9 Easy Tips to Beat the Winter Blues

It can be easy to fall into a gloomy mood in Winter. The weather outside doesn't necessarily make me want to smile and sing a Disney song, but Winter can be a lot of fun too. Here are 9 easy tips to beat the Winter blues.

TIP 1 // Take Care of Yourself: Keep or start an exercise routine. Twenty minutes of activity to start your day will definitely help you feel better about yourself all day long. Take your vitamins. With less time spent outside our vitamin D can drop in the winter. I also recommend vitamin C to boost your immune system. Also take care of your skin as it easily gets dry in the Winter.

TIP 2 // Treat Yourself: Everyone does to indulge once in a while. Tired of all the cold and having to wear multiple layers? Get your friends and go out and treat yourself to a manicure or a massage. Or even a pedicure even though no one else is really going to see it because of the cold. But you will know and it will boost your mood.

TIP 3 // Get Outside: Sure it's cold and there's probably snow or slush on the ground, but the sunlight will be good for you and so will the fresh air. Just a quick walk around the neighborhood in the morning will you get to feel more invigorated and ready to start the day.

TIP 4 // Enjoy Some Down Time: It's great to relax and take a breather sometimes. During the Winter kick back next to the fireplace with a book that's been on your to read list or indulge in those fashion or gossip magazines. Rewatch your favorite movie or even take a short nap.

TIP 5 // Be a Social Butterfly: Just because it's Winter doesn't mean you get to hide away and hibernate until the warmth of Spring comes. Go out for dinner with friends or even invite them over. Host a movie night or a game night. Go to the movies or to see a play. Host a themed party. Bake treats and deliver them to neighbors or friends.

TIP 6 // Do What You Love: Have projects you have been wanting to finish but you have been too busy? Winter is a great time to get crafty and creative. Finish those scrapbooks, try those new DIY projects, make those new recipes, or even try something new. Tracy and I are going to attend an art class this week and learn about painting. Invite your best friends over and make some DIY things. Here are a few things that Tracy and I have made: Confetti Art, Floral Napkin Rings, and Glitter Jewelry Dish. Trust me if two very non-crafty people like us can pull it off, then anyone can.

TIP 7 // Get Organized: On cold Winter days when you can't get anything done outside, why not get something accomplished inside? Organize the pantry, the fridge, or even a closet. Do you have photos that need to be organized into albums, craft supplies that need to be organized, or recipe books to look through? Make a list of things that you would like organized and try to complete the list this Winter. You will feel accomplished for each item you can mark off the list.

TIP 8 // Keep in Touch: Even if the weather permits you from visiting or hanging out with friends you need to stay in touch. Talk on the phone, text, or email. I love finding surprises in the mail box. Send out letters or cards. Small packages with a little surprise are nice too.

TIP 9 // Enjoy Winter: Get out there and actually enjoy the snow. Make a snowman, have a snowball fight, make snow cream, or even build a snow fort. Go sledding, skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating. These aren't things you can do whenever you want, so take advantage of Winter and get some in before it's warm and the snow is gone.

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