Finding Light in the Winter Darkness: A Guide to Beating the Winter Blues

Hey girlfriend! The most wonderful time of the year is here, but it can also feel like a double-edged sword. Yes, there’s the good food, family time, and football, but there’s also the reminder that our loved ones are no longer with us and the reality of limited budgets that can't stretch to buy all the gifts we wish we could.

Unless you’re one of the lucky ones hitting the slopes this season, you’re probably like some of us—feeling weighed down when you get out of bed, struggling through the already-shortened days, and counting how many more presents need to be bought. As the days pass, the winter blues can start to creep in if we’re not careful.

Here are some ways to fight back and stay balanced:

Soak up more sunlight

Shorter days mean less sunlight, which can lead to a drop in vitamin D levels. Finding time to get outside or even just opening your blinds to let natural sunlight in can do wonders for your mood. If you’re in a colder area and can’t enjoy the outdoors, let that sunshine in, even if just for a few minutes!

Connect with your community

The holidays are about peace, harmony, and connection. Spending time with family, friends, or coworkers brings warmth and joy, whether in person or via phone or FaceTime. The act of giving is great, but giving your time and presence is priceless. Volunteering and giving back to your community can also help you feel more connected and grateful during this time of year.

Embrace the stillness

Winter brings a time of rest and reflection. Nature slows down, shedding what’s no longer needed to make room for new growth. While the weather may dampen plans, it’s also an invitation to pause, appreciate the small moments, and savor the stillness. Slowing down can help us reconnect with ourselves and the things we often overlook.

Look forward to new beginnings

Yes, there’s a lot to do—gift buying, holiday planning, cooking—but the new year brings an opportunity for change. Use this time to reflect on what you’d like to improve: organizing finances, prioritizing health, or setting intentions. The start of a new year is a chance to reset, plan ahead, and look forward to the possibilities that await.

Humans are like plants with more complicated emotions. Just like plants need sunlight, water, and love to thrive, we too need the basics to keep our spirits up. Life operates in cycles—an ebb and flow. In the summer, we spread our wings and soar. In winter, we slow down, ground ourselves, and dig deeper for growth.