Well, it’s here, there’s no avoiding it now— winter has arrived whether we like it or not and, while many people love the winter, there is something about the colder weather and a sun that sets before the workday is over that feels a bit gloomy.
Unsurprisingly, being cooped up in perpetual darkness can start to affect your mood. The winter blues are extremely common and approximately 4% of Canadians and 3% of Americans will experience Seasonal Affective Disorder in their life.
Whether you experience SAD in the winter months, or you just notice a downturn in your mood once the clocks fall back and the weather drops below zero, your home should be a welcoming place for you that boosts your mood. There are several things you can do in your home to bring in all the good feelings and make it a space you are happy to be in, any time of the year.
Here are my top tips to keep your mood positive and your outlook sunny, even when the winter weather isn’t.
There’s something to be said about the holidays—they bring joy and happiness to everyone! So why not pull out your winter/Christmas/holiday-themed throw pillows, hand towels, and decorations a little early this year?
Embrace everything winter has to offer inside your home and make the most of the season. Not only will this make you smile every time you walk into a room, but it also lets you flex your creative muscles. We often fall into a rut in the winter and sprucing up your living space is a great way to feel more connected to your artistic side.
If you don’t celebrate the holiday season, don’t let that stop you from finding ways to make small, decorative changes throughout your home. You don’t have to hang a wreath or trim a tree to let your creativity shine through.
This is my number one tip at any time of the year! Bringing plants and flowers indoors have so many amazing benefits for you and your home.
Did you know that they absorb toxins, reduce noise levels, purify the air, and have been known to boost your mood? They really are the superheroes of the home!
Add to that the fact that they breathe life into any room they are in and it’s a no brainer.
If you don’t have a green thumb and can’t seem to keep a plant alive, there are great faux plant and low maintenance plant options out there to explore. Keep in mind that you will lose a few of the benefits if you go the faux plant route (absorb toxins, purify the air) but they will still do wonders for your mood!
It is a scientifically proven fact that natural light improves your mood . But as I mentioned before, it is in short supply during the winter months.
That’s why it is essential to find ways to maximize the natural light in your home. For me, it’s all about strategically placed mirrors to amplify and reflect the natural light in your home. Try adding a mirror across from a window that gets a lot of natural light or in a particularly dark area in your home.
This will help brighten it up right away!
If you are a candle person, winter is the perfect time to use scents to help boost your mood. Whether you are a fan of florals or tend towards more woodsy scents, bringing in a scent that you love will help to elevate your mood—and the ambience of a lit candle just can’t be beaten!
Cozy up in your home!
I hope these tips help you make the most of your home during the winter months. Remember, you can always light a fire, grab a blanket, and watch old home videos from your last tropical vacation to get you through!