Beating the Winter Blues: Simple Steps to Find Joy and Light This Season

FaithWellness

Jan 23

“She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.” (Psalm 31:21)

The holidays have long come and gone—the celebrations, the laughter, the chaos, the energy. Now here we are, trying to find our footing as the routines of life settle back in. If you’re anything like me, this time of year can feel like a mix of relief and exhaustion all rolled into one. The momentum we carried through the holiday season seems to fade, and then—like clockwork—the dreaded winter blues start to creep in.

Maybe you’ve felt it: that sense of being drained, a little sad, maybe even disconnected from the day-to-day. You’re not alone. With shorter days, less sunlight, and colder weather, feeling a little off this time of year is not unusual. And for some, the feelings are more than just a case of the post-holiday blahs—they’re a real challenge to navigate. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a clinical condition triggered by reduced daylight, disrupting our internal clock and leaving us feeling low-energy, withdrawn, and fatigued. The good news? There are ways to tackle it.

The Bible says, “She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes (Psalm 31:21).” One of the hardest parts about winter is the dread. Instead, if we better prepare, we might just find there’s something worth enjoying.

That said, it can be a challenge to prepare for short days and long nights. Researchers first made the connection between light and seasonal depression back in the 1980s, and they developed what’s now a standard treatment: light therapy.

Here’s how it works: sit in front of a light box every morning for about 30 minutes (always check with a doctor for recommendations). The light mimics natural sunlight and helps reset your body’s rhythm. Studies show that light therapy can relieve symptoms for up to 70% of people with SAD—sometimes even within the first week! That’s pretty amazing, right? Of course, light therapy isn’t a magic wand for everyone. But the good news is there are other tools and strategies that can help tackle the winter blues, no matter how severe.

For one, start by letting in as much light as possible—open the blinds, sit near windows, and spend time outdoors. A brisk morning walk can do wonders for your mood and energy.

Shift your mindset: take a page from Norway’s book and see winter as something to enjoy, not endure. Savor cozy evenings by the fire, hot drinks, or snowy adventures like sledding or hiking. Add music, hydration, and quality time with friends into the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for lifting your spirits.

Winter is also the perfect time to catch up on reading and reflection. Some of my favorite books I’m loving these days include: Translating God: Hearing God’s Voice for Yourself and the World Around You (Shawn Bolz), Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t (James Collins), Redeeming Love (Francine Rivers), The Purpose Driven Life (Rick Warren), and Unreasonable Hospitality- The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect (Will Guidara).

I’ll be honest: the winter blues hit me, too. Between balancing work, family, and life, I’ve learned that I have to be intentional about staying energized and connected. For me, what works best is taking a trip somewhere warm and sunny with my family. There’s just something about a change of scenery, the feel of sunshine on my skin, and quality time with my family that fills me back up. It’s my way of hitting the reset button and reenergizing for the months ahead. But if travel isn’t an option, that’s okay. Find what works for you—a quiet weekend, a fun hobby, or a snowy day spent with loved ones. Whatever it is, give yourself grace to prioritize your well-being.

Winter can be hard, but it doesn’t have to defeat us. Let’s cheer each other on, find joy in the little moments, and come out stronger on the other side. Remember, friends, we were created to live life abundantly—even in the darkest days. I’m cheering you on every step of the way!

xo,