Lift Your Spirit
Simple Ways to Take Your Winter from Boring to Soaring!
With the holidays behind and several more weeks of winter ahead, for many of us, those twinkling lights and shimmering tinsel are giving way to the reality of shorter days, grayer skies and/or extra layers.
You could go into hibernation mode, but what fun would that be?! Instead, take a look at our list of spirit-lifting activities, and make those days fly by like a southbound flock of geese.
Change your approach. Change your routine. Change your surroundings. It might just change your attitude!
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Spruce it up: Flowers, color, photos, art, lighting, comfortWhether the cubicle or the kitchen, give your surroundings a lift! Think flowers and plants, fresh paint, hanging some pictures, better lighting, or splurging on that comfy chair at your fave furniture store. The Spruce is a great web site for décor ideas of all sizes and budgets, and don’t forget to consult Atlas’ Feng Shui Demystified for a little ancient inspiration. -
Make it up: Crafting, Coloring, HobbyingFrom fancy coloring books, to trimming bonsai trees, to repurposing old T-shirts, there’s no shortage of ways to get creative when or if the weather turns foul. Turn it into a family activity or a night in with some good friends. Families that use glue together stick together – or something like that! Check out Pinterest, The Spruce Crafts, or favecrafts for ideas! -
Cook it up: Rock a new recipeCrank up the heat in the kitchen with something adventurous and healthy for dinner (or any other meal, snack, or excuse to nosh). Preparing and eating good food hits all five senses – a sure way to eat, or beat, the winter blues! Need some fresh ideas to kick start some creative cuisining? We’re here to help! -
Take it outside: Let nature nurture youToo much time cooped up inside is a recipe for the doldrums. Dress for the weather and get a dose of fresh air! Even if the forecast isn’t postcard perfect, spending time outdoors is proven to benefit our mental and physical state. Learn to snow-shoe, take a walk, take a bike ride, take a breather! Just remember to take it outside! -
Pay it forward: Do something charitableSometimes the best thing for your spirit is lifting someone else’s. February is National Heart Month, and there are lots of ways to help the cause, from walks and runs to spreading the word via social media. Check out https://millionhearts.hhs.gov for ideas, or pick another cause dear to your own heart! -
Check it off: Got a list? Make a dent in it.You know what feels good? Getting things done! If that “to do” list is gathering dust on your desk or work bench, there’s no time like “down time” to get crackin! Start small to give yourself positive reinforcement. And to keep track of all the ways you’re taking care of business, here’s a whole page of to-do list templates! -
Breathe it out: MeditateMeditation has been proven to decrease stress and improve overall wellbeing. Whether you have medical concerns or are just feeling the anxieties of “the everyday,” taking a few minutes to breathe, be mindful and remove distractions can be a wonderful way to “reset.” And it doesn’t have to be scary either. There are lots of great tutorials for beginners, such as this one, that remove the intimidation factor. -
Laugh out loud: Humor yourself with books and movies!You know what they say about laughter as medicine, and who doesn’t love the feeling of ha-hahing til’ it hurts? So why not plan a little “me” or “we” time to watch a funny film, or read some LOLiterature! There are literally thousands of choices, but let’s keep it simple with 100 movies and 50 books that might tickle your funny bone.
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