Don't Let Winter Win! Tips for Staying Warm, Happy & Connected

Written by our Founder and CEO, the Celebrations Pulse letters aim to engage with our community. By welcoming your ideas and sharing your stories, we want to help you strengthen your relationships with the most important people in your life.

If you’re like me, you’re dreading the final weeks of winter. Here in the Northeast, temperatures are still struggling to stay above freezing and snowstorms are barreling through with regularity making outdoor celebrations feel like a distant dream.

Thank you, Mother Nature, for showing us who’s in charge.

Unsurprisingly, searches for the phrase “winter blues” recently hit a five-year high on Google. According to NPR, more people are looking up tropical beach vacations than ski trips. That tells us something: Winter’s gloom is weighing on too many people right now. And if you’re feeling it too, you’re certainly not alone.

What we call the winter blues — or, in more clinical terms, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — can bring fatigue, mood changes, and a desire to hibernate until spring. Scientists say it’s all about sunlight, or rather, the lack of it. Shorter days can throw off our body’s natural rhythms and mess with serotonin, the brain’s built-in mood booster.

But here’s the thing: We don’t have to let winter win. There are simple, meaningful ways to bring warmth and brightness into our days.

Seeking the sun

Sunlight is nature’s way of recharging our batteries. My friend Dr. George S. Everly, Jr., a psychologist and associate professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, often reminds me that one of the simplest but most effective strategies for beating the winter blues is to soak up as much natural light as possible.

He suggests finding a way to step outside for at least 30 minutes daily. And while that may sound simple, I know it’s not always easy when the wind is howling and the thermometer is stuck in the 20s. But something as simple as eating lunch near a bright window, or even sitting next to a sunlamp, can work wonders.

Dr. Everly emphasizes that even on overcast days, natural light helps regulate our mood and energy levels. I’ve found that even on the coldest days, bundling up and stepping outside for just a few minutes can give me a noticeable boost.
Forcing yourself to move more is one of Dr. Everly’s biggest recommendations because movement stimulates endorphins, which are the body’s natural way of fighting off winter gloom. Going to an indoor pool, yoga studio, or health club may be hard, so start by taking an online exercise class for just 30 minutes a few times a week – you can even break this down into three 10-minute breaks. Then increase activity each week. The key is consistency, not intensity because you want to create a habit.

Staying connected

Winter is the perfect time to reconnect with people. A simple phone call, email, or video chat can make a world of difference — not just for you, but for someone else who might be feeling the winter blues, too. As I always say, use your power to make someone’s day!

Another great way to lift your spirits is to find a hobby. With less time spent outdoors, winter is a great time to explore new indoor activities. Pick up a book that’s been sitting on your shelf, try your hand at knitting, experiment with a new recipe, or challenge yourself with a puzzle. Regardless of what you pick, try to find clubs and online groups where you can connect with other people with similar interests.

And don’t forget to stay connected with yourself. Take note of changes in your sleep patterns, mood, or interest in things you once enjoyed. Keeping a journal can help you track your feelings and recognize patterns.

Dr. Everly reminds us that small choices can have a big impact. He recommends avoiding alcohol and drugs, focusing on the positive aspects of life, and letting your family and friends know when you're feeling down. And if feelings of anxiety or sadness persist, don’t hesitate to seek support from a medical professional.

Soup for your soul and other community ideas

Last week, I invited the Celebrations Pulse community to share stories and ideas on how to beat the winter blues. Here’s a sampling of the responses:

Christine, a community member from New York, lifts her family’s spirits in the kitchen:

“My family leans into winter and the season by cooking hearty, warm Korean meals that we enjoy together in our cozy home. Grilled meats, fish stews, noodle soups, steamed dumplings — cooking and feasting together to enjoy these meals is a real winter blessing when the Queens streets outside are freezing!”

Mike shared how he creates a playlist of feel-good songs and lets music work its magic:

“I avoid sad tunes that might bring me down and instead listen to songs that energize and uplift me. I even set my iPhone’s alarm to wake up to an upbeat song, setting a positive tone for the day.”

Nancy pointed out how plants and flowers can boost your mood:

“I bring greenery indoors, whether ferns, succulents, or colorful geraniums. They can create a vibrant, life-affirming environment. Gardening, even indoors, is a soothing and rewarding hobby that reminds me of renewal and growth, even in the coldest months.”

The bottom line? Winter doesn’t have to get the best of us. By staying connected, trying new things, and checking in with ourselves, we can brighten even the cloudiest and coldest days and make this season one of warmth, connection, and renewal.

All the best,

Jim