As bitter, chilly weather batters against your walls and keeps you indoors, perhaps longing for warmer weather, perhaps you’ve heard of the term “hygge.” A Danish word said to serve as a defining characteristic of that culture, hygge is a quality of coziness held dear, particularly during the winter months.
With frigid temperatures seizing the landscape, hygge is an opportunity to snuggle up and embrace the cozy, safe, pleasant aspects of indoor life. From crackling fires with a mug of hot chocolate by your side to long evenings spent reading in lamplit rooms, hygge is meant to be a time of togetherness and contentment during wintertime, when instead of lamenting the dark and cold, we celebrate the opportunity to enjoy quiet talks with friends and simple, comfortable pleasantries. Of course, hygge isn’t only for the colder months; it’s a lifestyle concept in general. But embracing hygge during the wintertime has helped many people weather the, well, weather in a way that cultivates contentment and peace.
In many senses, hygge aligns perfectly with Christianity—the notion that no matter what is happening in our lives, how cold the temperatures dip, how dark and long the night might seem, joy is still very much present, and we can enjoy perfect rest and peace in the Lord as this season continues. Even though hygge is not a religious concept, as Christians, we can incorporate many of the cozy, warm elements of this into our winter months, from hospitality and welcoming community to savoring the simple pleasure and gifts bestowed upon us by the Lord. For those of us who struggle with the winter blues when we’re stuck in northern climates, it can be a beautiful reminder and a way to embrace true Christian joy in what can be a difficult time.
Here, then, are 10 ways to beat the winter blues when you’re stuck in the north.
1. Create Ambience
You know the phrase, “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em?” Maybe your idea of fun and happiness is a warm summer’s day, the hotter the better. While some lament the humidity, you bask in it, your senses coming alive like never before. You revel in the scents of coconut sunscreen and tropical fruits. Steel drums and other relaxing island beats get your feet tapping.
It might sound strange, but you can figure out ways to love the winter months, too. Many people get the blues when all those cozy Christmas decorations come down. But why not incorporate some of that coziness into your home throughout winter? Hang springs of pine on your walls, buy miniature lights and artfully line your mantel, simmer cloves and spices on your stove, and replace overhead light glare with the soft glow of lamps. Stock up on scented candles and snuggly blankets in a variety of textures and hues while you’re at it. Creating a new ambiance can help you “fall in like” with the colder months, even if love is out of the question. Who knows? When summertime comes, perhaps you’ll find you miss all that coziness. As Romans 12:2 reminds us,
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (NIV).
2. Soak up the Sun
No, maybe you don’t want to put on a swimsuit or walk barefoot on your lawn when the weather is frigid, but the sun does shine even in the winter, and there’s a lot to be said about making time to get outside. Just like plants, we humans need sunlight, too. Sunlight stimulates vitamin D production in our skin, as well as evens out our moods by releasing serotonin. It helps regulate our circadian rhythm (our sleep-wake cycle), impacting healthy sleep, and it can boost the immune system, too.
Pick the warmest, brightest time of day and get outside for a little while. Sit on your front steps, close your eyes, and allow your body to relax and savor creation for a time. You might also take a walk or a bike ride.
“Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.” - Ecclesiastes 11:7
3. Light Therapy
Of course, a couple of minutes outside might not be enough. Scientists have proven that light therapy, also known as phototherapy, can be an excellent way to improve mood and benefit the body. Light therapy mimics sunlight, and like sunlight, it can regulate mood and our circadian rhythm and boost energy and immunity. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a real issue for many people, causing energy levels to dip as melatonin levels plummet. Light therapy can supplement what a few minutes in natural sunlight can do, especially on extra gray and dreary days.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” - Ephesians 5:8
4. Exercise
Maybe you love to exercise outside, but winter puts a stop to all that, either because your chosen outdoor exercise (hello, ocean swimming!) isn’t available to you this time of year or because it’s simply too cold to exercise outside safely on a regular basis. Perhaps this has meant you stop exercising altogether during the winter.
But there is huge evidence that exercise can be a tremendous antidote to depression. Movement, as well as the natural feel-good chemicals released by the body, ward off the blues like little else. It also keeps you healthy physically, which can be especially important during the winter when our immunity drops and our exposure to airborne viruses and other sicknesses increases.
Taking care of our bodies helps us emotionally, physically, and spiritually, enabling us to beat the winter blues and do more of what God needs us to do in the time on earth we have been given. If you don’t want to join a gym, consider purchasing an inexpensive treadmill or other exercise machine (even thrift stores sometimes have used items for sale), or consider the plethora of at-home, often free fitness videos available on YouTube and other websites. You can lift weights, dance, do Pilates—you name it. The options are nearly endless.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
5. Get Adequate Sleep
Maybe you feel like all you do is lie around relaxing during the winter, binge-watching TV or reading, and doing other sedentary activities. But that’s not the same as a good eight hours of actual, in-the-bed shut-eye.
Sleep is extraordinarily important to our body, and it’s an important aspect when it comes to beating the winter blues, too. It allows your body to repair and restore itself, heal your brain, and regulate your moods and emotions. Good sleep is also linked to better blood sugar and healthy blood pressure, too. Make sure you’re not doing things that decrease your sleep quality, such as exposure to screens too close to bedtime or drinking alcohol, which while this can make a person feel drowsy, actually negatively impacts your sleep overall.
Do what you can to make your sleeping area conducive to a good night’s sleep. Consider heavy curtains to keep out unnatural outdoor light, and turn off nightlights if possible. Turn down the thermostat, too—studies show that a cooler bedroom makes for better, deeper sleep.
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” - Psalm 4:8
6. Eat Well
Ah, winter—stews and soups simmer on the stove while we haul out our favorite cookbooks and longtime family recipes. My family loves crockpot macaroni and cheese during the winter, or other carbohydrate-heavy treats like mashed potatoes and sugary desserts. It’s fine to indulge a little during the holidays and even once or twice a week. But even though the cold weather makes us crave creamy, carb-laden comfort food, be mindful and strive to eat well during the winter. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean healthy eating has to go out the window. Eating too much sugar and too many starchy carbs can have a negative impact on our mood and contribute to the winter blues—not to mention decrease our immunity, pack on extra weight, and make us feel generally tired and sluggish.
Make sure you are getting adequate protein, ideally at every meal. Even if your garden isn’t producing summertime favorites, winter vegetables are delicious, too. Stock up on root vegetables and leafy greens, Try things like carrots, turnips, onions, and brussels sprouts, whether steamed or sauteed or added to a hearty soup or stew. Get enough vitamin C through richly colored berries and citrus fruits, and be mindful that you aren’t eating too much sugar (or drinking too much alcohol) to falsely boost your spirits. These latter can backfire quickly and leave you feeling depleted and depressed. Try to avoid processed, nutrition-deprived foods and instead eat natural whole foods, which are good both for the body and the mind.
“Then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.’” - Genesis 1:29
7. Gather with Others
Community is good for you—yes, even you introverts out there. God did not create humans to be alone. In fact, when God made the first man, he observed this and set about seeking the perfect companion for him, ultimately creating a woman. The cold weather might want to keep you indoors and isolated, but do whatever you can to gather with other people during the chilly months. Isolation is bad for our brains and our emotional and spiritual health. Go to church, invite a neighbor over for coffee, or go window-shopping with a friend. Socializing has a giant effect on a person’s mood, reducing stress, depression, and anxiety. It also increases our empathy and stress levels. Make a plan to get out once a day if possible. If this is absolutely impossible, use tools like video calls or social media to connect with like-minded people. You can find online clubs and a host of interest groups, all free.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
8. Volunteer
Likewise, volunteering can be a great way to beat the winter blues. Not only does volunteering usually put you around other people, providing another chance to socialize, but it also gives you a chance to do something good for your fellow human. Volunteering reduces stress and depression and takes your focus off yourself. Benefits include improving your mental and physical health, helping you feel more connected to others, and helping you develop new skills. If you don’t know where to start, ask your church for opportunities or see if your local library or community center has ideas. You can search online for volunteer projects you can do from home, too. Look outside yourself and your needs and wants, even if you are time-pressed, and you’ll find tremendous rewards.
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” - Luke 6:38
9. New or Different Hobbies
Sure, you can always read and watch television for three or four months, coming up for air in the spring once more. But why not try something new and fun, something that might just turn into not only a mood-booster but also an actual passion? Winter can be a great chance to try some new activities and develop hobbies. Maybe all that time at home can inspire creative art, such as knitting and crocheting or learning how to watercolor. Maybe the outdoors provides a new sports opportunity, like skiing or ice skating.
Studies show that hobbies keep our minds and our bodies occupied in new ways, and doing so minimizes depression and can powerfully boost our mood. In addition to the obvious reasons, there’s great creativity involved when we try a new hobby. Our brains and bodies work in new ways, triggering all sorts of good changes within. It also helps improve our self-esteem and mindfulness. Plus, who knows? Maybe your hobby can turn into a new ministry.
“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” - 1 Corinthians 10:31
10. Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude
Finally, winter can be a wonderful time to practice and further cultivate mindfulness, prayer, and, ultimately, gratitude. Focusing on the Lord through things like breath prayers, Scripture reading, and prayer journaling can help you draw closer to God and deepen your faith and your relationship with Jesus. It can also help you realize how utterly blessed you are—to have life, to belong to God, to have breath in your lungs, to have the opportunity to share the Gospel and study God’s word.
Take time to notice and reflect on the little things, which quickly helps shift your focus from negative to positive thoughts, ultimately boosting your mood.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” - Psalm 136:1
These are just ten ideas, but there are many more ways to boost your mood and beat the winter blues than this. And remember, all seasons do pass. As Ecclesiastes 3:1 so capably reminds us,
“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Mkovalevskaya
