4 Keys to a Happy, Healthy Winter

The term “winter blues” gets tossed around a lot when days get short and chilly weather sets in. But regardless of the season, there’s plenty to be upbeat about—even if you can’t take a stroll in your shorts and tank top (unless you live in Florida). Here are some things that keep my winters from being anything but blue.

1. Don’t let the holidays stress you out.

For some, the holidays are a time of joy and togetherness—but for so many of us they’re just stressful. That feeling of “go, go, go” can wear you out and get you down. Don’t fall into that hustle-and-bustle trap. If you feel yourself heading in that direction, follow the tips in Holiday Stress Relief with Natural Remedies.

2. Keep your immune system strong.

There’s nothing worse than a prolonged bout of winter cold or flu, but inevitably there’s always “something going around.” Keep germs at bay by bolstering your immune system, which you can do by eating less sugary foods (sugar and your immune system don’t get along well), staying active, stressing less and sleeping at least eight hours each night. For excellent advice on immune system health, check out 12 Strategies to Strengthen Your Immune System (making more love is even on the list!).

3. Stay busy with fun projects.

I know some people who get the so-called winter blues because all the things they love to do involve being outside in the summer—so they end up feeling incredibly bored all winter, claiming there’s “nothing to do.” I say hogwash. Winter is a fantastic time to tackle cool, new projects. Whether you want to take on a big project like building an earth oven or try something a little smaller like setting up an indoor worm composting bin, sending handwritten letters to old friends, or knitting a hat, I bet you can find several activities that you’ll truly enjoy.

4. Do something every day that makes you feel cozy.

While summertime fun is fantastic, I think the feeling of coziness is one of the best feelings there is—and for me, true, authentic, downright coziness only happens in winter. So, for at least 30 minutes every day, do something that makes you feel cozy. Drink a great cup of tea. Build a fire. Put on some warm, fuzzy socks or slippers. Grab your favorite blanket and curl up with a good book. And enjoy!

Photo from Fotolia

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Danuta W.

1:48AM PDT on May 9, 2012

Thanks for sharing!

send a green star

Dale O.

9:49PM PDT on May 4, 2012

For me the cold weather starts in mid November and lurks around til the end of April. After a time being cozy inside turns into cabin fever and one cannot wait until the pussy willows, trilliums, apple blossoms and other signs of Spring arrive.

Having to drive in winter slush, toss tons of snow off the car, dress in coats, boots and other fare rather than freeze to death I think a winter lasting two to four weeks around December would be delightful and ease the winter blues.

Sadly, there are no sunshine drenched areas of the country to escape to in the winter and leaving the country is certainly not an option. One can have warm home made winter soups, stews, veggies and other culinary delights to help ease the harsh winters.

When not living in an apartment a winter BBQ on the back porch was always fun but cannot do that one any more. Winter would be tolerable if it were not so long!

Used to do all the winter outdoorsy things like skating on the Rideau Canal for hours on end or cross country skiing but now the cold hurts my bones so am glad when it takes off for awhile.

Samantha H.

2:42PM PST on Jan 27, 2012

thanks

Susan S.

7:37AM PST on Jan 2, 2012

Simple and useful. Thanks.

Deborah D.

8:00PM PST on Dec 30, 2011

I like fixing hot almond milk-- with three teaspoons of sugar and 2 teaspoon of dark chocolate cocoa powder stirred in.
Hot dark chocolate and a warm kitty in my lap, and I am in heaven.

rene d.

4:59PM PST on Dec 30, 2011

Michele W.

11:49AM PST on Dec 27, 2011

Thank you

Robert O.

11:21AM PST on Dec 27, 2011

Thanks Shelley.

Mandi A.

9:08AM PST on Dec 27, 2011

Thanks

Silas G.