How to Beat the Winter Blues
Christmas has come and gone and as each year when this joyous holiday passes, I know a lot of us tend to feel in a bit of a rut or maybe even a little sad.

It's hard on our mental well being and can really just bring an overall feeling of stress and loneliness.  Let's try to curb those drab feelings this year!  Join me now for a few suggestions on how to Beat the Winter Blues!

One thing I find fascinating is that I constantly see posts about how the World is not like it used to be.  How "back then" there were better programs on TV, or just a more wholesome life in general.  Rather than post and complain all day, why not change it?  Let's do some of those 'old school' things that bring back great memories and just good, clean fun.  We are not required to post our lives all over social media.  We don't *need* to complain.  Bring into your life what you WANT in your life – Only you can do it!

Pick up a new (to you) TV Series

Or even an 'old school' one – But make it friendly! 
As much as we all seemingly love our dramas and true crimes, I truly believe what we watch and read have an impact on our every day thoughts.  Honestly, I don't watch a lot of "new" TV, so I know very little about what's all out there right now. 
One show I can absolutely suggest however, would be Modern Family.  
If you don't like laughing you're going to want to skip out, because Modern Family is guaranteed to put a smile on your face on even the crappiest of days!  When I'm feeling old school (which is about 90% of the time) I tend to throw on shows such as The Golden Girls or The Cosby Show.  
They just really bring back that happy nostalgic feeling and I feel it puts a nice vibe not only into positive thoughts, but also my home 🙂

Play Games

I'm not talking about your regular Facebook games like Candy Crush. 
Sites such as POGO will keep you busy for hours on end with their colorful gaming, chat room and even leagues you can join for your favorite games.  Earn badges and dress your character!  I can guarantee you are going to have a blast with games like Hog Heaven Slots, Jungle Gin and Canasta! 
Oh, did I mention you can also win real prizes?  🙂
Pogo is a games site which has been around for 16 years – and I'm still baffled at how little people know of it! 
Old school fun, right around the corner!  You can play for free or membership is around $30 a year <- Well worth it!

Reading

Again, try to keep your mind happy and positive. 
All I had ever read through the most part of my life up until about last year, was true crime. 
So between all the crime and drama I watched on TV, I would then go and 'relax' with a true crime novel. 
Since turning to the power of positive living (stop rolling your eyes 😉 ) I became so much more interested in fun little novels (also referred to as chick lits, cozy mysteries or novellas). 
These books are great because you still get that *crime fix*, but it is generally presented in a colorful manner and they are quick reads. 
In December I did a bit called "12 Days of Novellas" <– check it out for some cute winter reads (and also delicious recipes). 
As of this moment I am reading a really nice series by Molly Dox.  I started with Sunbaked Snowbird and am quite enjoying it!

Pick up a new hobby

What is something you have always wanted to learn?  Maybe it's knitting, maybe it's crochet? 
For me personally, I would love to learn how to make needle felted ornaments.  
he beauty of picking up a new hobby is, it isn't just something that has to be done alone should it be the human interaction you are also craving. 
Venture on over to Google to search out forums or check out videos on YouTube! 
You'd be surprised how many vloggers are into the same craft or hobby as you, many who teach and interact with their audience!

Try to Disconnect a Little

…If even for a few days. 
Okay, so if you're someone who is totally wrapped up in social media, your smartphone etc, this may not be a blues-beater for you haha. 
On a personal level I have found stepping away and taking a break from places such as Facebook, super refreshing. 
It may be because no matter where you roam, there is *always* something negative to be said or reported about. 
Nobody *needs* Facebook (as much as we all try to make excuses for it) and we will survive without "reporting in". 
You may actually be surprised at how nice it feels to take a little break.  While you're on your break, try a few of the suggested ideas above!

Create a Vision Board

I suggest this one a lot because I feel it is such a powerful way to bring positivity into your life. 
The great thing about this project, is that it can be done all through the year. 
It is a wonderful way to relax your mind and lift your spirits. 
If you're not sure what a vision board is or might have some interest in creating one, why not check out my post on Creating a Vision Board
Enjoy!

Get Organized

Some people are perfectly fine in an organized chaos – and then there are some of us who just can't function when our world seems upside down.
This tends to bring on feelings of stress (irritability and sometimes sadness).
That's definitely not how we should be starting out this new year… 
This year I jumped right on creating calendars, worksheets, a reading log and even organizing and safely filing away things I will need for taxes; immediately I felt a giant weight lifted 🙂 
Of course, you don't have to go crazy creating and organizing these things all at once, but getting a few of the important things out of the way can really help with feeling refreshed and ready to kick-start the new year!

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you have enjoyed this small list! 
I have tried to bring you suggestions that can be done on a regular basis (everyday, after work etc) without leaving that *gap* for loneliness!

What are things you like to do to take away those Winter Blues?  
I'd love to chat!  Feel free to come on over to Wifetime of Happiness on Facebook 

Have a Happy and Healthy Winter Season! 🙂