15 Ways to beat the winter blues

It's right around this time every year that I start to get really bummed out and miss the summer.  Christmas is over....New Year's is over.  There are no real holidays to celebrate for a while and the sun has been replaced by gray skies. So this year I made a list of a few things to help myself stay positive and happy, and I thought there may just be someone else out there like me that gets bummed out during cold weather, and this might help them too!

//  Go through all of your clothes.  Try them all on and throw out anything that doesn't make you feel amazing.  If you feel good in something, that is a confidence booster;  which leaves you feeling good about yourself.

//  Exercise!  Did you know that exercise helps pump oxygen into the brain, which releases endorphins and naturally gives you energy and boosts those "feel good" feelings?

//  Go snuggle up with an animal.  Nothing is quite as relaxing as snuggling up with your pet that adores you.

//  Listen to uplifting music.  Music REALLY effects your mood, so if you are listening to a bunch of break up/sad songs chances are you aren't going to be a happy camper.  Turn on Taylor Swift's "Shake it Off" and dance around like a crazy person if you have to.

//  REST!  Haven't you been complaining that you would just like to relax and have some "you" time??  I'm pretty sure we all feel that way sometimes!  Take advantage of the frigid temperatures and curl up in a blanket and sleep the day away if you want to!

//  Plan a girl's night out!  Sometimes you need some girl time, and anything beats staying home again, right?

//  Make a list of your goals/things you want.  Whether it just be a travel bucket list, organization plan, or even a shopping list, do it!  It will take your mind of off things.  I'm a big list person.

//  Read a book.  This is the perfect whether to rock sweats all day and curl up on the couch/bed and read that book you've heard so many great things about.  Do it!

//  "Window shop" online for cute winter fashion ideas.  Pinterest is my favorite place to find fashion ideas.  If you couldn't tell by my multiple Pinterest fashion boards... lol  I've got a serious problem!

//  Write a letter to a friend or relative that you haven't talked to in a while.  Or even if you have, send one anyway because who doesn't love to get a letter in the mail.  Snail mail is so underrated.

//  Start one of the things on your "home improvement checklist".  I'm pretty sure we've all got one.  I unfortunately have a list that never stops growing!  Even if it's just redecorating a room, go for it!  Maybe a fresh look is just what you need!

//  Make one of the many things that you've pinned on Pinterest.  I'm so guilty of this one.  I have seen so many things that I've never even tried to create.

//  Bundle up and head outside with your camera.  Even if you aren't the best photographer in the world, take some pictures of the beauty of Winter.  I'm a big sissy about the cold, but I still find myself taking in the beauty of the snow on tree branches, big snowflakes with pretty designs, and scary looking icicles.  Have fun with it!

//  Make some homemade chili or soup!  It's the perfect season for it!  When I'm chilled to the bone the best thing (other than a steaming hot shower) is a hot bowl of chili/soup.  And it's so much better when you make it at home.

//  And if you just can't take the cold anymore, go on a vacation somewhere warm!

What do you do to beat the Winter Blues??