Winter blues got you down? I feel you. I don’t like to be cold. But I live in Canada so it’s kind of inevitable.

It happens every winter. At some point I just feel blah. It becomes a little harder to wrap my head around my illness and to focus on all the wonderful things I’m grateful for.

So I did what comes naturally to me when faced with a problem….I read. I read and learn about whatever issue I’m facing.

Apparently two of the main ways to beat the winter blues are exercise and getting outside. Which I can do now, but there was a point during treatment where that was not easy for me.

So what if that’s not possible? What if you suffer from a chronic illness or are facing a health crisis like cancer? Exercise and going outside are not always easy tasks. So here are some other ways to help boost your mood when you’re in a winter funk.

1. Learn a new skill (hello YouTube tutorials!) Not only is it fun, but learning can also improve self esteem, make you feel more confident, and fill you with a sense of purpose. According to MoodZone people who continue learning throughout life report a higher mental wellbeing and are better able to cope with stress. Who knew right?!

2. Open the curtains and let the light in. If you can’t make it outside, sitting at or near a window can still have benefits.

3. Challenge yourself to eat as healthy as possible. What you eat has a huge impact on your mood! The gut-brain connection is a pretty remarkable thing.

4. Set aside a regular time to do something you love every day. Even just 20 minutes, reading, crafting, a hobby, whatever you love. You’ll have something to look forward to each day.

5. Do something to help others (win/win…it will also make you feel good about yourself) Can you make something while sitting in bed and donate it to a charity? Crocheted hats or blankets for cancer patients? Games or dolls for a children’s hospital?

6. Get dressed. Even if it’s just into a clean pair of pyjamas.

7. Create something that you can look at to lift your spirits. Try an inspiration board, a notebook of motivational quotes, or a gratitude journal.

8. Create a playlist of songs that make you feel happy.

9. Do something that is good for you and nourishes your body. Drink a cup of green tea, meditate for 10 minutes, make a healthy dinner. Knowing that you are taking steps to care for yourself will brighten your mood.

10. Socialize! If you can’t get out, invite a friend over for coffee, or just chat with a loved one.

11. Freshen your space and make it nicer to look at. Tidy up, purge, repaint if you can. Buy yourself some flowers! Your surroundings impact your mood. And don’t even get me started on the mood boosting effects of flowers.

12. If you just can’t make it out of bed, put on a funny movie. According to Helpguide “Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress.” Maybe it is the best medicine….

Hope some of these tips can help you beat the winter blues! If not, snuggle up, stay warm and remember Spring is on its way.