How To Shift Your Mood (For all energy levels!)

The winter months can bring low mood, even depression, as the cold and dark seem never ending. I’ve shared before some strategies to support yourself through this season, but I wanted to give you some things you can do to change your thought patterns or actions in a moment.

The best part? I’ve divided them based on level of effort. So, no matter if you have very limited energy or need to take a big step to change things up, think of the bullets below as a menu you can use whenever you need! Make sure to bookmark this post to come back to (these won’t just be helpful in the winter, but whenever you need to shift or shake your energy).

Low Energy

• Drop key words, a single line, or doodle in your journal.
• Close your eyes and take 4 to 5 slow belly breaths.
• Text a friend (you can keep it light like sending a link to an article or sharing something funny).
• Slow down and brew a cup of tea. Use your senses: smell the leaves, hold the warm mug in your hands, consider the taste as you sip.
• Light a candle (especially one you’ve been “saving”!) and turn on your favorite comfort show or new podcast episode.

Medium Energy

• Go for a walk around the block (you can even use an incentive like picking up a new lip balm or grabbing a coffee).
• Find a free online yoga or mediation video and try it out.
• Facetime with a friend or family member.
• Reflect deeper with a journal prompt.
• Pull out a non-screen hobby: a colouring book, playing guitar, scrapbooking, a card game.

High Energy

• Attend a workout class or head out for a hike.
• Grocery shop and try out a new recipe.
• Plan and attend a friend get together like dinner at a restaurant, a paint your own pottery session, or a movie night.
• Choose a room to clean or one task from your to do list to get done—don’t underestimate the power of crossing off a list!
• Take in the exhibits at your local museum or art gallery.

💛 Your peace awaits.