Winter Blahs? 6 Ideas To Get Your Spring Mojo…

The end of winter can really bring me down…the snow is often dirty and the days grey, this year the winter blahs have hit me far earlier than usual– we are barely into January.  I need spring, I need sun, and I need flowers.  However, I have found there are a few things I can do that help my mood and get me ready to hit the ground running. Here are 6 easy things you can do you to perk up you up and get ready for the fun!

# 1 — Take down ALL of those Christmas decorations you didn’t get around to putting away.  You know who you are and you know where they are!  Knick Knacks on the bookshelf, outside wreaths and lights that are hard to reach, nearly dead poinsettias…PUT THEM AWAY!  It’s time to move on….  

#2 — Have a Tiki Party or Luau Potluck with friends or family. Head to your local discount store to load up on some inexpensive decorations – and grab some bright flowers at the grocery store. Half of the fun is brightening up your space! We had one a few weeks ago, serving Pina Coladas, a Hawaiian grilled stir fry with lots of pretty colored peppers, onions, fresh pineapple, diced ham and a sweet chili sauce. My friends chipped in with a different and delicious Asian coleslaw and the fun fruit palm tree…a good time was had by all!

#3 — Do a little pre-spring cleaning.  Don’t tackle too much  just wash a few windows, wipe down your kitchen cupboards,  do a little web downloading, clean your desk…. keep it simple.  I have discovered that when I feel overwhelmed if I do one little thing, it energizes me to do the next thing and before I know it I am feeling satisfied with my little project.  Besides feeling accomplished you also just gave yourself a jumpstart on those spring cleaning tasks that keep you home instead of getting outside to play!

#4 –– Brighten and lighten up your home.  You probably don’t need all of those cozy blankets and pillows on your sofa, so it’s time to put them away.  If you feel you still need a little something, switch them out for ones that lighter in weight and color.   While you are putting those heavy winter things away — cull through your collections and put some of those away too.  I like to rotate them every few months — it reduces clutter and I actually enjoy them more when I bring them back out.  Try adding some color in all of your rooms — a pop of yellow, blue, aqua in throws, pillows, flowers or a fresh tablecloth will brighten the room and your mood.

​Move things around!  My mom was famous for rearranging the furniture at home — we would go to school and come home and the living room was completely different.  With 12 kids we didn’t have a lot of money, so this was her way of making things feel fresh.  The second perk of moving things is you end up cleaning corners and under things that don’t get hit as often.

#5 –– Go through your clothes  — Put away or give away those heavy winter items you rarely wear.  You don’t need all of them for the last dregs of winter.  Leave out only those that make you feel good when you wear them.  Pull out of few of those spring/summer items of bright colors that you can layer for the unpredictable end of winter weather.  I see lots of aqua, coral, yellow, red and navy blue this spring –refresh your wardrobe.  And while you are at it — maybe you can squeeze in a new haircut or color!

#6 –– Have a salad and/or soup night instead of pizza night.  As you make up your grocery list plan for a night where you eat lighter foods.  You can build your salad(s) in advance and store in a sealed Mason jar for a quick delicious salad night.  Add some left over rotisserie chicken for protein.   Just replacing one heavy meal with the taste of summer can lift spirits.   If you need something warm add a springy, light veggie soup…. one of my favorites!

Spring is around the corner — we can do this…

Remember to keep it simple and enjoy!

–Mary