Get Rid of the Winter Blues

Image: Helga Weber

When the holidays are past and the endless gray days of mid-winter are rolling slowly by, it’s easy to get a case of the winter blues. Sometimes called Seasonal Affective Disorder, putting more sunlight into your life is a proven remedy that will help you and your home feel and look more cheerful.

Try these tips so you can enjoy a sunnier disposition even when the skies won’t cooperate.

Let the Light In

Curtains are beautiful. They add the finishing touch to many a home. But they also block light and, in the wintertime especially, you need exposure to the indirect rays of the sun.

Consider taking your curtains off their rods after the holidays. Not only is it a great time to clean them in preparation for a big upcoming spring cleaning, you won’t believe how much lighter and brighter your home will become. If you have nosy neighbors, tie your curtains back or replace them with sheers, which let the light in but still give you some privacy.

Shifting your favorite reading chair or desk by your brightest window helps, too; the more time you spend in indirect but bright sunlight, the better. And don’t forget that a beautiful new picture window will help you enjoy the peaceful beauty that is winter. Call 1-800-229-7777 or contact us online today to learn more about the many different window styles that can add light while updating the look of your home.

Get the Energy Out

If making interior design changes are about as appealing as, well, the wintertime blues, put on your sneakers and layers and head outside for a walk. Or, borrow some snowsports gear and find out why skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating have devoted fans all over the world.

Exercise is a proven mood booster, especially when you work out at a vigorous pace. But even if you take a leisurely stroll outdoors, the Vitamin D infusion you get from sunlight will still help. Drink plenty of water, avoid sugary processed foods and always wear sunscreen to get the most health benefits out of your outdoor activities.

Make Over Your Home

Don’t underestimate the power a décor do-over will have on your mood. Adding colorful decals or stained glass decorations on your windows, placing birdfeeders near where you spend most of your time, and making over a little-used space into a sunroom are all terrific ways to feel sunny even when it’s not.

A new coat of paint, a bright new picture window and cheerful, cozy throws and pillows lend a sense of warmth to any room. Scented lavender candles and a roaring fire in the fireplace go a long way too.

The point is, you don’t have to resign yourself to a long and miserable winter. A few easy changes may even have you craving a snowy day when the mercury is north of 80.