The winter blues are hitting especially hard this year. Most of the country is experiencing harsh winter weather. At the same time, Covid is making it difficult to socialize. If you’re a recovering alcoholic, the cold weather can make your sobriety even harder to maintain. Fighting the winter blues without alcohol is possible, it just takes some creativity. For example, sunlight is proven to help with the winter blues. You can also try utilizing the winter weather and having fun in the snow. Now’s a great time to start a new project. And finally, as much as possible, be social and interact with positive people. Hopefully, you’ll be able to use some of these ideas to help you fight off the winter blahs.
Fighting the Winter Blues Without Alcohol: Stay Warm and Busy
Get Sunlight
Fighting the winter blues without alcohol is easiest when you can get some vitamin D. In winter, the sun is out for less time and people tend to stay cooped up indoors more. Keep blinds open to let in as much sunlight as possible. If you spend most of your time in a darker room, consider moving your office to a brighter spot so you can take advantage of natural sunlight. You could also invest in a sun lamp to soak up some extra sunlight. Finally, consider a vitamin D supplement to help counteract those winter blues.
Enjoy Winter Activities
Another way of fighting the winter blues without alcohol is to take advantage of the winter weather. If you’re in an area with snow, instead of fighting the cold, just enjoy it. Get out and try sledding or cross country skiing. Build a snowman or learn to run in the snow. This is also another way to get some extra vitamin D. If you aren’t in an area with winter activities, try to get exercise in other ways. Consider indoor workout equipment or classes that you can do from home. Or if you are in an area where gyms are open, consider joining and trying to commit to going there a few times a week. Getting out of the house is another great way to fight the winter glumness.
Start a New Project
Fighting the winter blues without alcohol requires concentration, so consider starting a new project. If you are bored at home all day, you’ll be more likely to start drinking just to fight the boredom. Now is the time to make a book or movie list and get going on it. Or pick up a new hobby and concentrate on learning how to master it. You could even kill two birds with one stone and learn a new exercise, like yoga. This would help fight your winter blues and also get your body healthier.
Be Social
One final way of fighting the winter blues without alcohol is to get social. Seeing other people and being around positive people will help you fight those gloomy feelings. While Covid is making in-person hangouts a bit harder than usual, consider a zoom call with a group of friends. There are many types of virtual gaming platforms where you can have Covid-safe hangouts online. Or you could meet at an outdoor spot with space heaters if you are comfortable. Being around other people can lift your spirits a ton and help you fight off that winter gloom.
Fighting the winter blues without alcohol might be a little difficult, especially with Covid, but it is possible. You just need to concentrate on other things and keep yourself busy. Boredom makes staying sober much harder. Consider getting outside for some Vitamin D, or playing in the winter weather. Now is a great time to start a new hobby or project. And finally, try to see people you enjoy being around, whether in person or virtually. Hopefully, all of these tips will help you fight those winter blues while maintaining your sobriety.