Beating the Winter Blues: Simple Hacks for Moms
Let’s get real for a second—winter can be brutal.
The endless gray skies, freezing temps, and the sun acting like it’s on a permanent vacation? It’s enough to leave any mom feeling blah. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is real, and as moms, we often push through it without taking a beat to care for ourselves.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to suffer in silence or just “get through” the season. There are simple, science-backed ways to lift your spirits, boost your energy, and bring a little sunshine back into your life—even when the sun is playing hard to get.
Here’s how we’re saying “not today” to winter blues:
1. Let Light Work Its Magic
Winter’s lack of sunlight can leave us feeling sluggish and unmotivated. Natural light boosts serotonin, aka your happy chemical, and helps keep your internal clock on track.
Hack It: Try a light therapy box for 20–30 minutes each morning. It’s like giving yourself a mini sunshine session—minus the frostbite.
Bonus: Open up those blinds and sit near a window whenever possible. Even a chilly five-minute walk outside can work wonders.
2. Keep Your Body Moving
Movement is a mood-booster, plain and simple. But let’s make it manageable, shall we? This isn’t about “getting ripped” or sweating through an hour-long workout. Small, joyful movement is the name of the game.
Do This: Dance around with your kids, stretch out your tension with yoga, or take a brisk walk. The goal? Just move.
Pro Tip: Pick something fun. You’re way more likely to stick to it.
3. Fuel Your Mood with Food
Did you know certain foods can naturally boost your mood? Think of your plate as a toolkit for fighting the blues.
Load Up On: Omega-3s (salmon, walnuts), vitamin D (eggs, fortified cereals), and complex carbs (sweet potatoes, whole grains).
Treat Yourself: Dark chocolate isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with mood-boosting benefits. Win-win!
4. Cozy Up Your Routine
Winter can be a time to slow down and lean into cozy moments. Create a daily ritual that feels indulgent, even if it’s just five minutes.
Ideas: Light a candle, wrap up in a blanket, or sip on a comforting drink (hint: check out the recipe below).
Pro Tip: Turn those mundane moments into something special. Add lavender oil to your shower or put on calming music while you prep dinner.
5. Sip Your Way to Better Sleep
Nothing combats the winter blues like quality rest, and I’ve got the perfect sleepy-time mocktail to help you unwind before bed.
Sleepy-Time Mocktail Recipe
Ingredients:
4 oz tart cherry juice (for its natural melatonin boost)
4 oz coconut water (for hydration and electrolytes)
1 tsp Magnesi-OM from Moon Juice (or any magnesium supplement)
Splash of sparkling water (for a little fizz)
Instructions:
Mix the tart cherry juice and coconut water in a glass.
Stir in the Magnesi-OM until dissolved.
Top it off with sparkling water, add ice if you like, and enjoy!
Sip it while journaling, reading, or just stealing five minutes of peace before bedtime.
6. Find Your Tribe
Winter can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go it alone. Connecting with other moms who get it is a game-changer.
Join Us: The Mental Mom Membership is packed with resources, workshops, and a community that’s here to lift you up. (And let’s be real, we all need lifting sometimes.)
