I don’t know about you guys but this time of year feels so awkward to me! We are officially out of January and the newness of the new year, It’s been cold for what feels like forever, but chances are (depending on where you live) you’ve still got another month or so of cold weather. I know when we were living in Boulder I got kind of depressed this time of year because I was so over the cold weather but Boulder will stay cold until May! So if any of you guys are feeling that same way…today I wanted to share a few tips on how you can battle those winter blues and make the most of the last few winter weeks / months! Hang in there – spring will be here before we know it!
I think my number one tip for fighting the winter blues is to get outside! Part of the reason why people can feel depressed in the winter is because they’re staying inside all day every day, not getting any exposure to sunlight! I know it might be crazy cold where you live…but try bundling up (we’re talking ALL the layers of you live in Boston, Chicago, etc!) and go for a 15 minute walk around your block even. Y’all know Backcountry is my #1 place to shop for any outdoors-related gear…especially when it comes to winter essentials! If you’re new to shopping Backcountry, you can use LAURENKS15 to get 15% off your first order too! They’re also doing a really cool February initiative that I’m excited to share with y’all. Right now, Backcountry is donating up to $7,000 from my code to support the recovery efforts in Australia. They’re partnering with The Nature Conservancy and it is such a worthy cause!
Like I said above, Backcountry is definitely my go-to spot for winter essentials especially. If this Patagonia jacket looks familiar to y’all…it’s because I have it in two colors now! Seriously the best puffer jacket I’ve ever owned and I saw it now comes in a pink color which I’m adding to my wishlist! This pullover is also a major winter essential for me. You can layer under / over it depending on how cold it is, or wear it on its own!
It was still freezing in Boulder when we left but it was always really helpful + refreshing for me to bundle up and walk to this creek that was close to our house! Getting fresh air & being outdoors in nature is one of the best things you can do to fight those winter blues. Natural light helps boost serotonin which is a mood-regulating chemical in your brain! Having the right layers to keep you warm and get you outside in the cold weather is really important for this! AND Backcountry is actually having a huge sale on their winter essentials right now, featuring tons of brands like Marmot, Patagonia, North Face and more!
some of my faves from the sale:
Another way you can battle the winter blues (or SAD – seasonal affective disorder) is trying to embrace the fun parts of winter while you still can! If you live somewhere like Colorado where you have access to the mountains…head to the mountains for the day to go skiing / snowboarding! I know on instagram it might look like everyone is going to the beach and you’re craving that…but spring will be here before we know it, so enjoy what’s left of winter while you can! Do all of the things you love about winter – go snow skiing, make a fire and stay cozy inside with your man and hot chocolate. Make some yummy chili in the instant pot and invite friends over for games. Wear matching warm cozy pj’s with your baby, snuggle under a blanket and watch a movie together. Put on your favorite winter outfit – scarf, beanie, etc, and maybe do a photoshoot with your hubs in the snow! Yes, there are depressing things about winter – it’s cold, it’s dark, etc. But there are also really great + fun things about winter too! So if you’re battling those winter blues, I’d encourage you to remember the things about winter you actually really like, and go do those things!
Another idea that could help you fight the winter blues is to get some exercise! Maybe that means bundling up in some winter essentials from Backcountry and going for a 30-minute walk (then, you’re getting sunshine AND exercising!) or maybe it means going to a yoga class! [The leggings I’m wearing in today’s post are SO good for yoga btw]. Exercise is such a great way to reduce stress / anxiety, produce endorphins, and just make you happier overall. If you’re feeling pretty bogged down or ‘meh’ because of the winter…book a yoga class or ask a friend to meet up with you for a walk or run!
What’s the weather like where you’re at?! Like always the weather in Dallas is so crazy haha – it was 75 and sunny today and the rest of the week it’s going to be so cold and rainy! I’m definitely ready for warmer + sunnier weather but…while it’s still winter, making the most of the season that we’re in! What are your tips for fighting the winter blues? Comment below!
This post was created in collaboration with Backcountry. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own!
xo Lauren
