We’ve all heard about chasing the winter blues away – how about not even letting them set in? Winter months can be challenging for many reasons, so here are some ideas to make them a little easier…

ADAPT – Just jump in! Yes, it’s cold and snowy or wet. So find an activity or a hobby you can do in this or that weather and enjoy it anyway. Get the right gear (buy, borrow or rent), find a friend and go out into the elements – you may discover a whole new world.

DRESS – Brightly. Give up the grays, browns and blacks and use winter to shine a little light and wear brighter colors. If you are dressed like a tropical flower, won’t you feel like one?

HEALTH – Talk to your doctor about vitamin D or Seasonal Affective Disorder if you are concerned and think you may need some additional boosting.

ENJOY – Make a list of all the movies and books you’ve put off watching and reading, and start ticking them off! Host a movie marathon with friends or family. Ask coworkers for recommendations or start a book group.

RESEARCH – Studies show that being around happy people, makes people happier. Look for and consider the positive things, and share them with others.

NEW – Learning something new forces our brains to grow. This is a good thing! Consider finally learning how to do that one thing you’ve always put off.

PROJECT – Winter is the perfect time to either start or finish (or start AND finish) a big project, most likely indoors. Organize your kitchen? Paint the basement? Decorate? Plan a fantastic trip somewhere?

EXPERIMENT – Food takes on special meaning in the winter, especially with crock pots and instant pots and soups and stews and baking and…yum. Try new recipes and old favorites and everything in-between!

LIGHT – There’s something about a fire in the winter. If you don’t have a fireplace, light a candle, or nowadays turn on an electric or battery-operated version of either. Get a warm beverage, a blanket, and contemplate everything or nothing while enjoying the glow.