Beat the Winter Blues

Post created for Rural Housewives of America

Lately, I've been in a funk.

Not a stinky funk. A blue funk.

And I am blaming the old man. No, not my husband. Old man winter.

It's funny. Many of us, come October, can't wait for hot chocolate, hooded sweatshirts, cozy blankets and hanging out by the fireplace.

Well, all those things can go to
hell heck.

Usually winter and I are friends but it's March 2nd and I don't think winter is going away quite yet.

They once said,

"If you can't beat them, join them."

I never did quite figure out who "they" is but I usually trust "they" because they're always right. "They" is kind of like your mother, in a sense. But we never admit to either that they're always right.

So, we are going to "join them" and beat the winter blues.

I took a poll on my Facebook page last week asking some of my readers how they beat the winter blues and here's what we came up with. Some of my readers happen to be our own fellow RH girls!

Take a Vitamin D Supplement

It's science. We get our essential vitamin D from the sun in the summer. The sun likes to hibernate in the winter just as much as we do. Vitamin D boosts our immunity. When we feel good, we are happy. Jenny suggested taking around 2,000 mg in the middle of winter. When the sun's out, put on your coat and head outside for a few minutes to get some natural D. Lana likes to sit in her sunroom when it's sunny. It's suggested we get about 10 minutes of sunshine a day, according to healthline.com

Take a Tropical Vacation

We did this last year and it couldn't have come at a better time when wind-chills were reaching close to -20. After this winter, I wish we would have planned another trip. If you're really feeling the blues this winter and it's too late to take a trip, start booking one for next year. It will give you something to look forward to all next winter!

My brother and his girlfriend are on a cruise to the Bahamas right now as we speak. Who wants to help me TP their house? :)

Tanning

Although, I will disclaim that tanning in a tanning bed can be dangerous and put us at risk for skin cancer, it sounds like many women get joy out of hopping in a tanning bed once a week in the winter. I can see why. Jennifer claims it's the best nap she's had all week! Unfortunately, I am unable to tan as I seemed to always break out in a skin rash and hives when I tried it. My fair skin doesn't take to kindly to it.

A lot of tanning salons offer great prices and packages in the winter so people can prepare for spring break.

Fresh Flowers

I love, love, love and absolutely love this idea. Next time you're at the grocery store, snatch onto a cheap bouquet or get together with your local florist. Maybe they can work out a discounted price if you offer to come in every week for some new fresh flowers. 

Think, fresh flowers for the entry, kitchen and maybe even your bedroom. Wherever you spend the most time!

Stacy says her favorite spring arrangement is tulips in a mason jar.

Exercise

I can't stress how important exercise in the winter is. It's easy to make excuses, though especially when it's cold. You don't have to go to the gym or even own a treadmill. Take a power walk around the house for 10 minutes. I promise you'll feel instantly better.

Hot Tea or Coffee

I try to take time in the afternoon to enjoy a cup of coffee or hot tea when I need a pick me up. We might as well enjoy a seasonal beverage while the season is still here! It seems to make Sierra happy and cozy.

Re-Decorate

Think spring and brighter colors! This is harder for me to do in my house since I have more Earth tone, rustic colors but I am going to figure out how to incorporate some spring tones into my decor.

Window Shop 

I know I'm still camped out in hoodies and sweaters but I've been spending some time on pinklilyboutique.com and fillyflair.com admiring all the fun, spring colored tops. I'm still not quite ready for short sleeves, though. I've also been doing some window shopping for outdoor furniture, flower pots and decor. Wishful thinking, right? My current flower pots are buried under snow drifts. Frozen in time. I forgot to bring them in this fall.

No matter how much we pine away for spring, we all know it'll be here before we know it! Then we will be trying to play catch up with getting crops in and the lawn mowed along everything else that comes with spring.

What are some things you would add to my list of beating the winter blues?  What do you look forward to this spring?