It took until mid-January but winter weather is finally coming to New England. We’ve had a mild season so far, with average temps in the 40s. As a result, I haven’t really noticed the usual winter blues, because the weather hasn’t been trapping me indoors. Now that our first real snowstorm has arrived, I’m worried this will be one of those winters that peaks in February/March and leaves me pacing like a caged animal until April.
I know that I am most in danger of burnout symptoms during this stretch. When I’m stuck inside an office with no windows and hurry from home to car to office and back due to the blustery winds, I feel drained and perpetually annoyed. If you struggle with this time of year, I hope these tips will help you make it to spring with greater ease and joy!
Try these 5 Tips for Beating the Winter Blues:
1. Get sunlight whenever you can.
The days are already getting longer, but when the skies are overcast and you’re stuck in your cave of an office, it can feel like you’ll never see the sun again. Make it a priority to eat lunch in an area that has windows, if possible. On clear days, volunteer to do coffee runs and relish the light when you can.
2. Marie Kondo your office.
While I disagree with her suggestions on number of books to own (hoard), I do love the idea of prioritizing the things that “spark joy”. Clear the items that are cluttering your spaces much as possible. No need for a full spring-cleaning effort, just make space for some joy. Make visible at least one item that makes you happy, whether it’s a potted flower or your red Swingline stapler. Grab some file folders in your favorite color, use your favorite pens, and put on some good music. Think about what can make your work more fun, and bring that into focus.
3. Savor your winter wardrobe.
We all have those items that are too warm for anything but the coldest winter days. I look forward to wearing fleece-lined leggings and my coziest sweaters, knitted scarves and fuzzy socks. Make a set of wrist warmers for those times when you’re typing away on your computer and keep them in your desk drawer. Layer on items that make you feel warm and snuggly, remembering that all too soon it will be too warm to even look at a fleece jacket without sweating.
4. Play like a 10-year-old.
Make time for fun in the snow: catch a snowflake on your tongue, have a snowball fight with your friends/family, and make a snow angel. Don’t be so serious all the time. Reward yourself with hot cocoa when you come indoors to warm up and remember that winter isn’t ALL bad.
5. Take some time for serious self-care.
You know the floors are going to be muddy again five minutes after you’re finished cleaning them, right? So put the mop away and use that time to do something for yourself.
Here’s a list of ideas to get you started:
Snuggle up with a warm blanket, a cup of tea, and a good book.
Dig out your adult coloring books, or make some art of your own!
Schedule a girls’ night in – popcorn, wine, and finally watching Birdbox to see what the hype is about.
Do a bath bomb or foot soak to ease that dry winter skin, and don’t rush it.
Go ice-skating (at a rink for safety) with family or friends.
Invite friends over for board gaming night, and play something new together.
Snowed in? Have a movie marathon – I like the excuse to watch the extended editions of The Lord of the Rings, but that’s me!