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Seasonal Depression: 10 Ways to Promote Winter Wellness

By Michael Dolan - Inclusive Therapists


Winter can be a challenging season for our mental health, especially when the chilly days and long nights stir up feelings of seasonal depression. Finding pockets of joy and wellness is possible with a little creativity and intention. This list of tips is here to remind you of the small, meaningful ways you can care for yourself, stay connected, and even find some fun during these frosty months.


1) Do all the fun activities that are made for winter: Get bundled up in blankets and watch a movie or show. Drink something warm like hot cocoa or tea. Do something fun with the snow, whether you want to sled down it or paint a winter landscape.


2) Make your own daylight: It can be dark and dreary outside in the winter. Light a candle, open a window, use some string lights, or whatever works for you to make life a bit more bright


3) Turn some music on: Feed your senses in any way you can. Music is a great way to add something to your environment when you’re feeling cooped up, and if you would like to dance too, I say do it!


4) Remember your favorite indoor hobbies: Whether it’s art, a loved video game, or crocheting, connect to all the things you love about the indoors when it’s too dark and chilly to want to go outside.


5) Layer up and stay safe: If you do want to or have to go outside, wear anything you can to keep yourself warm and safe. I personally like to bundle up and go outside at the warmest part of the day. I have had terrible experiences going out when it was too cold and threw a hat and gloves on and then had a great time.


6) Don’t leave your social life out in the cold: Can’t go outside or don’t want to? Call friends over video or the phone or play a game online with them. There are even board games online (I like a free website with a lot of them called Buddy Board Games). We all could use a little support and fun no matter the season!


7) Find your other indoor spaces: There are other great places to be during the winter months besides at home where you can stay warm, whether it’s a friend’s place, your favorite restaurant or drink place, or a gym or mall where you can get your steps in. A change of scenery without the elements can be nice.


8) We’re all sick of being sick - protect one another: There are lots of ways to stay safe and protect others from the flu, coronavirus, and every other nasty illness out there. If you can, get vaccinated, wash your hands frequently, avoid others if you’re sick, and use a mask if you have to go out and believe you’re sick. Also, ask others if they think they might be sick and try to reschedule if you can. It’s important to remember that for many, being sick can make the winter feel even worse, and for some, illness can be life threatening, so let’s protect ourselves and each other.


9) Give a helping hand if you can and ask for one if you need one: There are lots of folks out there having trouble getting around in all this ice and snow. If you can shovel for a neighbor or someone you know to keep them safe, you’re doing a lot for your community and keeping yourself active through the winter months. Donating winter clothes and blankets also makes a big difference.


10) Be kind to yourself: It’s harder to be active in the winter, and if you feel you’re trying your best to take care of your health, then you are. You may have exercise and social goals, and if you do fall short, it could be a good time to ask if you are holding yourself to standards that might be more realistic when the weather isn’t so harsh. Don't let self-care become a chore.





Dolan, M. (2025, January 22). Seasonal Depression: 10 Ways to Promote Winter Wellness. Inclusive Therapists.

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