Winter blues, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), can sneak up on you faster than your fingers can freeze to your car keys. The days are shorter, the nights are longer, and somehow the sun has ghosted us. But fret not! We’re already halfway through winter, and there are plenty of ways to tackle the winter blues and turn those frosty frowns upside down. Let’s dive into some practical, joyful, and occasionally quirky strategies for embracing winter with a smile—or at least without resorting to full-on hibernation.
1. Find Your Sunshine—Literally
Winter often feels like someone hit the dimmer switch on life. Combat the gloom by seeking out more light. Open your blinds during the day, and if sunlight is as rare as a parking spot in downtown Tel Aviv, invest in a light therapy box. These magical boxes mimic natural light and can trick your brain into thinking it’s summer. Bonus: it’s calorie-free sunshine, unlike those summer beach ice creams!
Jewish twist: Light has deep roots in Jewish tradition. Think of Shabbat candles, the menorah during Hanukkah, or even the daily blessing thanking G-d for creating light. Bring those lights into your home and let them serve as a literal and metaphorical reminder that brighter days are always ahead.
2. Move It Like You Mean It
Exercise is nature’s antidepressant. It releases endorphins, boosts your energy, and warms you up faster than any hot chocolate. Whether it’s yoga, Zumba, or just dancing around your kitchen to 80s hits, moving your body will help thaw your winter mood.
If you’re not into gym life, take a brisk walk outside. Yes, it’s cold, but think of it as an adventure! Imagine you’re an explorer braving the tundra—only instead of hunting for polar bears, you’re foraging for bagels.
3. Nosh Your Way to Happiness
Speaking of bagels, what you eat can impact your mood. Load up on foods rich in omega-3s, like salmon or walnuts, and don’t skimp on those leafy greens. But hey, winter is also the perfect time for a steaming bowl of chicken soup. Is it a placebo? Maybe. Does it still work? Absolutely.
Jewish twist: Chicken soup isn’t called “Jewish penicillin” for nothing. It’s a time-honored remedy that not only warms your body but also your soul. Plus, making it is an act of kindness to yourself. Add a matzo ball or two, and you’ve got a bowl of happiness on demand.
4. Stay Connected
Winter has a way of making us all feel like hermits. Fight the urge to isolate by connecting with loved ones. Call your bubbe, join a book club, or host a Shabbat dinner. Even a quick coffee date with a friend can work wonders for your mood.
Jewish twist: The concept of kehillah (community) is central to Judaism. Whether it’s joining a synagogue event or just inviting a neighbor over for tea, being part of a community can help you feel supported and less alone.
5. Embrace the Cozy Life
Winter is the perfect excuse to lean into all things cozy. Grab a blanket, light some candles, and settle in with a good book or your favorite TV series. And don’t forget the hot drinks: tea, cocoa, or even a warm glass of wine (yes, it’s a thing).
Jewish twist: Ever heard of the term oneg? It means delight. Shabbat is often referred to as an oneg, and winter is an excellent time to find your version of delight—whether that’s baking challah, knitting, or binge-watching comedies until you’re laughing so hard you’re crying.
6. Focus on Gratitude
Winter can feel like a series of inconveniences—scraping ice off your windshield, bundling up in five layers, and walking to work in the dark. Combat the grumpiness with gratitude. Take a few minutes each day to jot down three things you’re thankful for. It’s like giving your brain a warm hug.
Jewish twist: Judaism is big on gratitude. The daily Modeh Ani prayer, recited upon waking, is all about thanking G-d for giving you another day. Incorporating gratitude into your routine can help you shift focus from the darkness to the light.
7. Plan for Spring
Nothing lifts the spirits like a little hope. Start planning your spring garden, dream about a post-winter getaway, or set some goals for the year ahead. Having something to look forward to can make winter feel like less of a drag and more of a pit stop.
Jewish twist: The concept of tikvah (hope) is woven into Jewish life. Just as winter always leads to spring, challenges eventually lead to growth. Trust that better days are on the horizon.
8. Celebrate the Season
If you can’t beat winter, join it. Build a snowman, try ice skating, or host a winter-themed party. Lean into the season, and you might find it has its own charm—even if it’s buried under two feet of snow.
Jewish twist: Hanukkah may be over, but we can still learn from its example of making the most out of the darkest days. The holiday celebrates finding light and joy even when the odds are against you. Take a page from the Maccabees and find ways to celebrate, even when hibernating is easier.
Winter might not be everyone’s favorite season, but with a little effort and a good dose of humor, you can make it through—and maybe even enjoy it. After all, if we’ve learned anything from Jewish history, it’s that resilience and joy can thrive in even the most challenging times. So bundle up, light a candle, and let the warmth of your inner light melt those winter blues away.
Photo Credit: OG ArtMania
