Instant Mood Boosters for the Winter Blues

January 11, 2010 by Jennifer Tuma-Young
Filed under Featured, Self

So, it’s cold and wintery here in the big city. And, I know this time of year can be tough- the holidays just ended, bills coming in, shorter days…I get it. But, I actually love this time of year because it means wearing comfy slippers and cuddling to keep warm! Here are 3 more instant mood boosters to kick the winter blues to the curb…

Tip #1 Have Some Fun

When we take ourselves too seriously, we can end up in a rut. In the winter, it’s easier to drift into depression, because it’s colder and days are shorter. But, there’s so many fun things that come with cold, ice, and snow, so take advantage of them! Build a fire, and read firside stories, or look at family photos. Go ice skating, even if you’ve never done it! Wear padding and fall with the best of ‘em! Use the snow for a snowball packing party, making snow angels.

Often when I find myself moving toward a funk, I do something super-silly to get myself out of it. So, jump up and down, sing loud in the shower, do a tumble salt! Just make it a point to do something fun and take advantage of the season, instead of drowning in darkness!

Tip #2: Make Your Home a Little Brighter

If the darkness is bringing you down, simply add more light to your space by changing your lightbulbs! Go green by switching them out with energy-efficient ones, and you’ll feel better just by turning on a brighter light. Make sure that your blinds are letting natural light in, and, if the walls are covered in old wallpaper or paint that just isn’t your style, this is a great time to tear it down and put on a fresh coat of a nice light-reflecting color! You can also simply brighten up your space by adding accessories that sparkle. Winter is the perfect time of year for using “crystal” accessories because they add an “ice” effect. You can even replace a light fixture, add pillows that pop, picture frames that glitter.

Tip #3: Warm Water with Lemon Works Wonders

If you’re feeling like you’ve added some pounds over the holidays, you are not alone!! The average American gains 7-12 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Years!! So, flush out the toxins with a cleansing drink!! I love this, because it’s not about deprivation it’s about adding something in! Just by adding warm water with lemon to your daily intake (8-8oz. glasses) you can easily lose 5 pounds of trapped bloat and flush out fat and toxins in just couple of weeks!

Cool News Alert!! More of my tips to beat the winter blues can be found in the January 11, 2010 issue of Woman’s World Magazine “Ask America’s Ultimate Experts” column.

Photo: Flickr