5 Ways to Thrive this Winter

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, winter is upon us. Hats and gloves and snow boots and warm socks are necessities in our neck of the woods. Short days and dark nights are the story of our weeks and getting outside becomes a bit uncomfortable. While all these things are true, there are still ways to thrive this winter. We may have to look and try a little harder, but that gives us all the more reason to do so. Here are 5 Ways to Thrive this Winter.

5 Ways to Thrive this Winter

Get outside.

I know it’s cold. I know we need more layers. But getting outside is one way to thrive this winter. There are loads of science to back this up, but I want to focus on one big reason. Getting outside will boost your mood. When we are sluggish or feeling down because of the grayness of winter, getting outside can help improve our outlook. Natural daylight is thought to increase the brain’s release of the hormone serotonin. Serotonin is connected to boosting mood and helping a person to feel focused and calm. Even if it’s for 10 minutes, find a way to get outside as often as possible.

Plant something.

Seeing something grow is soothing and hopeful. While there isn’t a whole lot of anything growing outside my window currently, I do have some things growing inside. Almost every year I plant an amaryllis to watch grow tall as the temps drop low. It makes me happy watching something green grow when everything is brown and gray outside.

Whether you’re a plant person or not, planting something in the winter can bring a bit of joy. An amaryllis is a good place to start. Paper whites are also pretty this time of year. If you’re looking for something you can eat, herbs like basil or rosemary are pretty simple to grow inside. I’ve also grown microgreens in the winter to put on sandwiches and eggs. There are, of course, lots of other options. There is something nurturing about planting something and watching it grow.

Plan a summer adventure.

Did you know simply planning a vacation helps reduce stress? There are loads of other benefits you can find HERE. Whether it’s a summer road trip exploring a national park or a big trip across the country, planning a summer adventure is fun, gives us something to look forward to, and can help us thrive this winter.

Use winter wisely.

Depending on what life season you’re in, winter can be slower. There could be more time at home, less time spent outside because it gets dark earlier, and maybe just a little less to do. Let’s use winter wisely and be intentional about what we do want to do. What is something you don’t have time for during other parts of the year? Reading a book? Trying something new in the kitchen? Working on a hobby or project? If winter is slower for you, decide how you want to spend it.

Begin a new rhythm.

We are at the end of January and all the New Year’s hype is slowly fading. It’s technically still the first month of a new year and it’s never not a good time to begin something new. What rhythm would bring more calm to your day? Is there something you could do each week to ignite some joy and excitement for your family? It could be lighting a candle each morning or evening. Maybe it’s ordering pizza and watching a movie at the end of a long week. Or maybe it’s sitting in the quiet of the morning with a cup of coffee and a devotional. Winter is a great time to begin a new rhythm.

Winter doesn’t have to be dull or lifeless. It can be fun and hopeful and slow in a good way. How will you thrive this winter?