1/17/25 blog post
how to beat the winter blahs: 4 ways to stay positive this season
For many, the middle of winter can feel like a drag. The holiday cheer has faded, the days are short and cold, and cold weather or even icy snowstorms can keep us cooped up indoors. It’s no wonder so many find themselves slipping into what some may call “winter blues.” This time of year, it can be hard to stay motivated, maintain mental wellness habits, and break free from the winter “blah” feelings.
As adults and caregivers, our moods can set the tone for our kids too! So, finding ways to turn winter “blahs” into a more positive mindset can help all of those around you including the kids you care about. While you don’t need to become completely changed and conquer everything just because it’s a new year, now is still a good time to make small shifts in perspective to reframe your mindset, brighten your outlook, and find warmth even in the chilliest days of winter!
1. reframe your brain
The first step starts in your own mind. Did you know that you can influence and even change your thoughts? By bringing a fresh perspective to the winter season, you can find the motivation to make it through long, cold and dark days! By taking some tough moments and turning them into positives, you may find a bit more joy.
When you reframe your perspective from negative thinking to a more positive action, you will eventually see positive change in you and those around you! You can keep track of your negative thoughts and how you flipped them. Challenge your family to do this for a period of time during the winter and see what you can come up with!
Try to make some of these simple thought swaps either in your head or say them out loud!
| instead of | try saying |
| "It’s so cold outside." | "I can dress warmly, go for a walk, and enjoy the crisp air." |
| "There’s nothing fun to do." | "I can invite my friends or family to do something fun together. We can play games or build an indoor obstacle course!" |
| "Things are getting canceled thanks to the weather." | "Now that we have this extra time at home, let’s cozy up for a movie night with treats" |
| "It gets dark so early." | "How about having some hot chocolate by candlelight to brighten the evening?" |
| "There are no parties or anything fun to look forward to!" | "This is the perfect time to slow down and do things we normally don’t have time to do!” |
2. get active and get moving!
Motion can influence your mindset! While your ability to get outdoors and move around may be impacted because of the weather, it’s still important to make an effort to get out and about when you can. Here are some ideas to help you get active in the winter:
- Try bundling up in your warmest clothes and take a light walk if you can.
- Find an indoor hobby to try, especially if it’s one that you don’t usually do when it’s warmer because then you can give yourself something to look forward to!
- Turn on one of your favorite playlists (or create a brand new one for the season) and have a dance party with your family!
Taking time to do things you enjoy but don’t always have time to do will refill your cup and help you feel positively cozy as the winter continues!
3. connect with your kids
Winter is the perfect time to slow down and find special ways to connect with your kids. Creating moments of connections can chase away the winter blahs! Plan a fun board game night or a friendly video game competition to bond over some lighthearted fun. Or get creative together with a craft project that lets everyone express themselves.
Another way to connect is by having conversations. You can do this as you eat a meal together, right before bedtime or whenever you have some meaningful time to sit, talk and listen. Use these winter-themed conversation starters to try to get connected in this season:
- Would you rather live in an igloo or a sandcastle?
- What’s your favorite outdoor winter activity?
- What’s your favorite indoor winter activity?
- Do you like winter or summer better, and why?
more resources to help keep the conversation going
Conversations are a powerful way to strengthen your bond with the kids you care about. At On Our Sleeves, we’re here to help start the conversation (and keep them going) to have meaningful discussions with the kids in your life! Check out our blog for simple, helpful resources to get the conversation rolling and stay connected.
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