At Krause Funeral Home, we know the winter months in Milwaukee can get pretty bleak. With less sunlight and colder temps, many Milwaukeeans find themselves staring down the winter blues the minute fall moves into winter. To help our neighbors keep their spirits up this time of year, here are a few winter activities to beat the winter blues.
Participate in outdoor activities.
Getting outside is more important than ever in the wintertime, as adequate amounts of sunlight help boost your mood and immune system. Sledding, skiing, or snowshoeing are all fun winter activities to do outside with family and friends. If you prefer a simpler activity, take a walk in the woods or hit a nature trail. Even a quick lap around the neighborhood is better than staying inside the house all day. Don’t forget to bundle up!
Spruce up your space.
When temperatures drop, and days grow shorter, Scandinavian countries embrace simple, low-cost ways to get through the winter. Settling into a comfortable living space is their number one priority as soon as cold weather rolls around. This winter, try lighting some candles or investing in some fuzzy socks or throw blankets. Some people even turn on a light-therapy lamp to boost their mood during the winter months. Do whatever makes you feel cozy and relaxed, even in the midst of frosty weather.
Start baking or cooking.
When it’s subzero temperatures outside, there’s nothing better than a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie or a steaming bowl of homemade chili. Cooking or baking in the wintertime is a way to nourish both your body and soul (and feed your family!). Eating warm, delicious food can help offset the winter blues and leave everyone feeling nourished and filled.
Try meditation.
Countless studies have proven that meditation helps reduce cortisol levels and boost your overall mood. It may look intimidating or boring to sit with your own racing thoughts and restless body, but once you start meditating, you’ll likely notice your winter blues begin to ease. If you’re a novice, a number of helpful websites and apps offer guided meditations that are inexpensive and easy to follow. Even five minutes a day can have an impact on your mood and overall health, so don’t beat yourself up if you’re not able to sit still for an hour at a time.
If you’re currently experiencing winter blues or the more severe SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and finding no relief, our compassionate team recommends seeking help from a professional counselor or therapist here in Milwaukee County. Feel free to contact us for a referral.