If you’re feeling a little low at the moment, this one is for you! I’ve created a list of tips that I think will help to boost your mood this winter.
Try out these mood-boosting tips
1. Make plans
As the beautiful autumn colours fade and winter sets in, you may start to get a sense of the winter blues if you don’t have any plans to look forward to. So, make some!
Think about what you’d like to do at Christmas and beyond. With the new year just around the corner, have a think about what’s on your wish list for 2024.
Just the act of thinking about your hopes and plans for the months ahead could boost your mood, lift your spirits and give you something to look forward to!
Related reading: Lost your mojo? Four ways to help yourself feel better
2. Keep in touch with family and friends
We all crave connection. Staying in touch with others is important for our mental health.
When we lack interaction with others this can lead to us feeling isolated and lonely. So do make sure that you are staying connected with the people who are most important to you.
Why not arrange to regularly call a family member or close friend? It might be an idea to allocate a set evening every week that you’ll keep free in your diary for catch-ups.
Family estrangements? I hear you. Friends can be your family.
Arrange calls with those you haven’t seen or spoken to for a while, and agree on a specific day and time in advance to speak so that you both stick to the plan. No doubt you’ll both appreciate having a chat and a laugh together!
3. Laugh more!
This brings me nicely to the next tip…Laughter.
Laughter helps to boost your mood. So, if you’re feeling low and need a pick-me-up, laughter could the tonic you need! It boosts feel-good endorphins in the body and makes us feel happier.
Why not spend time reminiscing about good times, dig out the photo albums and look back at old photos (as long as they’re not painful), watch your favourite stand-up comedian on TV, watch a funny film or listen to a hilarious podcast? These are all going to get you laughing more!
4. Move your body
Exercise is also a great way to boost your mood naturally.
Although it might be tempting to stay indoors when the weather is cold outside, instead try to fit some form of exercise into your daily routine. It’ll lift your mood and you’ll feel better for it afterwards.
Related reading: Yoga and mental health: Five benefits of practising yoga for self-care
5. Do something new!
Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is also a great way to boost your mood this winter. So, why not revisit your ‘would-love-to-do-someday’ list and start ticking those things off!
Decide on a few new things that you’d love to try, places you’d love to visit or experiences you’d like to have, and then make it happen.
You might have decided that 2024 is the year you’ll learn to play an instrument, change jobs, get fit or learn a new language.
Perhaps having an empowering photoshoot experience is high up on that list too?
(It would be rude if I DIDN’T mention this – haha)
If so, I look forward to taking your call and to helping you celebrate yourself!
Related reading: Make someone’s day by giving a compliment (that’s not about appearance)
Hopefully, these tips for boosting your mood this winter have helped and given you some ideas for how you can make yourself feel better.
Which of these mood-boosting tips will you be trying out first? Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you.
Johanna
~x~
