Beating the Winter Blues By Focusing On Your Home

Make Lighting Work Better for You

Unfortunately, lack of sunlight can lead to a vitamin D deficiency, which is more common during winter. Depression and mood swings are also associated with less light exposure. Instead of staying in the dark, add more lighting throughout your home.

Could your office lighting be affecting your mental health? Mr. Electric® explains this possibility. And Five Star Painting® has paint color recommendations to make low-light rooms feel brighter.

Light therapy is a real thing. Many people use it to treat the seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Investing in a SAD light therapy lamp may help boost your mood.

Consider Minimal Decorating

Too much clutter around the home can elevate stress and anxiety. How much of that stuff do you really need? Decluttering your home is an easy, totally free way to boost your spirits during the winter.

As a part of the process, reevaluate your home décor. Do you own a lot of knickknacks? Perhaps it’s time to switch to a more minimalistic way of decorating. Following feng shui guidelines will help you create a functional, relaxing environment.

Test Your Home for Mold

Some types of mold can cause fatigue and depression. Could there be mold hiding in your house? Unfortunately, it’s impossible to know for sure unless you get a professional mold test. Mold spores like to hide – and they thrive in the winter when windows are closed. From the restoration pros at Rainbow International®, learn how some types of mold can harm or affect us.

Mold is more common than you might imagine. A simple pipe leak or bad roof can cause water damage, followed by mold. Rainbow International will restore your home after water damage. The sooner you fix the problem, the sooner you’ll feel better.

Give Back to the Community

Helping others and giving back not only puts a smile on the faces around you, but it may also help you beat the winter blues. And you don’t need to set aside a lot of time – even one or two hours per month will make a positive impact. Ready to lend a hand? Mr. Appliance® has the information you need to become a soup kitchen volunteer.

Put Down Your Devices

Can you remember life before smartphones, streaming services, and video chats? Although this technology is beneficial in some ways, it may cause stress and anxiety. Devices flood our brains with information, leaving little room for mental rest and self-reflection. Additionally, trying to keep up with the Joneses on social media can make us feel inadequate.

If you’re unsure of how to beat the winter blues, try giving your brain a break by limiting your screen time. No, you don’t need to give up your devices completely. But allowing yourself a technology-free day here and there may do wonders for your mental health. Mr. Electric® has some helpful tips for unplugging your electronic devices.

Increase Self-Care Time

While it may sound cliché, you are the most important person in your life. In this nonstop world, it’s common to put other people first and forget about caring for yourself. To beat the winter blues and have a calmer season, practice self-care by following your nurturing instincts.

Try taking a hot bath, reading a book, cooking something healthy, stretching, and exercising. Remember to get enough sleep too. Easier said than done? Read our post about how updating your bedroom can improve sleep habits.

Find an Inspiring Home Improvement Project

When you spend most of your free time at home, it’s important to create a space you truly love. Winter is prime time to tackle a new home improvement project. Are you crafty? Consider making an art studio. If music is your passion, a soundproof music room may inspire you. Creating a reading nook will give you a place to unwind.

Get Help with Home Projects, Big and Small

As you determine how to beat the winter blues in your household, don’t overwork yourself! If too many home projects have popped up, ask the Neighborly® family of home service providers to tackle them. Then enjoy that mug of hot tea while we do the work. Browse our home services to match with reliable, local service providers.