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11 Fun Ways To Beat The Winter Blues During January and February

In case you haven’t been outside in the last couple of days, you may have missed that winter is officially in full swing. It’s cold, it’s snowy, and it’s depressing. One of the worst parts of winter is getting those winter blues. You know, the sad feelings we get from not being exposed to enough sunlight, driving home from work in the dark, and just being cooped in due to the cold weather. The months of January and February can start to feel like they are never going to end. Today, we are talking about ways you can beat the winter blues. And, you don’t even need to leave your couch to achieve some of them.

Head To The Gym

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Even if working out is not part of your New Year’s resolutions, it is still a great activity to do to make you feel better in the winter. It will give you something to do after work, and you will build up endorphins as you burn those calories. And we can all use a little workout detox after all the cookies and junk we consumed for weeks on end during December. But, try to find some time to get your heart beating and your blood flowing each day. Take a friend along for fun and support.

Turn Off Your Phone

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Sometimes scrolling endlessly through social media is the last thing we need when we are lonely in the winter. So, try taking a break. I am sure you will survive if you miss your neighbor posting another cat photo. Try to look at your social media less if you are alone during the weekend or feeling lonely. Remember that everyone’s lives are not as glamorous as they appear online.

Make Plans

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If you are feeling lonely, make sure that you are not alone. Ask a friend to grab coffee or dinner. See a movie. Go to the gym. Do an outdoor winter activity. Even just drinking wine on one of your couches can be a great way to get together and beat the winter blues.

Binge Watch TV

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Now, make sure that you don’t overdo this one. But, watching TV can be a great way to get your mind off of your own worries and anxieties. Spend some time getting involved and invested in the lives of a character from a great TV show.  Netflix and Hulu are great resources if you are tired of waiting for your favorite shows to come back after their winter hiatus.

Update Your Reading List

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Instead of staring at a screen all day and all night, why not pick up a good old-fashioned book to pass the time? Make a list of books you want to read, or just go to the nearest library and check some out. Rediscover the joys of getting lost in a good book during this cold and dreary season.

Call People More

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Just because you aren’t within walking distance from some of your friends and family, doesn’t mean you can’t connect with them. Try calling your mom on a more regular basis. Skype your best friends from college. And, if you have the time and resources, even plan a trip to visit them. Nothing helps the winter months pass like planning a quick trip.

Explore

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Yes, you may not be new to your town or city, but I am sure there are places you haven’t tried out yet. Cafes, restaurants, and shops that you have never been in. Try making a recommendation list of cafes or restaurants in your area, and have fun going with different friends to try them out.

Don’t Fear The Outdoors

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Just because it might be colder than you like, doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to being outside until April hits. There are so many fun activities you can do with yourself or friends that are only available during the winter months. Some examples include skiing, sled riding, ice skating, tubing, and many more. Even having a snowball fight or making a snowman in your backyard can turn a dreary day into a winter wonderland.

Watch The Winter Olympics

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Starting in February, we have the opportunity to watch some of the greatest winter athletes compete on live television. Why not host an opening ceremony party? Or, invite some friends over to watch your favorite winter sport. Even if it’s just you and your cat, cheering for your country can help you to beat the winter blues.

Volunteer

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Unfortunately, after the Christmas, many shelters, organizations, and food pantries don’t receive as many volunteers. It’s important to realize that our communities need help all year round, not just in December. Find something you are passionate about and get involved in your city. Helping others can help you to redirect your feelings of loneliness into something that can help others.

Sleep

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I don’t know about you, but when I have nothing better to do, I like to sleep. So, why not take the opportunity, when it’s dark, cold, and you are tired, to catch up on some shuteye. Cozy up with your favorite blanket and relish in sleeping an extra half an hour or so during these winter months.

As you can see, you aren’t alone in having winter blues. There are so many fun and easy ways to bring joy back into these lifeless winter months. Remember that spring is coming soon, even if you can’t imagine it right now!

 

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