The long, cold winter months can bring many challenges other than weather conditions that impact our daily commutes. Many of us feel a lack of energy and motivation during these months and often don’t even see the sunlight on workdays. Here are just a few simple ways that are easy to implement into your daily routine to help combat the effects of the winter blues:

1. Make yourself a priority. It’s very easy during the winter months to sink into a mental space where we don’t want to do anything, which can lead to lack of motivation to complete tasks. It’s important during this time to make your mental and physical health a priority so that you don’t go down this path. Solutions can be taking a Vitamin D supplement, going on walks when the weather allows, and getting enough sleep.

2. Prioritize movement. Even if it’s getting up and walking around your workplace, prioritizing movement can help to reduce these challenges and help you feel more motivated. Research has shown that exercise relieves stress and anxiety, so adding movement to your daily routine, even as simple as a walk, can make a positive impact this winter.

3. Maximize light in your workplace. Research shows that simulating sunshine with light can increase serotonin and positively boost moods. Try sitting closer to a window, adding a light therapy lamp to your workspace, or going on walks outside to soak up as much sunshine as you can.

4. Try to minimize negative speaking. The more we speak negativity into existence, the more likely we are to feel more negative about everything around us. Rather than speaking negatively about the weather with coworkers, try to add more positive conversations about what plans you are excited for when the weather breaks.

Along with these suggestions, it’s important that we look out for others around us. As young professionals, sometimes it’s a difficult challenge to keep others around us inspired and motivated, but by being a light of positivity in your workplace, it’s likely that you will brighten the mood of others around you and lessen the effects of the winter blues!

This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) February 2024 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.