4 Ways to Stay Inspired this Winter

Updated: February 2, 2023

By Tvisha Patel, contributing writer

It is winter, which means coats, hot chocolate and cold days! 

While there may be lots of winter activities happening around this time, it’s hard to deny that the lack of sunlight, colder days, and the drop in serotonin could affect us in several ways. For starters, the winter months may lead to sleeping problems, feeling sluggish, low energy levels and so much more. But, on the bright side, there are a lot of ways to stay inspired and happy this season! 

If you’re feeling down this winter, try things like getting out in nature, picking up new hobbies, taking a children’s yoga teacher training, and connecting with others. 

It’s also crucial to implement a self-care routine that will help you relax your mind and body. This can help you feel more energetic as well.

While it may require some out-of-the-box thinking, it’s completely possible to lift your mood this winter season! Here are our top 4 ways to stay inspired this winter!

1. Go Outside in Nature or Just Take a Walk

Put your coat on, and walk outside! It may be cold but going outside can lift your mood, plus you’ll get some sunlight. Going outside can immensely help you reduce stress. You can even just walk around your neighborhood, which gives you a quick chance to get fresh air, and step away from your laptop and phone. 

You can also make going outside in the cold fun! Think about going out and building a snowman with the kids. Sometimes doing activities like this can bring you happiness. Plus,  you can look forward to a cup of hot cocoa when you come back inside!

If the weather in your area allows for it, you can also practice yoga with the kids outside! It’s a great way to get exercise and also makes for a peaceful activity. There are also several yoga poses you can do with the kiddos that make wintertime more fun!

Incorporate the Whole Family

As we mentioned above, you can involve your whole family in your outdoor activities. During the wintertime, there are tons of activities that can be done together. For example, you can try sledding or snowshoeing. 

Another benefit of going outside with your family is bonding time. Everyone may be busy or feeling down during the winter, yet outdoor time can uplift everyone’s mood!

2. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone 

Ever wanted to try a new hobby? What are you waiting for? This is the best time to do it! Pick up a hobby like dancing, cooking, baking, singing, playing an instrument, knitting, learning yoga – the list is endless. Starting a hobby can help relieve stress and encourage you to take breaks from a busy schedule. For example, imagine that you are tired from your long day at work – why not head to a dance studio and take some classes to relieve the stress? 

Starting a new hobby can open up a lot of potential opportunities and skills that you may have never thought of. When you take on a hobby, you’re also able to challenge yourself and motivate yourself to learn something out of your comfort zone. This positive challenge can boost your confidence and help you earn additional income. Just think: Many hobbies and passions turn into extra income.

GET Your Kids Yoga Teacher Certification!

Talking about hobbies and extra income, this is the perfect time for you to get your children’s yoga teacher certification. 

Yoga has many benefits, both mentally and physically. It’s one of the best ways to destress and also make yourself stronger and more flexible. So, why not improve your health while earning a new skill? Yup, why not practice more yoga and become a kids yoga teacher! As a yoga teacher, you can personally reap the many benefits, which include a healthier lifestyle, flexible work schedule and added income! Plus, while you’re mainly inside during the winter months, this is the perfect time to start a side hustle or even a full time job as a yoga teacher. 

Wondering how to get started? You can enroll in the Pretzel Kids Method course which only takes 12 hours for you to become a yoga teacher for kids! Not only that but Pretzel Kids will help you get hired by schools, studios and other organizations. The best part is: You get to decide how many hours you want to work and how you would like to go about it. 

3. Connect With Others

With the winter season upon us, it can be harder to be social. Nonetheless, there are always ways to stay in touch with friends and family. Plus, talking to others may help you feel less anxious and more motivated.

For example, maybe you can plan outdoor activities with friends like hiking or going skating. Social connections help raise the good vibes, which is crucial during the winter. 

4. Stay Inspired from the Beauty Around You

You may have heard this a lot, but there is truly so much beauty around us! So, be mindful about the things around you, big or small. For example, if it snows, think about the way the snow falls and how beautiful it looks. Take a walk outside and notice how the surroundings change with the winter season.

Being present in the moment can really help you feel more grateful and happier! To help you notice beauty in your everyday life, consider starting a journal. You can write about the good things in your day, what you noticed, what you’re grateful for, and much more. 

Let the Creativity Flow 

If you’re thinking about what to do during the winter months…challenge yourself! If you’ve ever wanted to do something new but you’re waiting for the right time, this is it. Look outside, and use the inspiration to draw or paint. Maybe take up knitting (which happens to be a great mindful activity!) Put on some music and do your own steps and dance. Let the music push you to be more creative. Have you watched any cooking shows recently? Well, try out a new recipe and you may discover a new dish. It’s all about letting the creativity flow and having fun. 

Open up your mind to be more creative and you may end up surprising yourself! 

Are You Ready to Be Inspired this Winter?

The winter can be hard and you may experience lazy days, but there is always a brighter side. Remember to try new hobbies, dance, do yoga, cook, and get outside! You may even want to use this time to start a new side hustle or career by becoming a certified yoga teacher with Pretzel Kids!