Even though many of us are ending November without snow (a rare treat in Winnipeg!), the colder temperatures and shorter days still affect us. It’s common to feel the winter blues—lower energy, heaviness, boredom, or loneliness—as the light fades.
Rather than letting those feelings take the lead, winter can be a beautiful opportunity to nourish your body, mind, and spirit. Here are five grounding and uplifting practices to help you feel steadier, cozier, and more joyful this season.
1. Embrace Hygge: Create Comfort at Home
The Danish concept of hygge reminds us to slow down and savour simple pleasures: warm blankets, soft lighting, a favourite tea, gentle music, or a comforting meal. Creating a cozy environment helps winter feel more supportive and less draining.
Hygge isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, warmth, and ease.
2. Keep Moving (Even If Motivation Is Low)
Movement is one of the best ways to lift your mood during the darker months. Yoga—whether practiced at home, online, or in a studio—energizes the body, reduces stress, and releases natural mood-boosting endorphins.
Practicing with like-minded yogis also creates connection, which is especially valuable in winter.
3. Connect with Nature—Yes, Even in November
Before winter arrives fully, the landscape has its own quiet beauty. Bundle up and step outside for a few minutes each day. Notice the bare branches, crisp air, and soft early-winter light.
A simple 10-minute walk in your neighbourhood can improve mental clarity, reduce stress, and help regulate your breath.
4. Prioritize Soul-Nourishing Self-Care
Winter naturally invites us inward. Use this time to give yourself what you truly need. Try reading for pleasure, taking a warm bath, enjoying a soothing drink, journaling, knitting, baking, or watching something uplifting. Choose activities that restore your energy rather than drain it.
Remember: what you watch, read, think, and surround yourself with all influence your internal world.
5. Practice Gratitude and Meditation
This season lends itself beautifully to reflection. Try writing down three small things you’re grateful for each day.
Even a few minutes of meditation can help anchor the mind, ease anxiety, and reconnect you with inner steadiness. With this approach, winter becomes something you move with, not something you “get through.”
Reframing Winter
Winter doesn’t have to feel bleak. With intention, it can become a season of renewal, rest, and deep self-connection. By embracing coziness, movement, nature, self-care, and gratitude, you create your own inner warmth—no matter what the weather brings.
Stay warm, stay mindful, and keep practicing yoga. Surround yourself with positivity and remember: spring always comes.
Upcoming Yoga Opportunities
Yoga can help you stay grounded this winter and beat the winter blues.
Click here for my Winter 2026 yoga and meditation offerings.
With warmth, love, joy, and gratitude,
Jeannine
P.S. If your winter blues deepen into persistent sadness, sleep changes, hopelessness, or feelings of worthlessness, please reach out to a mental health professional. You’re not alone—support is available.
