How to Fight Cold Weather Blues

Regardless of where you live, you might see your spirit turn blue as the winter temperatures drop. Perhaps you miss the sun, or you feel confined to remaining indoors. Your energy level drops, and you lose your general motivation. You need not give into sad thoughts when the chilly weather comes around, however. Check out this host of fun things you can do to chase your winter blues away.

Instructions

Winter is Fun

• 1

  Explore a new winter sport. Do you consider dabbling in skiing or snowboarding each year but continue to put it off? Perhaps you walk by the community ice rink every week but never bother to put on a pair of skates. Grab a friend or two, and give one of these activities a whirl. Building a relationship with the cold season makes the entire year more enjoyable.

• 2

  Dress in extra layers. If you find that you despise the winter because you grow weary of being cold, put on some additional clothes. Layering your shirts and pants with long underwear, dry-fit running attire or extra socks makes all the difference in the world. Suddenly you don’t dread taking a long walk outdoors--because you’re prepared for the cooler air.

• 3

  Make time to stay in and relax. A lovely truth to colder weather is that it’s uncomfortable to be outside. As the temperatures drop, so does your body’s energy level. Accept this as an opportunity to stay in and enjoy that extra reading you wanted to get done. Plan for your future by writing notes. Invite some friends over to play board games and drink wine. Throw the dinner party you’ve always wanted to throw. Being inside can be fun during winter, so embrace it.

• 4

  Plan a trip. There is nothing quite like taking a vacation to combat winter blues. Whether you jump on a plane to San Francisco or plan something more elaborate, such as Tahiti, getting away from the daily grind can help you gain a new perspective on your winter chills.

• 5

  Join a class. Taking a class serves as a nice diversion to cooler weather. If you like to exercise but haven’t taken the opportunity to join a gym, this is the perfect time to get into those kickboxing classes you’ve been considering. Perhaps that attractive man who works in your office suggested a rock-climbing class, so register for it. The sole essential ingredient to having fun during winter is to take action.