Hobbies to Combat the Winter Blues

health
Written By Jaime Plude

Winter in Appalachia can make it hard to get outside because of the cold. But sunlight is important for our health—it gives us Vitamin D, helps our bodies stay on schedule, gives us energy, and makes us feel happy. In the winter, we often stay inside to stay warm, which means we get less sunlight. This can lead to less body happy chemicals, making us feel tired, down, or even depressed. This is known as the "Winter Blues" or Seasonal Depression. It's important to find ways to fight the Winter Blues and take care of our mental health during the cold months.

Trying new hobbies is a great way to feel better. Hobbies can boost your mood, give you energy, and help you feel connected to others. But sometimes, hobbies need a lot of space or money. At the Community Care Clinic, we’ve put together a list of easy, low-cost hobbies you can do at home!

Journaling

Journaling is the simple act of writing down your thoughts, feelings, or events from your day. It’s an inexpensive and easy way to express yourself and process emotions.

Benefits of Journaling:

  • Helps you understand your feelings

  • Reduces stress and helps you relax

  • Boosts creativity

  • Improves focus and emotional regulation

  • Provides a safe space for self-reflection

  • Helps you organize your thoughts

  • Improves mental health over time

Junk Journaling

Junk journaling combines scrapbooking and regular journaling. You use “junk” items like old receipts, photos, fabric, or anything you have lying around, and glue them into a notebook while reflecting on your day or emotions.

Benefits of Junk Journaling:

  • Encourages creativity and self-expression

  • Helps you reflect on small moments in your day

  • Reduces stress by combining writing and art

  • Gives you a fun way to organize memories

  • Can be done with materials you already have

  • Lets you express emotions and experiences

  • Helps you connect with personal memories

Calligraphy

Calligraphy is the art of decorative handwriting or lettering. It’s a relaxing and creative way to slow down and focus on making beautiful letters, whether for fun or creating handmade cards and gifts.

Benefits of Calligraphy:

  • Helps you relax and clear your mind

  • Improves focus and patience

  • Offers a creative way to express yourself

  • Can be used for making beautiful cards, notes, and gifts

  • Increases mindfulness by focusing on the writing process

  • Can help with hand-eye coordination

Meditation and Grounding

Meditation and grounding exercises are practices that help calm your mind, reduce stress, and bring awareness to your body and breath. These simple activities can help reset your nervous system and make you feel more centered.

Benefits of Meditation and Grounding:

  • Reduces stress and anxiety

  • Helps you feel calm and centered

  • Improves focus and mental clarity

  • Helps you manage difficult emotions

  • Increases mindfulness and self-awareness

  • Can be done anytime and anywhere

  • Improves sleep and overall well-being

Click HERE for a video example of a guided meditation.

Reading

Reading is a peaceful activity where you immerse yourself in books, stories, or information. It can be a great way to relax, learn, and take a break from daily stressors. You can read physical books, e-books, or even listen to audiobooks.

Benefits of Reading:

  • Reduces stress and helps you relax

  • Improves vocabulary and language skills

  • Boosts brain function and memory

  • Increases empathy by understanding different perspectives

  • Can help with sleep (especially reading before bed)

  • Provides a sense of escape or adventure

  • Can be done for free at libraries or with audiobooks

Click HERE for information about Watauga County Public Library.

Click HERE for Audible: Start Listening Now.

Exercise

Exercise doesn’t have to mean going to the gym. It’s about moving your body in ways that make you feel strong, healthy, and energized. You can find simple exercises online that you can do at home with no special equipment.

Benefits of Exercise:

  • Improves physical health and fitness

  • Reduces stress and boosts mood

  • Increases energy levels

  • Improves sleep quality

  • Strengthens muscles and improves flexibility

  • Can be done at home, saving money on gym memberships

  • Boosts confidence and mental clarity

Click HERE for a 10 minute Low Impact fun cardio workout video, no equipment needed.

Vision/Mood Boards

A vision or mood board is a creative way to visualize your goals, dreams, and what makes you happy. It’s a collage of images, words, and pictures that represent your future goals or current interests. You can create one physically or digitally.

Benefits of Vision/Mood Boards

  • Helps you visualize your goals and dreams

  • Provides motivation and focus

  • Increases creativity

  • Helps organize thoughts and ideas

  • Allows you to reflect on what is important to you

  • Reduces stress by focusing on positive things

  • Can be updated over time as your goals change

Click HERE for Pinterest.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Keep a consistent sleep schedule

  • Make the most of sunny days 

  • Keep a daily list of tasks 

  • Take 10 minutes each day just for you

  • Let in as much sunlight as possible during the day 

Jaime Plude
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Tips and Tricks for Healthy Winter Skin