Photo by Thanos Pal on Unsplash
Wintertime can be tricky. The days are shorter, the weather is colder, and let’s face it—it can be hard to get out of bed in the morning. If you’re feeling a little down this season, there’s no need to worry. The winter blues are actually completely normal.
In fact, according to a recent study, as many as 20% of Americans report feeling the effects of winter blues every year. Erin Ryan, the executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Los Angeles, even compares humans and plants similarly in the way that lack of sunlight and warmth can impact us and our daily functions.
That said, just because the winter blues are standard doesn’t mean they have to get you down. There are plenty of ways to add extra cheer to your living space and make the most of the season.
What are the “winter blues?”
So, what exactly are the winter blues? The winter blues is a type of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) that is characterized by feelings of sadness during the winter months. While SAD can interfere with our daily lives, the winter blues typically does not. However, that doesn’t make it any less challenging to deal with.
Other winter blues symptoms include lack of motivation, trouble sleeping, and spending one or two days in bed. If you’re dealing with any of these symptoms, don’t panic because there are plenty of things you can do to fight back against this seasonal depression.
In the next section, we’ll share some of our top tips for banishing those wintertime blues and adding seasonal cheer to your living space this year.
Out with the blues and in with the cheer
The holiday season is a time to celebrate with loved ones, reflect on the year gone by, and look ahead at the year to come. However, the holidays can also be stressful and anxious for many people.
While you can undoubtedly chase away the blues with a balanced diet, lots of fresh air, and regular exercise, improving your home environment also helps. Here are some tips to help you create a festive space that will help you combat those negative seasonal emotions all winter long:
Get organized
The holidays are hectic enough without having to search for your holiday décor or wonder where you put those extra batteries for the strings of lights. One of the quickest ways to transform the feel of your home is to declutter and get organized. When your space is cluttered, it can feel cramped and overwhelming.
This year, take some time to get your home organized so you can relax and enjoy the holidays all season long. Create a designated spot for all your holiday items — Christmas tree ornaments, lights, home decor, presents, etc., and make sure everything has a home. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel when everything has a place.
With that in mind, it’s no secret how much additional waste is produced yearly from the holidays. Therefore, it is essential to consider donating those unwanted items rather than throwing them away. Donating items such as clothes, furniture, or dishes to local charities or thrift stores can help others in need while keeping bad-for-environment items out of landfills.
Add some color to your living space
Although interior designers are raving about having a subdued and neutral color palette for home décor this year, that doesn’t mean everything in your home has to be bland. You can still create a trendy holiday home with cheerful pops of colors. Even small pops of color can make a big difference. Throw pillows, blankets, wall art, and rugs are all great ways to add a touch of vibrance to your home without breaking the bank.
Alternatively, suppose you already have all of your seasonal décor picked out this year, and you’re missing some hints of color. In that case, you can try incorporating fresh flower arrangements throughout your space. Not only do plants help purify and freshen up the air but introducing color into your area makes it feel livelier and more upbeat.
Create a cozy atmosphere
Nothing says “cheer” quite like feeling cozy in your own home. This winter, take some time to make your living space as comfortable as possible. Creating a calm and inviting ambiance can be achieved by creating depth. Layering and incorporating rich, warm textures such as wool, velvet, and faux furs will help cozy the room quickly.
In the living room, make sure your furniture is comfortable and accommodating. A comfortable sofa adorned with plush blankets, fuzzy throws, and soft pillows are all great options for adding warmth to the space. Additionally, placing some good reads and a few candles around the room might be a good idea if you know you will enjoy a few chilly winter days there.
Hang cheerful holiday decorations
As soon as Thanksgiving ends, it’s time to start thinking about hanging up your holiday décor. This is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and get your family excited for all the fun. If you have small children, they will especially love helping to Hang cheerful holiday decorations around the house. Things like putting up a Christmas tree, hanging wreaths on the doors, and stringing lights around the windows can all help to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. A few simple holiday items can still significantly influence your mood, without going overboard on decorations.
Make use of natural light
Another great way to add cheer to your home is by using all the natural light from outside. This time of year, the sun sets earlier. So, you’ll want to ensure that when the sun is out, you let plenty of light in during the day. Start by swapping out heavy drapery for lighter-weight fabrics in cheerful colors or patterns.
Additionally, mirrors can create more natural light in your home. Adding a couple of mirrors to your living space and opening the curtains will create a lighter, brighter environment that will help keep those winter blues far away.
Use seasonal scents
Have you ever noticed how certain smells can instantly transport you back to a different time or place? That’s because our sense of smell is closely linked to our memories. So why not take advantage of that this holiday season by filling your home with seasonal scents? Cinnamon, nutmeg, gingerbread, and whatever wintery scent makes you think of happiness, fill your home with it.
Suppose you don’t feel like going out and buying a bunch of new candles this year. In that case, you can still create a similar effect by simmering some spices on the stovetop, using an essential oil diffuser, or making your own candles with beeswax.
Create the perfect lighting
A critical step to banishing the blues is creating a warm and inviting space in your home. One of the easiest ways to do this is by playing with lighting. If you have the option, let in as much natural light as possible during the daytime hours. In the evening hours, supplement your harsh overhead lights with accent lamps in your home’s key areas.
Next, you can try hanging some festive Christmas lights on the tree, the mantel, and around the windows to create holiday cheer. All of these lighting solutions can help create a better mental health environment.
Play festive music
Statistically speaking, music has been shown to impact our moods significantly. Christmas music, in particular, has been proven to reduce stress and lower blood pressure when singing it out loud. So, singing Christmas tunes may be the perfect antidote to combating those winter blues.
Not a fan of Christmas music? That’s okay. You can put on whatever type of music makes you happy this season. Also, don’t forget about those feel-good Christmas movies too. Many people’s favorite winter pastime is curling up on the couch with a classic holiday film, which can help you eliminate the winter blues.
Engage in retail therapy
Sometimes all you need to lift your spirits is a little retail therapy, and treating yourself to some new home décor is a great way to improve your mood instantly. And there’s no need to break the bank if it’s something that brings you holiday cheer. This year, secondhand and thrift shopping is a great way to find high-quality goods at a fraction of the price.
Not to mention, when you shop secondhand, you’re helping the environment by reducing waste and keeping items out of landfills. Also, who doesn’t love a good bargain? So, if you’re looking for a pick-me-up this winter, head to your nearest consignment shop or thrift store. You might be pleasantly surprised at what treasures you find and how much it boosts your mood.
Shop Kaiyo
If you need some retail therapy this holiday season, Kaiyo is the perfect place to shop. We have something for everyone and every room with modern and vintage items from top-rated brands at up to 90% off retail.
Maybe you need a few minor furniture upgrades or are just looking for more sophisticated décor to spruce up your home before guests arrive? Either way, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for in our extensive online inventory. And because you can shop from the comfort of your own home, there’s no need to brave the cold or deal with crowds at the mall. So why wait? Start your holiday shopping at Kaiyo today!
