Winter can be a challenging time for many people.

Especially those who live in colder climates. However, there are ways to appreciate the season and even improve your mental health at the same time. Heck, you might find yourself actually enjoying winter!

Here are six ways to do just that:

First and foremost, get outside and enjoy the winter wonderland.

Even though the temperatures may be chilly, neigh, freezing, bundling up and taking a walk in the snow, going ice skating or trying cross-country skiing can be a great mood booster. Fresh air and exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Embrace the coziness and make your home a sanctuary.

Winter is the perfect time to curl up with a good book or movie, make hot chocolate, or snuggle up under a warm blanket. Creating a cozy atmosphere can help you feel more relaxed and content.

Use the winter months as an opportunity to try something new.

Take up a new hobby like redecorating your house or metalsmithing, or try a new winter sport like xc skiing or snowshoeing. Learning something new can help boost your confidence and give you a sense of accomplishment. It also helps keep the mind present.

Practice mindfulness and meditation.

Winter can be a great time to take a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath. This can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve your overall mental and physical health.

Create a movement routine.

I say movement routine because calling it exercise puts way too much pressure on what you do. A movement routine can be walking your dog every evening, or stretching daily for 5 minutes. It can also include going to the gym! Movement only means that you intentionally create time to move your body. This will not only help you stay physically healthy, but movement also helps your emotional, spiritual and psychological health as well.

Finally, don’t forget to connect with others during the winter months.

Whether it’s through a book club, outdoor activity, or simply a phone call with friends and family, staying connected can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. This year, my friends and I celebrated the solstice as a way to connect with each other as well as connect with celebrations long forgotten.

I don’t always do these things consistently…

but I can confidently declare that when I do them, when I practice these things, I do much better in every way. I am happier, healthier, and much more productive.

By following these 6 tips, you can learn to appreciate winter more and take care of your mental health in the process. Remember to stay positive and focus on the things that make you happy!