As the winter chill sets in, many of us find ourselves longing for the warmth and vibrancy of summer. If you're not a winter enthusiast and struggle to find joy in the colder months, fear not! Wendi's Good Things Market has compiled a list of strategies on how to infuse your winter days with the brightness of summer. Say goodbye to the winter blues and welcome a season of warmth and positivity.
Indoor Organizational Projects:
Turn your home into a haven of order and beauty by engaging in indoor organizational projects. Decluttering and reorganizing your living space can have a profound impact on your mood. Start small, perhaps by tackling a messy closet or organizing your bookshelf. The sense of accomplishment and the clean, tidy environment will instantly lift your spirits.
Green Your Space:
Bring the outdoors inside by growing plants in your living space. Indoor gardening not only adds a touch of summer to your home but also provides a rewarding and nurturing hobby. Consider low-maintenance plants like succulents, snake plants, or peace lilies. The act of caring for living greenery can be therapeutic and improve your overall well-being.
Sunshine in a Bottle:
Combat the winter blues by supplementing your vitamin D intake. With limited exposure to sunlight during the colder months, it's essential to ensure you're getting enough vitamin D. Consult with your healthcare provider and consider taking vitamin D supplements to boost your mood and support your immune system.
Hot Yoga for Winter Warmth:
Warm up your body and soul with hot yoga sessions. Not only does hot yoga provide a toasty escape from the winter cold, but it also offers numerous health benefits, including improved flexibility, stress reduction, and enhanced mental well-being. Check out local studios or explore online classes to find the perfect hot yoga routine for you.
DIY Home Projects:
Channel your inner creativity with do-it-yourself home projects. Whether it's repainting a room, crafting handmade decor, or upcycling old furniture, engaging in DIY projects can be a fulfilling and uplifting way to spend your time indoors. Plus, you'll get to enjoy the fruits of your labor every time you enter the room.
Culinary Adventures:
Bring the flavors of summer into your kitchen by experimenting with vibrant and fresh recipes. Explore new cuisines, try your hand at colorful salads, and incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables into your meals. Cooking can be a therapeutic and delicious way to lift your spirits during the winter months. I like to set up my ipad in the kitchen and scour You Tube or Tik Tok.
Light Therapy:
Combat the effects of reduced sunlight with light therapy. Invest in a light therapy box that mimics natural sunlight, which can help regulate your circadian rhythm and boost your mood. Spending time near these bright lights, especially in the morning, can alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and enhance your overall well-being. We have a greenhouse this year that we love!
Serve Others
Often, we are focused on what we can do for ourselves. It's a lot of main character energy really. Recently I've realized that winter is my time to be the "lodge mom". To be the person to carry to load for others, to hear their stories, to share in THEIR joys and celebrate their wins. What I mean is I take a supporting role to others. We are not always meant to shine and be in the spotlight and allowing others joy to beam and be there when they are in their full glory is okay. You can also use this time to think of how to help others in smaller ways. I know your natural tendency is to withdraw and shrink in the winter, but being others focused is a researched based way to improve your joy this time of year.
Winter doesn't have to be a season of discontent for those who prefer the warmth of summer. By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can transform your winter experience into a time of joy, growth, and productivity. Embrace the sunshine in a winter world, and let Wendi's Good Things Market guide you on the path to a brighter, more cheerful season.