How to boost your morale and energy in winter

If, like me, you are currently living with weeks of extreme cold, with your nose hairs freezing as soon as you set foot outside (a shout-out to fellow Quebecers ;-)), this article is for you.

It’s not easy to stay positive when the days get shorter. When the light gets dimmer. Or when germs and viruses of all kinds are back.

So here are 15 tips to chase away the winter blues and give yourself an energy boost.

Go crazy with friends

The best antidote, by far, is spending quality time with friends.

In winter, the tendency is to withdraw and isolate oneself, but social connection is essential to maintain good psychological health. Replace the lack of outside heat with human warmth!

Create creative moments for yourself

There are no secrets, new activities break the routine and provide pleasant sensations.

Like dopamine for sport, calm and relaxation with yoga or meditation etc. So, make room for this activity that has been catching your eye for a while.

Enjoy cozy mornings and/or evenings

What a joy to wrap yourself in your warm blanket, slumped on your sofa in front of your series while it's very cold outside.

Or watch the rain or snow fall, when you wake up, in front of a nice hot coffee.

Bet on purr therapy (if possible of course)

Furball owners, take advantage!

Just looking at or petting a cat is often enough to ease any tension and bad thoughts. No more excuses to stop being completely gaga over your pet.

Take wellness breaks

Whether it's treating yourself to a spa session, a nice massage or a nice hot bath, treat yourself.

All of these activities have soothing virtues for you and enhance well-being. So why deprive yourself of them?

Indeed, recharging your batteries allows you to face the outside world with serenity.

Better listen to yourself and why not put yourself in hibernation mode like the animals.

Enjoy delicious meals

Sugar is life. Good cakes are real comfort allies during this season, even if you shouldn't overdo it.

More of a savory fan? Cheese dishes like raclette will brighten up your winter.

You've been waiting for them all year, now's the time to treat yourself.

Let yourself relax in front of a good book

You started this book a year ago and then put it down to pursue other activities?

This is a good time to dive back into it.

In addition, reading improves mental well-being and reduces stress by more than two-thirds.

The best part: all in front of a good fireplace. What a treat!

Cuddling under the covers

Yes, I know this is not something everyone is concerned about. But if you are lucky enough to have a better half by your side, bad weather and cold weather are a perfect excuse to stay curled up in bed.

Expose yourself to light with light therapy

Lack of light has a big impact on morale.

Light therapy helps regulate the overproduction of melatonin.

Ideally, you should expose yourself for 30 minutes per day in front of a lamp designed for this purpose (prefer a lamp with a power of 10,000 lux to have the desired effects)

Another but more expensive alternative: glasses equipped with high-intensity LED iodines.

Do sports

I'm not telling you anything new, physical activity is beneficial for combating depression and its symptoms. It helps you sleep better, regulate your mood and boosts your immune system.

The must: get active 3 times a week for 30 minutes a day outdoors. The ideal duration to effectively combat the winter blues.

Enjoy winter sports: ice skating, skiing, Nordic walking, etc. There is something for everyone (depending on where you live of course).

Start a treatment of essential oils (aromatherapy) or plants

There are all kinds of oils and herbs to help you get through this season.

To name just a few:

• St. John's Wort = helps regulate mood, depressive states (personally, I have been taking them in capsules for several years, if the need arises. A feeling of calm often sets in quite quickly for me)
• Lemongrass essential oil : for people who are nervously exhausted
• Mandarin oil (euphoric), geranium (depressive states, irritability), lavender (anxiolytic and calming), peppermint (clears thoughts)
• Do a magnesium cure : effective for our mental balance. 400mg are recommended per day for 3 weeks. In its natural state, it is found in coffee, chocolate, buckwheat or even chives.

Get enough and good sleep

Rest, too often neglected, is nevertheless essential to a feeling of well-being on a daily basis.

Some tips for sleeping in good conditions: the ideal temperature for an adult's bedroom should be between 17 and 19 degrees.

If you are sensitive to the cold, choose cotton materials to preserve body heat. But do not dress too warmly, to avoid sweating at night.

Finally, avoid overly copious meals even if you can no longer do without the many raclettes, tartiflettes and fondues of all kinds on the menu in winter...

And finally for the bravest:

Get some fresh air and brave the winter

Going green, especially if you live in a city, is beneficial.

But if it is not easy to get out of the city regularly, just walking in a park, even in cold weather, can contribute to your well-being.

(See my article The 20-5-3 method to chase away everyday stress on this phenomenon with many virtues)

In the same vein, take a stroll along the seaside

The ocean can boost emotional health. In fact, it is said to have more beneficial effects on morale and physical health than a walk in the park.

The virtues of the sea breeze and the sensory stimuli that water provokes, invigorate and restore.

Don't you ever feel completely tired (but a good kind of tired) after a long time at the sea? (At least I do every time).

So if you live near the coast, take advantage of it!