. Sorry, I’m not sorry), but these tips would work with any kind of blues, I think. I’m sending you some sunny vibes from Japan!
Haha well I’m glad someone has good weather! Feeling that sun you’re sending ~~~ haha
Great tips! I’m trying to get back into the running again now, but it sure it rough having to do so on the treadmill 🙁 I’ve been spending a lot of time at my parents’ house so I can hang out with our dog and cat lol. And I also didn’t bring my sunglasses to Phoenix!! such a fail.
Haha I bought some cheap ones at Target, I couldn’t handle the bright sun!
I dread the winters. It’s not usually freezing here but gray and rainy. I need sunshine. I try to have a sunny winter getaway to look forward to. Doesn’t happen every year but always gives me something positive to look forward to. My docs (both regular & naturopath) recommend taking vitamin d3. I get some at my local organic market (their label-similar to whole foods store). Exercise really helps and just forcing myself to get out and about.
Ugh gray and rainy sounds just as bad! Just bought some Vitamin D based on everyone’s recommendations, I hope it helps!
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