It's Mid-February in New York City. Grey is the pervasive color of the sky and dark is the omnipresent mood. It's around this time of year where the overarching feelings people have are depression, malaise, fatigue and all that is fair- it's hard to be motivated when it's frigid and and we know there are many more months of this weather ahead. However, there are things you can do to get you out of the funk, or at least make it easier to muddle through this time of year.

Exercise

I know it’s the most obvious suggestion, right? If you exercise your endorphins will kick in and at least while your doing it you will feel better. But how do you get yourself to the gym or a class? Start by planning workout time into your daily routine. You wouldn't skip breakfast or that morning cup of coffee, right? Make exercise an essential part of your day and you will be less likely to skip it. Also, if you cant afford a gym or soul cycle or that fancy dance studio consider using an online exercise platform. There are tons of free or cheap options online to get you moving. Some good websites to try:

http://www.popsugar.com/Workouts

https://udaya.com/

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/03/20/free-online-workout_n_6896426.html

Socialize

It can be so easy to isolate in the winter. For the most part everyone is content to stay on the couch and watch netflix. But this routine can get old and boring and breed some not so great thoughts and feelings. If you don’t want to go out, plan a get together at your place. If your friends aren't local plan a trip to go see them. Do something to break up the monotony, I promise you will leave a social gathering with a completely different feeling than when you arrived.

Do Something New

Have you been wanting to learn to knit? Volunteer? Make your own clothes? Learn an instrument? Winter can be great time to work on yourself. Doing something new with your time will give you a sense of accomplishment and potentially a new skill. It's also a great way to pass the time when you are feeling stir crazy.

Meditate or Breath

Meditation is mood enhancing. Breathing deeply or at least with intention is calming. Use either or both to give yourself a boost during the worst of the winter months. These website gives some simple ways to start this practice.

http://www.genconnect.com/meditation-the-cure-for-winter-blues/

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4386/A-Simple-Breathing-Exercise-to-Calm-Your-Mind-Body.html

This is a tough time of year for many. Give yourself a chance for some happiness by giving one or all of these tips a try. You may just find that winter can actually be a time for industry, adventure, and fun!

References:

https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2016/01/19/10-ways-to-fight-off-the-winter-blues/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/feeling-it/201601/3-definitive-ways-beat-winter-blues