Some days it is just so cold, windy and icy that I find myself complaining about winter without even realizing what I’m doing. I realize that living in a place that has all four seasons has its benefits. Watching the seasons change is awe-inspiring, and I do enjoy winter, but that feeling usually lasts until January 2nd. Then I find myself counting down the days until spring hits.
This year I want to spend more time enjoying these winter months, and so I’ve been working on ways to improve the overall mood inside of our home. After all, inside is where the majority of our time is spent during winter. If you are finding yourself in the same place as me, wishing away the remaining winter months, take a peek at my list below and let me know which one appeals to you the most.
My hope is that they will lighten the mood in your home and encourage your soul.
12 Ways to beat the winter blues in your home.
- Start with bringing in as much light as possible. Open up all of the curtains as soon as the sun is up for the day. If possible trim back a few branches to let in even more light.
- Reflect the sunlight around the room by bringing in more mirrors. Mirrors can be pricey but this one for $50 will lighten up the room without setting you back a lot of money.
- You can take it one step further and paint your walls white, to help reflect even more sunlight. I compared some of my favorite white paints over here in this post.
- Struggling with getting up in the morning? (Who isn’t?) There are programs that will turn your lights on 30 minutes before you need to wake up. This will help trick your body into thinking it is later in the day and it will be easier to get up.
- You can also add bright and bold colors to your home to lighten the mood. Search for some great DIY art to keep the budget small, while still adding color. There are a lot of great ideas for DIY art on this post.
- Bring in the feeling of a warmer location with a citrus plant in your kitchen. This has been on my wish list for a kitchen for a long time, and I’ve read great things about this Meyer lemon plant.
- If you aren’t sure you want to grow a real plant indoor you could faux plant like this fiddle leaf fig.
- Warm up with your favorite hot drink in a cozy coffee tumbler.
- Put delicious smelling and healthy soups and stews in the slow cooker and allow them to simmer all day. It fills the home with a delicious smell while giving you a healthy and warm meal at the end of the day.
- Add a couple of extra seats to the dinner table. I know that I tend to hibernate in the house all winter long, and socializing helps to get me out of the rut and feel refreshed. Whether you are entertaining extra kids or adults, the company will change the mood in your home and mix things up.
- Play music that will encourage and uplift you throughout the house. Several months back I picked up a Bluetooth speaker that has enough power to hear the music throughout the house.
- Engage your sense of smell. Burn that favorite candle that has been sitting around. Or if you don’t love candles you can fill a diffuser with essential oils (citrus ones are my favorite for helping me feel alert and energized). Another option is stove top potpourri, which requires a large pot, fruit, and herbs.
Which one of these twelve do you think would improve the mood in your home during the winter months? We already do several of those on the list, but I’m hoping to add #2 and #10 during the remaining winter days. If you are looking for a good way to track your progress with adding some of these to your home you’ll want to check out our Home Goal Setting sheet. I’d love to hear your tips for keeping an uplifting and energized mood during the winter season.
Leslie says
I love the idea of growing a citrus plant inside! And having guests over is fantastic in two ways: it incentivizes getting the home cleaned, and makes personal connections. I know both of those help make my life happier.
Becky says
I totally agree! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Lori says
Great tips! My favorite is #8 & #9! hmmm…. Thanks for sharing at Dishing It & Digging It!
Becky says
Thanks so much for checking out the post!
Lyndsey says
Currently I call Florida home, so I don’t have many “cold” days. I am sure my definition of “cold” isn’t quite what yours is. I would have to say that I still get into a winter funk. It is just something about the holidays being over that gets me a little down. These are great tips to help keep me out of that funk. I am going to have to start doing a few of them! Thanks!
– Lyndsey
Becky says
I think that post-holiday causes a “funk” for so many! Thanks for stopping by and reading xo
Kimm says
I like the slow cooker idea. It seems like I don’t think to use it that often even though I love the fact that it makes the kitchen smell great.
Thanks for sharing at Funtastic Friday!
Becky says
Thanks for checking out the post! I’m filling up my slow cooker again today!
Theresa says
Great tips. This time of year is always hard for me as it’s so dark and cold inside my house too. Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Pinned & Shared.
Becky says
Thanks so much for sharing!
Lisa says
Today is it 50 degrees !! ( Jan 30th , Iowa ) so I have turned off the furnace & opened the windows to air the house out. I’ve washed the front door & big front windows.. love looking out & in when the windows are shining 🙂
I have chicken in the crock pot , so the house smells wonderful.
thank you for al the wonderful idea..
lisa
Becky says
Love it! And 50 degrees in January is a wonderful gift! Hope you enjoyed that sunshine. 🙂
Johanna says
Excellent Ideas! it seems we both are having the same thought this winter 😉 I did a very similar post myself!
Becky says
Yes! Bring on spring!