10 Ways to Banish The Winter Doldrums

I noted on the calendar this weekend that the first day of Spring is officially about five weeks away. And, let me tell you . . .

I

Can

Not

Wait! 

How about you? Do you find this last stretch - the last weeks of winter - to be the hardest to make it through?  I enjoy the change of seasons, I really do! But perhaps some a wee bit more than others.

Yes, I will throw my doors open and let that fresh spring air in, watch the first daffodils and crocus pop up and hit the farmer's market for the new produce in town to start creating lighter dishes.

Well, we can't change the thermometer readings but the mindset, we can!  After all,  it will only make the arrival of of spring that much sweeter if we can tough it out a little longer!

Creating A Bit of Spring In Winter

Being the list maker that I am, I have gathered a few ways we can create some spring in our step now. And, the extra bonus is lots of them are free! See what you think:


1.  Get your floral fix.  Visit a botanical garden or garden show  I have a lovely botanical garden near me in DC, but here are some top garden shows around the world where some take place in winter that you might be able to access.


2.  Sift some dirt.   Get out some pen and paper and start to design your spring and summer gardens.  Purchase some seed packets and perhaps start your seedlings or at least start thinking about doing it.  Get your supplies ready.


3.  Plan a spring brunch.  Give your friends and family something to look forward to as well! Start creating the menu with some of these ideas, make your guest list and get the invitations out.


4.  Seek some rays.  Despite the cold, find a sunny spot and angle your face towards the sun every day.  At lunch hour, see if lunch outside is possible or even a short stroll in the sunshine. There are even synthetic ways to mimic the benefits of sunlight for our mood. Have you heard of full-spectrum light bulbs and phototherapy used to treat depression? A bit more on that here.


5.  Borrow ahead.  Go ahead and steal from your spring wardrobe and layer some spring colors in your outfits.  Nothing wrong with sporting a springy nail polish color either.  Just make sure it is a safe choice that I talked about here.


6.  Walk among the greats.  I am so fortunate to have the Smithsonian within my city (all free) to spend an hour or two to stroll and soak in great artists and their beautiful floral and springy scenes.  How about a gallery or museum in your area? Spend a bit of time there to get your spring on!


7.  Check your deck and patio.  Is it spring and summer ready? Does your furniture need a fresh coat of paint, like mine? Could the deck need a repair or power wash? Start making plans to get that space all ready to go.


8.  Gather some pamphlets.  Where are you going this summer? This fall? Start thinking of that vaca to heighten your mood. Rentals book fast and so do flights!


9.  Let others inspire you.  Look around some of the beautiful Pinterest boards on gardening. Here is one I spotted recently. And, you certainly can get great ideas here and this blog is a whole lot of fun to read with great ideas on the topic as well. 


10.  Get your groove on!  Hit a concert or two.  Music is a great health booster (look here for exactly how) and of course, a mood booster, too!


Do you have a favorite way to chase the winter blues? Don;t keep it all to yourself! Please do share!

Need a bit more?

• Bringing in art at your place is a great step to designing your every day mood. Find super sources to do that here. 

• Need some new tunes to brighten your mood and inspire you.  Look here for great, free places to just that!

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