In response to my latest blog/newsletter about why I love winter, a yoga student emailed me her thoughts. She mentioned that she initially walked around outside, repeatedly saying, “I hate winter!”. However, after reading my blog/newsletter, she realized that winter has beauty and wonder worth appreciating. Her message warmed my heart—a great example of how changing our perspective can help us see things differently!
Winter can be challenging, particularly if it comes earlier than anticipated. The shorter days, colder temperatures, and absence of sunlight can lead to the so-called “winter blues”, which may include feelings of sadness, low energy, boredom, and loneliness.
Instead of letting the winter blues get the best of you, why not use this time to nourish your body and mind? In this blog post, you’ll find five practical tips to help you overcome the winter blues and find joy and wellbeing in this cold yet cozy season.
Embrace Hygge. Incorporating the Danish concept of hygge into your life can help you find comfort, happiness, and wellbeing. Hygge involves relaxing and enjoying life’s simple pleasures alone or with loved ones. During winter, you can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your living space by lighting scented candles, adding soft blankets, and playing soothing music. Practicing hygge as a form of self-care can help boost your mood and alleviate the winter blues. Give it a try and see how it might work wonders for you.
Keep Moving. It’s important to keep moving, especially during winter when the blues can hit hard. Incorporating yoga into your daily routine can help energize your body and spirit. Whether you practice at home or attend virtual or in-person yoga classes, engaging in physical movement and mindful breathing releases endorphins (nature’s feel-good chemicals), boosting your mood and relieving stress. Spending time with like-minded fellow yogis can enhance these benefits even more.
Connect with Nature. While the chilly weather may limit our outdoor activities, finding ways to connect with nature is still possible. Bundle up and take brisk walks in your neighbourhood, nearby parks or open spaces, even for a few minutes daily. Allow yourself to experience the beauty of winter landscapes, breathe in the crisp air, and find solace in the stillness of nature.
Prioritize Self-Care. Winter encourages us to slow down and turn inward. Use this time for self-care practices that nourish your soul. Engage in activities that bring you joy, such as reading a good book, warm bubble baths, or savouring your favourite herbal tea. Prioritizing self-care fosters a positive mindset and helps alleviate the winter blues. Why not watch uplifting movies and do things that make you laugh? Remember that you are what you consume—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Gratitude and Meditation. Winter is the perfect time to focus on cultivating gratitude and practicing mindful meditation. Take some time to reflect on the things you’re thankful for in your life, and consider keeping a gratitude journal to jot them down each day. Additionally, practicing meditation can help you find calmness and inner peace, allowing you to be fully present in the moment.
Winter doesn’t have to be a gloomy season since it can be transformed into a time of growth, self-care, and self-reflection. Following these five tips—embracing hygge, keeping active, connecting with nature, prioritizing self-care, and cultivating gratitude and meditation—can help you overcome the winter blues and create a winter filled with peace, joy, and inner warmth.
Each season brings its own set of distinctive possibilities for personal development and exploration. Embrace winter as a chance to reconnect with yourself and find beauty in the season’s stillness. Stay warm, stay mindful, and let your inner light shine brightly throughout the coldest days. Keep practicing yoga, surround yourself with positivity, and remember that spring always follows winter.
Let me know if you’d like to join my Monday evening in-person classes. The five-week session begins November 6th, and there’s one spot left! Click here to register. You can also join the remaining five weeks of my live online classes. E-mail jeannine@studio71yoga.com if you’re interested.
With love, joy and gratitude,
Jeannine
P.S. If the “winter blues” intensify and include signs of depression, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, feelings of restlessness, worthlessness or inappropriate guilt, please seek professional help.
