A Southern Girl’s Guide to Surviving the Winter Blues
Winter can be a tough time for many, especially when the days are short, the skies are gray, and it feels like you’ll never see the sun again. If you’re anything like me, the winter blues can creep in and make you feel stuck inside. Craving warmth, comfort, and a little extra joy to get through the cold months. But I’ve got a few Southern-approved tricks up my sleeve to not only survive the winter but to thrive during it!
1. Cook Up a Storm with Warm, Comforting Meals
Nothing beats the chill like a warm bowl of soup or a hearty one-pot meal. As a Southern girl, cooking is one of my favorite ways to stay busy and cozy through the winter. There’s something magical about the scent of homemade chili, a creamy soup, or a rich casserole filling the house. It’s the perfect excuse to pull out all of those comforting recipes. Like my Zuppa Toscana Soup or Spicy Shrimp & Artichoke Dip. And indulge in some good old-fashioned Southern cooking. Cooking not only keeps my belly full, but it also gives me something to do during those long winter evenings. Plus, the cleanup and meal prep help me stay active and on my toes when it’s too cold to go outside.
2. Binge-Watch Your Favorite Shows
When the weather outside is frightful, there’s nothing more delightful than curling up on the couch with a blanket and a remote. Winter is the perfect time to catch up on your favorite streaming shows and movies. Whether you have Netflix, Amazon Prime, Peacock, or just love to scroll through Roku Channel and Pluto TV. There’s always something to watch. Personally, I enjoy binge-watching all my go-to comfort shows. Discovering new gems to keep me entertained while snowed in or taking a break from work. It’s a nice way to recharge during the colder months, Plus hey, who doesn’t love a good movie marathon?
Southern Secrets to Beating the Winter Blues
3. Let Your Creativity Shine
Winter is the perfect time to tap into your creative side and explore new hobbies. With the cold weather keeping you indoors, why not use this time to try something new or perfect an old craft? I’m big on crafting, and I’ve found that making homemade candles and wax melts is a great way to beat boredom. Plus add a touch of warmth to my home. I also love working with resin. I’ve ordered hundreds of resin molds and spend hours creating unique pieces. Whether it’s chess sets, home décor, or even personalized gifts, there’s no shortage of possibilities to keep your hands busy and your mind engaged.
Another passion of mine is making handmade beauty and skincare products. The winter months are perfect for catching up on making extra lotions, scrubs, and lip balms. Whether it’s for personal use, gifts, or even a little side hustle. It’s a fun, productive way to spend your time and come up with beautiful, custom creations.
4. Get Ready for Spring: Start a Garden Indoors
Winter may seem like a time to hunker down and wait for warmer weather. But it’s actually a great time to plan for spring. If you’re a gardener like me, you know how much joy tending to your plants can bring. You can start sowing your spring garden indoors right now. Then come spring, you’ll have a head start with seedlings ready to go. It’s a beautiful way to connect with nature and get excited for the new season ahead.
5. Keep the Fun Going with Family Games
When you’ve got a case of the winter blues, sometimes a good old game night can work wonders. Keep a few board games or a deck of cards nearby for those evenings when you need something to lift your spirits. I’m a big fan of card games like Spades or Uno. A friendly round of Monopoly or Scrabble can turn any dreary day into a lively family affair. It’s also a great way to spend quality time with loved ones when you’re stuck inside.
A Southern Girl’s Guide to Kicking the Winter Blues
6. Deep Clean Your Home
Winter is a great time to knock out some of that deep house cleaning you’ve been putting off. By the time the weather warms up, you’ll have less to worry about and more time to enjoy the outdoors. Tackle one room at a time, declutter, dust, and freshen up your space. A clean home feels like a fresh start. There’s something rewarding about getting your home in tip-top shape while the snow falls outside. It’s a productive way to shake off those winter blues and set yourself up for success in the coming months.
Embrace the Cozy Vibes
Finally, don’t forget to make your home a cozy sanctuary.
Layer up with soft blankets, light your favorite candles or make some, and play some soothing tunes. Create a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes you look forward to every winter evening at home. Embrace the coziness and relaxation that winter has to offer. It’s all about finding the joy in the little things.
Surviving the winter blues doesn’t have to mean hibernating until spring. By cooking, crafting, binge-watching your favorite shows, and even tackling some indoor gardening. You can make the most of the winter months and come out the other side feeling accomplished, refreshed, and maybe even a little bit inspired.
Whether it’s spending time with family, diving into new hobbies, or simply giving your home some extra love. Winter can be a season of creativity, comfort, and joy. So grab that favorite fuzzy blanket, put on your favorite streaming app, and let the winter adventures roll on in!
