A Big F.U. to the Winter Blues

Most people say the best thing about living in the Mitten state is that you get to experience all four seasons. Though it’s a very valid statement that we do have four seasons, and that concept is nice in theory, I personally could do without the winter. Yes, yes, give me snow during the week leading up to and on Christmas, but after that, we gud.

(Kind of like putting up Christmas decorations a few weeks ahead of time is totally chill. Get into that red, green and nutmeg-scented spirit you Cottonheadedninnymuggin, you! But, once we hit December 26th, put that shit away. Don’t @ me.)

Michiganders know that winter here usually starts November, if not earlier, and can last through literally late April. That is damn near SIX MONTHS of the dreary, cold, wet, cold, gray, gloomy weather. And, with every winter comes a little something called the winter blues. Now, the winter blues is a phrase someone started using to make “seasonal depression” sound a lot less, well, depressing, and it’s inevitable that while we endure this vitamin D-depriving weather, the winter blues will hit.

This year, the ‘aha my winter blues are getting the best of me’ moment happened a couple of weekends ago. I found myself at Target debating whether or not to buy a lotion I really didn’t need simply because the bottle said “smells like summer.”

I know there’s other people out there feeling a little more lethargic, isolated, unmotivated, etc. than usual, I figured I’d share some of my favorite ways to say fak you, winter blues.

Mix up your music

One of the easiest things you can do is something you probably already do every day — listen to music. When I start feeling a little bit 90’s emo, lethargic, and uninspired with all of the gloomy weather, I’ll listen to music that helps get those “feel good” chemicals in my brain moving again. So, press pause on all of those James Bay, Hozier, and Lana tracks and make a playlist of songs that remind you of the warmer days or find the O.G. songs from back in the day that will literally put a smile on your face no matter what.

If you need some inspiration, you can check out mine here.

(Side note and shoutout: the title of this blog post was inspired by a Spotify playlist my musically-inclined friend, Emilie made - fuck your winter blues.)

Phone (or FaceTime) a Friend

It’s easy to get into the habit of isolating yourself from others when you’re just not feeling yourself nor have the energy to socialize, especially when you live by yourself. Plus, when it’s cold or snowy or rainy, the last thing I want to do is change out of my sweat pants, put a bra on and go out in public. So, instead I opt for calling or FaceTiming a friend I haven’t talked to in a hot minute. Catching up with one of your besties who’s doing his/her own thang in another city or state can be such a solid mood booster. Not only are you technically socializing, but you are doing it in the comfort of your own sweats. :)

Note: I do want to clarify, though, there is one hundred percent nothing wrong with politely declining an invite to plans with your friends due to self care or plain personal preference. If you just want to stay in because you don’t thrive in large groups or it’s been a long week, then girl, I’m about it. Smear that Lush oatmeal mask you’ve been waiting to try on your face and Netflix it up!

Rock Your Body, yeah.

Okay, so although listening to the Backstreet Boys (or Justin Timberlake - whichever came to mind first) can definitely be a mood booster, this tip is more about what you’re putting into and how much you’re moving your body. I know this is an overly-saturated message around this time of year, so I’ll go through this as quickly as possible.

It’s incredibly common for people to put on a little winter fluff. The cold weather is a prime reason to break out our biggest woobie sweaters, curl up on the couch for a Netflix binge and enjoy our favorite comfort foods. And, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! We all do it.

We also want to make sure, though, that we’re getting in some sort of physical activity at least a few days a week - even something as simple as taking a walk. Part two of that is finding balance between those winter comfort foods and nutrient-dense foods that our bodies need to function. Even if it’s just making an effort to eat a healthy breakfast every morning, that’s better than totally neglecting fueling your body with what it needs.

Side note: my favorite breakfast lately involves Van’s Waffles. They are so freaking good - even Leslie Knope would even approve of them. My favorite flavors are apple cinnamon and power grains chocolate chip.

To wrap this section up, when your body feels good, there’s a better chance that you will feel good.

Leslie Knope would totally approve.

Clean Up Your Space.

I don’t know about you, but I immediately feel a million times more relaxed, at ease and motivated when my apartment is clean. Winter is a really great time to Marie Kondo all of your spaces. (You’re already spending all of your time inside, why not clean it up a little bit?)

Start with something easy like going through your closet. Any piece of clothing that doesn’t “spark joy for you,” thank it, and get rid of it. (Credit to MK on that process.) I know this can be a hard task because there’s always that ~one shirt~ you’ve never worn but may need to hold onto for some very rare (a.k.a. probably won’t happen) occasion. Girl, just channel your inner Ariana Grande and say thank u, next.

Trust me. Decluttering areas of your home will not only provide you more space physically, but also give you a little relief from feeling like you’re surrounded by chaos.

Also, if you have no idea what I’m talking about or are unconvinced this will help, then go to Netflix (let’s be honest, you’re already watching it) and find the show “Tidying Up.” Watch a few episodes and let me know how you feel afterwards. :)

Tidying Up with Marie Kondo - the Queen of Clean Up.

Pack Your Planner

Whether you’re a huge sports junkie looking forward to opening day or just got into EDM and want to go to as many concerts as possible (@James), filling your calendar with events you’re genuinely excited about will help keep you motivated and looking forward.

It always feels like the weeks/days go by faster leading up to an event I’ve had marked in my planner for months because I’m so excited for the day to come. For example, my birthday is smack dab in the middle of prime winter blues season, so I always try to plan something with friends to celebrate. This year, I decided I want to hurl sharp objects at a giant wooden target, so we’re going ax throwing next weekend and I could not be more jacked about it…. (lol. get it? lumberjack? axes? lol.) :))))))

Start packing your planner (or Google Calendar for you tech-savvy people) with events you’re truly excited about for the upcoming months. That way, you have something to look forward to and keep you pushing through this gloomy weather.

Last but not least - March 20th.

That glorious Wednesday is officially the First Day of Spring.

Which means we are only 25 days away from, hopefully, the last signs of winter.

Who knows? Maybe the six-month stretch of gloom will even subside a little early this year, so we can trade in our sleeping bag coats for light jackets in preparation for April 25th. :)