The boisterous weather is rapping on your window from outside, the world seems coated by darkness, there’s a chill in the air that nips at the nose – oh, and it’s only 4:20 pm.
Welcome to winter in the Pacific Northwest!
With an average of 152 sunny days per year, which mostly occur during the summer months, many locals are prone to feeling a mental and emotional funk during winter. While more severe cases may be referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), almost everyone feels the effects of the dark days to some degree so you are not alone!
When at their worst, these dark days tend to bring with them a slew of other issues as well. For example, because of the harsh winters, frozen pipes could be a major issue in homes. Hence, during the winter, you might need to constantly stay in touch with professional plumbing service providers so that whenever you have a Clogged Drain due to frozen pipes, you can get it resolved as soon as possible. Winters may also be the time when you might need to make use of various heating appliances. If these appliances are not installed or if you’re facing issues with the central heating system, it may be time to look for experts who could help fix the problem. If you’re not sure about where to find a professional, check companies like DSS Plumbing and heating.
Also, with the dreary days approaching, here is a guide to ways that can brighten your mood this winter season:
- Create Something or Incorporate a New Hobby
When the weather outside is frightful, try making something! Whether it’s baking a new recipe, playing with paint, drawing in a notebook – setting time aside to create is incredibly beneficial. In fact, it’s even been clinically proven.
A study performed in New Zealand and published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that participants who practiced creativity every day for two weeks felt an “upward spiral of positive emotions, psychological well-being, and feelings of flourishing in life.”
Don’t think you’re creative? Think again!
This study defines creativity as “the practice of coming up with new ideas, expressing oneself in an original way or spending time engaged in artistic pursuits.” Translation: you don’t have to be a Picasso to be creative.
So pick up a journal, make some brownies, solve a problem – whatever inspires you this winter, get creative!
In addition, you can try out a variety of other activities, like participating in outdoor sports. If you are an introvert, consider engaging in legit money making games that will inspire you to perform better. By doing so, you’d be able to meet new people and unwind.
- Take a Hike
In the Pacific Northwest, many hikers consider winter to be the “off-season.” For reasons like rainy weather, closed roads, and muddy trails; it’s understandable why it’s not the most popular season for getting outside.
However, in those challenges also lie the greatest rewards!
If you dress appropriately with rain gear and layers, the “off-season” can be an ideal time to find peaceful solitude in the outdoors. Because ultimately, with fewer participants on the trails, you have a chance to experience some of the most popular hikes around without the crowds.
Plus, countless studies have found that spending an average of 30-minutes a day outside, disconnected from technology, can have huge impacts on your emotional and mental well-being.
As soon as you smell the fresh air, start walking along the meandering trail, and are surrounded by towering evergreen trees, we think you’ll start feeling better.
- Treat Yourself
One of the great benefits to having a dreary season is that it’s an ideal opportunity to relax and recharge. We all push ourselves in daily life, so why not take a little time to treat yourself with a spa day at home?
Start by lighting your favorite candle and putting on some relaxing music. Then, draw a hot bubble bath with some Epsom salts to really release tension. If you do not have a hot tub, consider getting one (you can check Vita spas for sale). Think how relaxing it would be. Heck, it’s winter, so why not pour a glass of red wine to sip on while in the tub?
From there, you can get as indulgent as you like! Face masks, manicure and pedicure, tea in your bathrobe; give yourself a day of pampering from the comfort of your home, and you’ll forget all about the weather outside.
- Reflect and Recenter
Winter is often symbolic of the end of one year as we prepare to begin the next, and this can bring a lot of mixed emotions. Perhaps it’s excitement for the new year, disappointed from the previous one, anxiety, fear, gratitude, motivation; it’s a very uniquely personal time of year.
Which is why setting time aside to process those feelings is healthy and beneficial. Take time to reflect on the year you’ve had, and begin envisioning your ambitions for the new year ahead.
A few ideal ways to organize your thoughts and set intentions is journaling, as well as practicing meditation and yoga. Through this journey inward, you may start finding enlightenment to your own happiness and wash away any negativity causing you stress.
- Go Somewhere New
When you’re really feeling in a funk, try switching your day up and go somewhere new!
And no, we aren’t talking about an exotic vacation to escape daily life. Try something new and local. Maybe there is a coffee shop or restaurant you’ve heard about but never bothered to visit. Or a cute town that your friends have gone to on the weekend yet the drive seemed too far. Maybe it’s an exciting restaurant you’ve read about online yet always seem too busy to stop by.
Whatever has sparked your interests, winter is a great time to try it!
This will break up your routine, toss away your boredom, and can increase creativity. Which hey, talk about bringing things full circle, uh?
No matter if you feel greatly impacted by the season ahead or you’re seeking ways to brighten your mood all year round, try these tips and we bet you’ll cultivate a happier, healthier self.
Need more tips to brighten your winter days? Read our post below.
