The reality of winter blues hits hard, especially for a Midwest resident like me where the summer scorches and the winter seems unending. The transition seasons – fall and spring – barely make an appearance. The festive holiday spirit bolsters me for a while but soon after, the winter melancholy begins to weigh.
Most winter days are dark and dreary, the sun either a no-show or making a brief appearance before an early twilight ensues. The weather often skews towards the icy end of the spectrum, which can take a toll on morale and drain one’s vitality. However, my resolution for this coming year is to not let the winter blues pull me under. I’m also sharing some cost-effective strategies to also keep your spirits up during the winter.
1. KEEP MOVING
Reclusiveness and lack of physical activity can worsen the winter blues. Maintain a routine, keep moving and make sure you get plenty of exercise. I initiated my gym sessions from November, attending weekday classes around 8 am. These sessions align perfectly with my morning routine, including seeing my son off to school. I enjoy the gym classes as they offer a sense of community, involve active engagement, and help me inch closer towards my fitness objectives. At just $36/month for unrestricted access, it’s great value for money. If gym memberships don’t appeal to you, explore local fitness or dance classes, or even free Zumba or yoga classes. Engaging with friends over a shared workout, using free Youtube videos, is another great option.
2. KEEP A CHECK ON YOUR DIET
Maintaining a nutritious diet helps combat the winter blues, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Prioritize buying real, whole foods. Opt for seasonal fruits and vegetables on sale, with a focus on cooking healthy proteins. Eliminate junk food and replace them with whole grains and healthy fats. Shopping at discounted grocery stores like Aldi can aid in sticking to budget.
3. VOLUNTEER
A cost-effective approach to combating the winter blues is volunteering at a local organization intermittently. It’s an excellent way to stay socially active, contribute to society, and positively impact individuals’ lives. My personal aim is to volunteer at a local women’s pregnancy center. Depending on your schedule, volunteering can be tailored to fit your available time.
4. PARTICIPATE IN SOCIAL EVENTS
As an introvert myself, I understand the struggle of socializing. However, attending social events can truly be invigorating. Online platforms, like Meetup, are great for finding local communities and interacting with new people. Attend a friend’s event or join a group activity. Most events are budget-friendly or free of cost.
5. START A NEW HOBBY
Instead of consistently watching TV during those winter days at home, why not take up a new, frugal hobby? Engage in a hands-on activity that keeps you away from electronic devices like painting, cake decorating, or pottery.
However, it’s crucial to understand that these strategies are not cure-alls. If you suspect your winter melancholy is a sign of underlying depression, consult with a healthcare professional and counselor to identify the right treatment plan.
Fortunately, with most of these simple strategies, you can successfully keep the winter blues at bay without spending a fortune.
