Sunday, January 12, 2025

11 Ways to Boost Your Happiness and Beat the Winter Blues

Share

11 Ways to Boost Your Happiness and Beat the Winter Blues

Top Tips for Beating the Winter Blues from Swedish Experts

As Daylight Saving time comes to an end this Sunday at 2am, many of us are bracing ourselves for longer, darker nights and colder weather. However, there are ways to beat the winter blues, and the Nordic countries, particularly Sweden, have some valuable insights to share.

Catharina Bjorkman, style and marketing director of Swedish wood burning stoves brand Contura, explains that despite having as little as six hours of daylight in Sweden on the shortest day, Scandinavians have tried and tested ways of beating the blues. She believes that with proper preparation, there are many reasons to celebrate the arrival of winter.

Here are some of Catharina’s top tips to counter the effects of the changing season:

1. **Let there be light:** Natural light is essential for brain and body function. Getting outside during daylight hours can help improve productivity and sleep quality. Adding cozy layers to your winter wardrobe can also boost your mood.

2. **Make your own glow:** In Sweden, where sunlight is scarce in winter, natural daylight lamps can help extend exposure to light and combat Seasonal Affective Disorder. The warm glow of a fire can also reduce stress levels and provide a quick mood boost.

3. **Music to your ears:** Creating a playlist of upbeat tracks can energize you on dark mornings. Music has been shown to elevate mood, reduce stress, and improve cognitive performance.

4. **Hygge happiness:** Embrace the concept of Hygge (or Mysig in Swedish) by creating a cozy environment, spending quality time with loved ones, and indulging in simple pleasures like enjoying a hot bath or relaxing with a good book.

5. **It makes ‘scents’:** Different scents can impact mood significantly. Consider using scents like vanilla, lavender, or citrus to evoke feelings of comfort, calm, or energy.

6. **Declutter, declutter, declutter:** A clean living space can alleviate symptoms of depression and improve focus. Taking just 20 minutes a week to declutter can make a difference in your mental well-being.

7. **Chocolate is not always bad:** Quality dark chocolate can boost endorphin production and improve blood flow to the brain. Treat yourself to purer forms for greater health benefits.

8. **Baking Therapy:** Baking can be a therapeutic winter ritual that brings families together, creates a cozy atmosphere, and provides a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment.

9. **Tea Time:** Enjoying a warm cup of tea can relax the body, reduce mental fatigue, and improve memory. Take time to savor the warmth and health benefits of tea during the colder months.

10. **A leaf out of our book:** Reading can reduce stress, expand knowledge, and improve focus. Make a winter reading list and transport yourself away from the daily chaos.

11. **Good for the soul:** Doing one good deed a day, no matter how small, can reduce stress, increase motivation, and improve overall well-being.

By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can combat the winter blues and embrace the season with a positive mindset. Remember, winter can be a time of coziness, reflection, and self-care.

Read more

New Updates