5 Activities to Help Beat the Winter Blues

By: Elizabeth Koblenz, LMSW

Are you finding that as the cold weather starts to hit, you are not wanting to bear the freezing temperatures or feeling “forced” to stay inside? The cold weather can make us feel like our options of activities are limited, causing us to feel sad, lonely and isolated. However, one of the biggest benefits of the winter temperatures is that we get a chance to spend more time either indoors with friends or participating in winter-specific activities with people we care about. Taking initiative to plan and participate in activities that we typically would not do during the warmer months is a great way to get out of the house and avoid those winter blues! 

Here are a few activities that you can do to help get outside and prevent the winter blues:

1. Bundle up and go ice-skating outdoors:            

Ice-skating is always a fun go-to winter activity where you can enjoy the crisp air outdoors (and maybe even grab a hot chocolate!). Have a friend you haven’t seen in a while? Invite them to go with you. Grab some skates and catch up on your latest doings! 

2. See a new Golden Globe nominated movie:                 

As you may know, it is Oscars season! Ask a friend or family member if they want to see that new movie you’ve been wanting to see. This is a fun way to get out of the house, yet stay warm and cozy. This is the time of the year that we see some of the best acting and the most intriguing films that people will talk about for the rest of the year! 

3. Host a dinner/baking party:                                     

Staying inside can be lonely when you are by yourself, so why not invite some friends over? If it is available, host or go to a friend’s home to whip up some warm soups, a Funfetti cake or any yummy dishes you make have come across!! There is nothing like making your favorite foods and enjoying them with the company you love being around. 

4. Volunteer - ‘Tis the season (of giving):                    ‘

Tis the season (of giving)! It can be a very rewarding feeling to be able to give back to your community. You could volunteer at an animal shelter, help to feed help feed the homeless, or find a new organization that you are passionate about. Giving back and volunteering can be fulfilling and productive. 

5. Visit a museum:                                                        

Have you been wanting to see a new exhibit, but just haven’t found the time?? Go see it! NYC offers has a lot of exciting museums—everything from history to art to food. Museums all over offer something new to be discovered. Museums, similar to the movies, are great ways of getting out of the house, but yet continuing to stay warm and cozy. 

To learn more or to work with Elizabeth, please give us a call at (646) 494-4878 or send an email to Hello@UpsiderTherapy.com.