I Got Dem Ol' (Winter) Blues Again

A list of ways to bring a little more joy, brightness, and cozy comfort this and every winter.

* The post title is a reference to Janis Joplin’s 1969 album “I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama!”

It’s that time again…

The time changes and the skies begin getting dark earlier and earlier in the day. It gets colder and grayer. What was left of my motivation is zapped and my energy runs low.

It’s become harder for me to get things done or want to leave the house after 4pm. Yikes. I’m officially in hibernation mode. And I know I’m not only one, so I’ve compiled a list of things to help us get through the cold, dark winter season.

🎄🕯️Little things that bring joy (or at least make the blues a little brighter)🍪☕️:

{in no particular order}

1. Listen to some Christmas Jazz while making breakfast/dinner

2. For some chill vibes while cleaning or getting some work done, play this

3. Light therapy

   1. Light some (or a lot) of candles. I'm currently on the hunt for some pure beeswax taper candles, as they’re non-toxic

   2. Light up that Christmas tree even if it’s midday!

   3. Use a Happy Light in the morning. I have this one, but whichever one you get, make sure it reaches 10,000 LUX for it to be effective

   4. Switch to warm lighting in the evenings. It feels so cozy! I HIGHLY recommend these Philips Hue smart bulbs. They’re pricy but well worth the investment in my opinion because you can dim them and switch from white light to warm amber light. You can control them via Bluetooth and you can even make them flicker like candlelight! Honestly, one of the best purchases I’ve made

4. Read Bible/devotionals

5. Wear cozy sweaters. Try one in your favorite color.

6. Drink hot cocoa/warm drinks in cute, festive mugs

7. Festive scents, whether scented candles or a simmer pot.

8. Spend some time outside during daylight

9. Feel-good movies (not necessarily Christmas or even winter themed)

10. Attend local events, especially a Christmas market if you have one near you

11. Yummy-smelling body care

12. Baking

13. Make nourishing meals/soups

14. Set up a small cocoa/tea bar in a corner of your kitchen

15. Sharing baked goods or a nourishing meal with neighbors/coworkers

16. Bring flowers and/or greenery into your home if you can

17. Sending hand-written Christmas cards

18. Doing something for others

19. Plugging in to community, or even just calling friends & family

20. Slow hobbies rather than phone or tv

21. Worship music ( I like this playlist and this one.)

22. Vitamin D3+K2 supplement

23. Incorporate walking/exercise into your daily routine to boost your mood

24. Take a probiotic + prebiotic supplement. Mental health and your gut are closely related.

25. Proper hydration (add a splash of lemon and a good quality sea salt or an electrolytes supplement to your water).

26. Have people over for dinner, coffee, a card game, watching a movie, etc.

A Note:

It should go without saying, but the list above is not a to-do list for us to complete and feel overwhelmed by! Rather, it’s a menu of ideas to pick and choose from and try different things to find what works for us. If you find nothing is working and/or you show symptoms of SAD (seasonal affective disorder), please consult your doctor! 🤎 None of this is medical advice or meant to treat depression.

🕯️ Advent: Jesus is the Reason for the Season🎄

This week’s Advent memory verse is Isaiah 7:14. Below are the desktop and phone lock screens for you to download :)

“Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: see, a virgin will conceive, have a son, and name Him Immanuel.”

I want to know what you do during this dark, cold season to brighten up your winter blues!

Keep reading:

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