If you are someone who always dreads winter and feels like you count down the days until spring every year, you are about to learn 5 ways to overcome the winter blues. These are my tried and true ways to really enjoy the colder months and actually feel my best during a season I used to otherwise dislike. So if you’re typically a winter-hater and want to spark some joy this year, read on!

CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO LEARN AN ACTIVE WINTER HOBBY (BONUS IF IT’S OUTDOORS)

Starting a new active winter hobby can be a great way to enjoy the colder months. If you are stuck in analysis paralysis and the thought of starting a new winter hobby seems daunting, let’s break it down into bite-size action items:

1. Identify your interests: Consider what activities you already enjoy or have been wanting to try. Brain dumping a list of hobbies that call to you is a good place to start. Think about your preferences, physical abilities, and the level of challenge you’re seeking.

2. Research winter activities: Look up different winter sports and activities that align with your interests. Some popular options include skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing, winter hiking, cross-country skiing, and ice climbing. If you want some of my personal favorite recommendations and a few unique options, check out my blog on 5 Outdoor Winter Activities.

3. Assess your budget: Determine the financial resources available to you for your new hobby. Some activities might require equipment rentals or purchases, lessons, or memberships. Take this into account while planning and remember that social media can be a great resource for used equipment, gear-swaps, or even borrowing what you need to test out the activity without breaking the bank. 

4. Find local resources: Look for places near you that offer the activities you’re interested in. Research ski resorts, ice rinks, outdoor adventure centers, or local hiking trails. Check their websites or contact them to gather more information about lessons, group activities, or rentals.

5. Seek groups, guidance, and lessons: If you’re new to the activity you’ve chosen, consider taking lessons or finding a mentor who can teach you the basics and help you get started. This will ensure your safety and help you progress quicker. Another option is to join local groups, clubs, or classes related to your hobby. This can provide opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, discover new spots, and gain valuable insights from experienced enthusiasts.

6. Start slow: Begin with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your activities to avoid overexertion or injuries. Give yourself time to improve and enjoy the learning process. 

7. Get proper clothing: Dress appropriately in layers to stay warm and comfortable during your winter hobby. Make sure you have a good-quality base layer, insulating middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Don’t forget to protect your extremities with gloves, a hat, and warm socks. If you are new to winter gear layering, take a look at my blog Winter Hiking Outfit Essentials.

Remember, starting a new hobby takes time and practice, so be patient and enjoy the process. Stay safe, dress appropriately for winter conditions, and most importantly, have fun!

DECLUTTERING AND ORGANIZING YOUR SPACE

This may not be the most “fun” way to thrive in the winter, but it really is such an underrated hobby that can reset and clear out excess stress in your life. Having a clean and organized space (both physically and online like social media followings, subscriptions, email inboxes, etc) can have a positive impact on mental health in several ways:

1. Reduces stress: Clutter and mess in the environment can contribute to feelings of stress and overwhelm. Maintaining a clean space reduces visual and mental distractions, promoting a sense of calmness and tranquility.

2. Increases focus: A tidy space allows for better focus and concentration. When everything is organized and in its proper place, it becomes easier to find what you need and stay on task, leading to increased productivity and a clearer mindset.

3. Enhances mood: Living in a clean and tidy environment can improve one’s mood and overall well-being. Research suggests that being in a clean space can positively influence emotions by reducing feelings of irritation and anxiety, and increasing feelings of contentment, accomplishment, and happiness. It can encourage positive habits and behaviors, such as maintaining cleanliness and order, which can have a spill-over effect into other areas of life.

4. Promotes better sleep: A clean bedroom, free from clutter and distractions, can create a more peaceful and calming atmosphere conducive to quality sleep – which we all know is the big autotune dial on the soundboard of wellness. The absence of physical mess can also help to clear the mind and reduce racing thoughts that may interfere with sleep.

It’s important to note that while a clean space can be beneficial for mental health, it is just one aspect. Other factors like self-care, social connections, and managing stress are also important to consider for overall mental well-being.

EMBRACING THE ART OF HYGGE

Hygge (pronounced HU-GUH) is a Danish term that roughly translates to “coziness” or “warmth” in English. It is a concept that encompasses a feeling of comfort and contentment, often associated with cozy and intimate settings, candles, warm drinks, and spending time doing things that bring you peace, calmness, and joy. Hygge is all about creating a sense of coziness and well-being in everyday life. It is popular in Denmark and has gained popularity in other countries as well.

How to Hygge:

-Lighting candles or having soft, warm light in the home

-Cozying up in comfy clothes with a blanket and a good book.

-Having a warm beverage that brings you warmth on a chilly day

-Bringing nature indoors by decorating with flowers, plants, or natural materials such as wood and stone

-Indulging in comfort foods like homemade soups, casseroles or freshly baked goods

-Taking a leisurely walk in nature, appreciating the beauty of the surroundings

-Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and mindfulness, such as yoga, meditation, prayer, journaling, etc.

HONE IN ON SELF-CARE AND HEALTHY HABITS

If you’re anything like me, you are “go-go-go” in the warmer months. Anything from local evening adventures to month long trips to explore new places – and while I wouldn’t change these experiences for the world, I’ve come to realize that the cozy winter months can really be a great time to embrace slowing down and recharging my batteries. Self-care and doubling down on my healthy habits and routines is one of the best ways I have found to not only survive winter, but thrive during it! Here are a few of my favorite self-care priorities, but remember, self-care looks different for everyone. It’s important to personalize your own routines based on your own needs and preferences.

1. Nailing down my workout routines: Physical activity is vital for maintaining overall health and reducing stress, plus it’s important to me for staying adventure ready. Engaging in your favorite form of exercise can boost your mood and enhance overall well-being anytime you are in the winter slump. If your current workout routine is feeling stale, try out my Free Week Of Workouts to change things up!

2. Prioritizing sleep: Getting enough sleep is crucial for rejuvenating the body and mind. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night and really try to establish a consistent sleep schedule. Winter can be the perfect time for this with shorter days, and cozyness calling your name. Some of my favorite ways to wind down at night are a magnesium “mocktail”, a warm shower or back before bed, and reading for fun rather than reading to learn. 

3. Eating a nutritious diet: Consuming a balanced and healthy diet nourishes the body and provides the essential nutrients it needs to function optimally. While I try to lean in on a balanced diet year-round, I really focus on incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and practicing moderation with things like highly palatable foods and sugary snacks during the winter months. If you are new to the nutrition side of things and unsure how to balance a plate or what the building blocks of our nutrition really are, check out my blog – A Beginners Guide To Macros.

4. Taking time for relaxation and rest: This falls in line with the concept of embracing Hygge, but it’s a biggie so it absolutely deserves a spot here as well. It is important to allocate time for activities that help you relax and unwind. This may include reading, journaling, prayer and devotionals, meditating, listening to music, taking baths, or practicing deep breathing exercises. Find relaxation activities that bring you joy and make time for them regularly.

Helping our clients hone in on self-care and healthy habits with a holistic approach is really our passion with the Mountain Metabolic Method. If you are tired of guessing and spinning your wheels with fitness and nutrition, apply for Mountain Metabolic Coaching to work with our amazing team towards your personalized needs, schedule, and goals.

SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH LOVED ONES

Last but not least, one of my favorite ways to fill my soul up in the winter is spending quality time with loved ones, whether it’s in my own home with my little family, with friends, or with relatives. Even prioritizing Facetime dates with long-distance loved ones makes such a difference in feeling connected – especially in the cold winter months. Spending quality time with loved ones is important for several reasons such as nurturing relationships and building deeper connections, supporting each other’s emotional well-being and sense of belonging, and building memories of shared experiences that can be reflected on and bring joy and nostalgia. Some of my favorite ways to spend quality time are:

-Date nights with a significant other or friends

-Trying new restaurants-Game nights

-Doing outdoor winter activities together

-Joining groups or clubs

-Having friends and family come stay at our home for a multiple day visit

-Going out for things like bowling, dancing, movies, etc.

Ultimately, how each person chooses to spend their time throughout the seasons is going to vary and change, but I hope that if you tend to dread the winter months these ideas sparked some interest and inspiration so you can look forward to winter instead of hunkering down and just surviving it until the snow melts. I personally know the feeling and through these simple shifts, have really come to enjoy the season. If you are wanting to focus on your health and feel a bit stuck this time of year, be sure to take THIS QUIZ to point you in the right direction!

Happy + Healthy Trails,

Bradee