Staying healthy, happy & active in the winter doesn't always have to feel so hard! Try my 5 winter hacks to beat the winter blues.
This post is sponsored by my friends at Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotics. Thanks for considering supporting companies who support Running in a Skirt. As always, all opinions are my own
Hi guys!
I'm the first to admit winter is not my favorite season. Don't hate me for saying this, but I could even do without snow altogether. The short cold days get to me and I end up spending more time inside than I should. I love all things spring and summer and I tend to get my fair share of winter blues. But this winter I've made some changes to my routine and I'm feeling a bit happier and overall healthier! I imagine some of you might feel the same way, so I thought I'd pass along these hacks to you too.
How to Beat Winter Blues
Get Outside
I tend to hermit myself this time of year and it makes for a long, lonely winter. I've started getting outside and it can really make all of the difference. On those rogue 40 or 50 degree days, the sunshine can feel rejuvenating. I met a friend for a nice long walk last week and the fresh winter air felt amazing.
Even if the weather doesn't cooperate, I've been trying to bundle up and go for a brisk 10 minute walk. Even a few minutes outside dramatically helps my mood and health. Give it a try!
Take Probiotics
I've been taking a daily Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotic for a few months now and love how great they make me feel. Digestive health is something we often overlook, but it's at the center of everything for everyone. At least 70% of your immune system is in your gut and a healthy gut can help boost your immune health.
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Don't Skimp on Veggies
In spring and summer fresh vegetables are everywhere, but in winter it's harder to get in as many of them. I try to plan meals around getting at least a serving at each meal. My body feels best that way and it’s easier to handle days where I feel low. A slow cooker vegetable soup is one easy and still cozy way to eat more vegetables. If you want to try it to, consider this Vegetarian Detox Soup or my Vegetable Soup.
Salads might not be your first choice in winter, but try my Roasted Cauliflower Salad to get even more veggies in your diet! Cauliflower is easy to find in the winter and is packed with vitamin C.
Get More Sleep
With so many sicknesses going around, winter is not the time to feel run down. I use the lull in activities this time of year and short days to get more rest. Sleep is often overlooked in self-care, but is so important to keep us all feeling our best. I do my best to get 8 hours a night! It goes a long way to fight the winter blues.
Avoid Handshakes & Wash Your Hands
Being healthy and happy this time of year means not getting sick! With the flu and colds going around don't feel bad about protecting yourself. I'll consider avoiding handshakes, especially if you know someone has been around a bug. Also wash your hands often, especially if you are around a lot of people! It might sound paranoid, but if it keeps me healthier... I'll do it! Keeping yourself from getting sick goes a long way to keep spirits up in the winter.
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Give them a try this winter and let me know what you think. 🙂
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Your turn!
How do you stay your healthiest and happiest in the winter?
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotics.
Erin - Suburban Simplicity says
I take a probiotic every day! So good for you. Thanks for the other tips. Here in the NW it's hard to get outside in the rain, but when the sun peeks thru I rush out and walk the dog 🙂
Harry Thomas says
I agree with getting outside and eating your veggies - I find that if I've been indoors and sedentary all day, getting outdoors gives me a big energy boost, especially in the winter months. Comfort food is also so easy to turn to in this weather, so keeping up the veggies is a great way of staying sated...no colds for me thus far!
Menaka Bharathi says
I am a true hermit when it comes to winters, I would be buckled up and not move from my place. Nice tips here
JulieWunder says
Thanks!
Carrie | The Lavender Hytta says
Getting outside is a great way to beat the winter blues. One of my favorite other ways is by maintaining a routine.
JulieWunder says
Great idea Carrie! Thanks!
Emily Swanson says
I always love how practical you are Julie, and I love getting outside. It REALLY helps beat that cabin fever, and I treasure that crisp winter air.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Emily!
Farrah says
I definitely have a tendency to hermit it up during the winter too, haha. Getting outside does tend to help my mood though! I'm all about the elbow-bumps instead of handshakes during this time of year! 😛
JulieWunder says
Me too!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
Getting outside is key, even if it's cold! And sleep - glorious sleep!
JulieWunder says
SO true!
Mardene Carr says
These are some fantastic and easy to do tips for beating the winter blues. Oh and I love the outfit
JulieWunder says
Thank you!
jill conyers says
The winter blues have hit me big time this year. At least I understand why and know what I can do about it to feel better. Ironically, I just upped my Vit D this week.
JulieWunder says
Me too! Been a rough winter!
Saidah Washington says
Ohh yes, those are some great tips! I don't really like the snow either. It's pretty but it's too cold.
JulieWunder says
SO cold! Thanks!
CourtneyLynne says
Oooo great tips!!! I’m someone who definitely gets the winter blues! I need to be out and about and not locked inside all day
JulieWunder says
ME too!
Angela Cardamone @marathonsandmotivation.com says
These are all great tips! The Winter blues can really get to me during the long dark days here in Maine, so I appreciate reading this!!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Angela!
Emily Kyle says
You look so stinking cute in your eye mask! But seriously, I am a huge fan of probiotics and love that you're encouraging others to take care of their gut health!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Emily!
Laura says
I tend to have the same habit recently that I'm too much time indoors. Should get outside more. I really feel better after that. Thanks for the reminder. 😉
Joanna says
These are such great tips! I try to get outside a lot during the winter to beat the blues!
Alisa Fleming says
I keep forgetting to take my probiotics! Thanks for the reminder on this. And I can't wait to get outside more. I'm getting the winter blues this year.
JulieWunder says
Me too! It's been a rough year!
Kristina @ Love & Zest says
You have some great tips in here! I am going to have to save this post so I can go back to in when those blue's set in!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Kristina!
Erica Schwarz says
I grew up in Boston, went to college in New Hampshire, then I LEFT. Moved to Texas, now I live in Florida. That's how I beat the winter blues 🙂
JulieWunder says
haha! SO TRUE!
Mikki says
Lots of great tips! Winter is not my favorite time of year either - that's why we live in the south. Getting outside is a must for me.
JulieWunder says
Haha! Yes- this time ofyear I wonder why I left Florida!
Jessica Levinson says
Loved reading your tips for beating the winter blues. This is a topic that deserves more attention. Glad that you're here to help those who struggle with SAD.
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much!
dixya @food, pleasure, and health says
i tend to sleep more during winter and it really helps!
JulieWunder says
Me too! Thanks Dixya!
Christine - Jar Of Lemons says
You have no idea how badly I needed to read this post, haha! I could not be more ready for spring and warmer days, so this list is very helpful. Also, I'll have to try out that probiotic!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Christine!
Sarah says
Great tips! Even when it's cold out, which is often here in Minnesota during the winter, it's nice to get some fresh air. Sleep is on that is getting me lately and the hardest part is the shorter days (or light) that always throw me off.
JulieWunder says
I don't know how you do it Sarah! I'm cold in NC!
Chrissy says
I need to make more of an effort to get outside regularly. Sometimes it seems overwhelming to get my 3 year old all bundled up and whatnot, but once we're outside it always feels so nice and refreshing.
JulieWunder says
I feel the same way!
Whitney E, R.D. says
I'm not the biggest fan of winter either! These five hacks are wonderful tips for fighting the "winter blues." Your roasted cauliflower salad looks amazing and I cannot wait to try 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Whitney!
Emily says
I am not a fan of winter either... even here in california! The short days really get to me. Love these tips and that photo of you in bed is adorable!
JulieWunder says
Thank you Emily!
Abbey Sharp says
So many great tips! Being pregnant has kept me pretty busy so it's actually distracted me from the weather!
JulieWunder says
That's great!
Christina says
These are great tips! I'd also add that finding time to spend in sunshine makes a world of difference. Even if it's at the kitchen table when the light shines through the window. Certainly helps me!
JulieWunder says
YES! Such a good idea Christina.
Lisa Ballantyne says
I'm so ready for the warmer weather! It's just been way too cold and snowy to go outside very much! Happy Monday Julie!
JulieWunder says
I'm so ready for spring!
Jordan says
Great timing on this post. We just finally got some cold weather in Colorado but I've been trying to get outside as often as possible. And cramming the veggies and fruits into my diet!
JulieWunder says
Me too! Thanks girl!
Joline says
You and me both! I just cannot stand the cold and the gloomy weather just gets to me. We try to continue eating healthy even though we're stuck inside and it's so easy to grab that bag of potato chips while watching TV! And we also try to go to an indoor gym to get some exercise (though running and biking outside is better right? 🙂
JulieWunder says
It is- but we'll take what we can get!
Blane Sherer says
Great tips spoken like a Florida girl ( smile ).
I liked how you used that pretty smile of
yours with each tip. Spring will be here
pretty soon !
JulieWunder says
Thank you!
Erinn says
Love Makena jumping in the snow! Great tips..it's easy to feel down with all the rain and dreary weather we've been having. Curling up in front of the fire with a book and some hot cocoa sounds perfect to me 🙂
Wendy says
100% agree on getting outside. It's why I forgo the treadmill and run outside no matter what. There's something about the fresh air and natural light!
A study came out this fall that found taking probiotics (that contain lactobacillus) may give you protection against the flu! Since the flu shot is only mildly effective, this could be another tool in our toolbox, right? I am a big fan of probiotics--I recommend them to my patients for a variety of reasons.
Neely Moldovan says
Yes on the getting more sleep! I have been forcing myslf to go to sleep earlier and it helps so much!
Wendy says
I was just out walking yesterday in the cold rainy weather and I did feel much better afterwards. I was one of the only people out on the trail so it was nice and peaceful and quiet too! I work in a school so handwashing is an absolute must!
Lorie says
Gotta get outside. I’ve been trying to walk for even just ten minutes outside a day which has been helping!
Maureen @ Maureen Gets Real says
Eating fruit in the winter is so hard since most things aren't in season but luckily oranges are in season right now so I can get some extra Vitamin C in.
This goes along with washing your hands but you need to fully dry them. I know it sounds weird but I read an article that says if you don't fully dry your hands (usually when a bathroom has air dryers and not towels) then it can be worse than not washing your hands at all.
Deborah Brooks says
Getting outside for a bit even on the coldest days really has helped me so much this year
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
I have a hard time getting outside in the winter since it's so cold and yuck out most days. I try to stay active by going to the gym daily. Luckily I have not gotten sick this winter season so far.
Emily @ Pizza & Pull-Ups says
Great tips, we don’t have much of a winter here, I think it would be really hard on me to get through a long, cold winter.