By: Emilee Schevers
CNIB National Youth Council Member
I recently stumbled upon a video on TikTok where the creator said, “It’s okay to be less productive in January, it’s okay to feel less social, it’s okay to hibernate and take things a bit slower.” At first, I thought to myself – wow, I feel so validated – how can I change that to feel less BLAH in the winter months?
The truth is, it can be really difficult to get out of the house or feel productive when it’s cold and dark outside. As someone with vision loss, I feel even more unmotivated once the snow hits the ground because it’s harder to navigate. But it doesn’t have to be all that bad! Here are five simple things you can do to help you get through the winter blues:
- Open the curtains. Getting any natural light into the room while the sun is still up can be such a mood booster, making you feel more awake.
- Move your body. Even if it is just a few stretches throughout the day, movement can help you feel more energized or give your body a break from sitting or lounging.
- Play your favourite tunes. Nothing gets me pumped-up more than turning on some upbeat music. The energy from music makes me more inclined to get things done – even if it’s cleaning the bathroom!
- Call a friend. Even if you don’t feel like you can get outside, chatting with someone close to you can help you feel less isolated and lonely, especially if you live alone.
- Plan your day. I know we’re not all planners, but nothing is more exciting than crossing something off of a to-do list. I recently started making my lists on Google Keep, and I get the satisfaction of checking things off when they are done!
You are more than welcome to allow yourself a much-needed break, but it doesn’t have to be at the expense of getting tasks done. YOU’VE GOT THIS!