Organize Your Way Out of the Winter Doldrums
Sigh. the musical Annie may be right that “The Sun’ll Come Out Tomorrow,” but the sun never came out yesterday.
Granted, it was a rainy day, but in addition to the dark, dreariness of the day, and the too-swift passing of a December Sunday, the sun went down without my noticing because it really never seemed to come up. As I may have alluded to in Organize Your Sleep When the Clocks Change and Beyond, I’m not much of a fan of Standard Time. I like lots of sunshine, and particularly want long, light evenings to run errands and move about in the world.
We’re in a darker, gloomier time of the year here in the Northern Hemisphere. That, combined with the wonkiness of the end of the year, makes this a weird time. Some folks are delighting in preparing for the holidays, getting ready to entertain and celebrate, but over and over, I’m hearing from friends and clients alike that they aren’t quite “feeling it,” or at least not yet.
A few people have asked, having jokingly, if there are ways to organize yourself out of feeling out of sorts at the end of the year. I think there are.
This is the final “normal” week of the year. Next week is Christmas and the start of Hanukkah, and the week after, is New Year’s. While many folks are (or will be) with family and celebrating, there are many who are feeling a walking-through-molasses sluggishness at this time of year. Half their co-workers are out of the office, and while some clients are expecting attention, there’s a widespread, tacit understanding that nobody is starting anything new for the next 2 1/2 weeks.
So, if you’re in your annual happy place, please feel free to skip this week’s post. But if you’re grumbling about the dark and the cold, about another year over and about the “meh” of it all, I have some suggestions.
COPING WITH THE “BASEMENT WEEKS” OF THE YEAR
These weeks aren’t just the bottom of the year. They can feel dark, cold, even soggy. There’s a hurry-up feeling just before the holidays and, for most, a drop-off in delight between the holidays and again at the start of the year.
But winter really can be the most wonderful time of the year if you have the right mindset, according Kari Leibowitz, PhD., a Stanford-trained psychologist. She’s written a book on how to improve mental health by changing how you think about the winter months.
Leibowitz moved to Tromsø, Norway, above the Arctic Circle, to live for a year. For two entire months, the sun doesn’t rise in Tromsø! You’d think everyone there would be crabby and stabby during that time, but she found that the community approached the season with a chipper mentality. She similarly explored places on earth with “some of the coldest, darkest, longest and most intense winters, and discovered the power of “wintertime mindset”— viewing the season as full of opportunity and wonder.”
To help those of us (who can at least feel grateful that we’re not above the Arctic Circle) starting to struggle with finding inspiration this time of year, Leibowitz wrote How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days.
Get Psyched for Winter
Liebowitz says that changing our mindsets about winter is key. Apparently, we tend to psych ourselves out, adopting a mindset that assumes that winter will be grim, so it feels that way. I get it. As a professional organizer, I’ve seen how often people expect that organizing will be boring and that they’ll be grumpy, so when they do it on their own, it is. They’re surprised when a professional organizer comes in and treats the experience as hopeful and (dare I say it?) entertaining?
As an organizer, I approach working with a new client, or even a new session, by focusing on the possibilities of finding delight. I see myself, in partnership with a client, as an explorer, a detective, an anthropologist, and more. Because I expect fun, I will (generally) find it (and get to share it with the client).
Confirmation bias is the tendency to look for, and interpret, new evidence as confirmation of one’s existing beliefs or theories. If you expect winter to be misery-inducing, you’ll find signs of it everywhere.
Easier said that done? Maybe not. Instead of seeing winter as two potentially fun (but possibly disappointing) weeks followed by months of darkness, we can look for ways to see winter, as a whole, as fun.
Create a Winter Wonderland in Your Space
I’m sure you’ve heard about hygge. A few years ago, books about hygge, the Danish approach to winter coziness, was all the rage. (If you need an introduction, The New Yorker‘s 2016 piece, The Year of Hygge, the Danish Obsession with Getting Cozy, is a great place to start.)
Western articles about hygge tend to focus on the physical atmosphere. Every single piece will reference candles. The Danes are very big on candles being comforting. Personally, I worry about candles getting knocked over. If you have pets and tiny humans, consider safe alternatives to lit candles, like fairly lights or tiny, flickering LED tea lights.
If you have a fireplace and don’t have to worry about kids or creatures in close proximity, consider making a ritual out of lighting a nightly fire to increase the cozy atmosphere.
There’s no official hygge-ness to it, but I think it’s wise to create a winter beverage station. Think about the coffee stations you see in bed & breakfast venues and boutique hotel lobbies. Consider investing in a cute tray and a variety of teas, coffees, mulled ciders, and hot chocolates. Buy a few tiny bottles of flavoring syrups, or fill a glass canister with mini-marshmallows. Whether you’re working from home or recovering from exposure to a snowy day, your daily beverage experience can be a ritual for emotional, as well as physical, warmth.
If you’re up for some “scentsational” improvements, extend the scents of the holiday season and use essential oils like cinnamon, pine, or citrus. (Generally, I prefer unscented products, but am obsessed with buying citrus-scented foaming hand soaps. Even before COVID, I was in the habit of washing my hands as soon as I came in from the outside world — you never know what supermarket shelf had germs! — and those citrusy, foamy bubbles and warm water are a great transition when you first come in out of the cold.)
Increase comfort in various places in your house. Plush blankets are soft, warm, and nurturing. The weather outside may be frightful, but you can feel snuggly the whole day (and night) long.
Fellow GenXers may recall how cozy it was to wear leg-warmers in the 1980s, both inside and outside. You might think leg-warmers disappeared when Jane Fonda workout videos did, but they’re still available in a variety of styles and colors.
It’s not necessarily hygge to use them this way, but on a day where you need a lift, dance around your house to a TikTok video and pretend you’re an extra in an episode of Fame.
Organize Your Winter to Embrace Hygge Attitudes
In addition to the physical comforts that can improve your mood in the winter, there are hygge-related attitudes (irrespective of holidays) that can give you some uplift when you’re struggling against the (literal or figurative) darkness.
- Be present — It’s so easy to get caught up in the news and crummy things happening halfway around the world or just elsewhere near you, but miss the small treasures in your own life. Be present in the moment by stepping back from technology. For more reasons and inspiration, read my post, Celebrate the Global Day of Unplugging.
- Add pleasure rituals to each day — You can counteract the glumness of winter by adding little treats to your day (and to the days of everyone around you). Call a friend to come over and hang out while you bake cookies. Of course, winter treats don’t have to be caloric. Come home after a work day to glory in a bubble bath. Try skincare rituals that may have seemed like silly luxuries before, like a face- or full-body sheet mask.
- Create a cadence to the week with personal and social rituals — Rituals added to the ebb and flow of your week can make the winter pass more quickly. For the next few months, try having a standing date with friends, whether it’s a low-effort Sunday dinner (rotating houses), board-game afternoon, or a movie night. Consider pancake/waffle breakfasts on Saturday with the kids and experiment with different types recipes or shapes. The key is that you don’t have to go out in the winter weather (though you could) to have something to look forward to each week that’s not a big production, but that will lift your spirits.
- Practice gratitude — Hey, at least you don’t live above the Arctic Circle. At least we don’t live in horse and buggy days and have to get our drinking/cleaning/bathing water from the river. At least there’s Zoom and Door Dash and electricity. Be thankful for small mercies, for loving friends, or for whatever you don’t have that you don’t want. Journal, write gratitude lists, or write notes to the people to and for whom you are grateful! Imagine how getting such a note could brighten their winter days!
- Volunteer — If you’re having trouble even feeling grateful, consider volunteering with a local charity, at a shelter (for unhoused persons, for victims of domestic violence, for animals looking for their forever homes, etc.).
- Practice mindfulness — The Polish website Prze Kroj’s Mindfulness Exercises for a Cold Day provides a variety of approaches to reframing the thoughts we have about the stagnation of these dark days (“Oh, no, another year is ending and I still haven’t written my novel!”) and offers ideas for positive reinforcement and self-awareness.
Behave “As If” and Upgrade Your Winter Activities
I will never ski. I ice skate maybe once every fifteen years. You know how some people are “at one” with nature? I am at two with nature.
But Leibowitz found that the folks of Tromsø found ways to spend their winters living more closely in sync with nature, adapting to the seasons by giving in and taking cues from our animal friends. Perhaps we need not hibernate, but that hygge coziness (resting more, slowing down) apparently blends nicely in concert with Thumper and Bambi (playing outside).
So, following Leibowitz’s advice that we act as if we were outdoorsy folks, we could:
- Take an energizing walk when the sun is out. (You may recall from the Organize Your Sleep When the Clocks Change and Beyond that getting daylight helps reset the body clock so our insides know that it’s time to go night-night.)
- If you’re not me, try a winter sport or activity that’s less about competition and more about having fun: ice skating, sledding, skiing (downhill or cross-country), snowshoeing, tubing, tobogganing. etc.
- You don’t have to be athletic. You and the neighbor kids (or the cute neighbor guy, if your life imitates a Hallmark movie) can make a snowman or build a snow fort.
Love and Other Indoor Sports
Of course, you don’t have to go outside. Leibowitz recommends the dark winter months are ideal for engaging in “low-arousal positive activities,” — activities that give us a warm glow rather than ruddy faces and iced-lung wheezes.
If you’d like to explore an activity that makes the winter brighter or cozier but without having to put on your shoes, winter is a great time to organize your hobby exposure.
- Take up a craft or hobby. Give yourself permission to be terrible at knitting or painting. Nobody needs to know.
- Explore an online class (live or recorded) to learn how to do something (cook, take better photographs, do those viral social media dances) or just to know something (about the Holy Roman Empire, or what are the other parts of a cell, because all you remember is that mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell, and there must be more to it).
- Take up an indoor physical activity. Every January, people sign up for gym memberships as part of New Year’s resolutions. They go a few times and their motivation peters out. Don’t let winter beat you up or guilt you out. Try an online exercise class. There’s a reason why Yoga with Adriene is a perennial favorite, even with those of us with wonky balance and no flexibility. Adriene and her doggie offer a comforting yoga practice, and you don’t have to switch out of your jammies and into Spandex. (Though you might want to try out the aforementioned leg-warmers!)
Conversely, go the reverse route. Instead of trying something new, reinvigorate yourself with the love of something old.
From my late twenties and through my thirties (and beyond), I had a favorite regional band, The Floating Men. They weren’t MTV-famous, but I attended their small- and medium-sized venue concerts in various cities where I lived (or traveled to) and always felt immense joy as we all (The Floatilla) sang along and danced with revelry.
The band stopped playing gigs as their grownup careers got in the way, but last year, they announced they were going to start performing again. There wouldn’t be shows every few weeks, but there would be a show in Nashville and I was jazzed! But it sold out in moments. They added a second show. It sold out right away again. I shrugged and figured I’d just comfort myself with the CDs that have sustained me for decades.
I was surprised and delighted when they announced a show here in Chattanooga, and I managed to get tickets; that show, too, had sold out quickly and a second night was added, and as frugal as I am, I arranged to go to that show, too. I’ve been listening to the band’s music for a long time, but in the months since I bought the ticket, I listen much more often, singing out loud and dancing around the house. I’m remembering the concerts, but also the joy of hearing the music for the first time, or introducing it to others. Sometimes, recalling old loves can kindle new sparks.
What old loves can you bring back into your life? (No, don’t call your ex.)
- Re-read books that brings you joy or comfort — I re-read all the Jane Austen novels almost every year. (This winter, I’m considering a movie marathon over weeks, watching every movie based on an Austen novel.)
- Listen to music from your youth — Listen to your tangible music formats or go to Spotify, but pretend it’s your senior year of high school or college and play what thrilled you back then. If it’s Squeeze’s Singles – 45’s and Under, let me know in the comments and we can sing Tempted together over Zoom.
- Re-binge your favorite shows from way back — Chances are good that there are shows you loved back before there were DVRs (or even VCRs). Watch them again, and maybe share the love with a partner, friend, or kid who never experienced the show the first time through. (I’m ready for a Buffy the Vampire Slayer rewatch.)
- Listen to podcasts that review the stuff you loved — I’m a sucker for podcasts where fans talk about TV shows, but also where actors talk about the shows they were in, and each show focuses on one episode. I loved The West Wing Weekly when there was a new episode every week, and my plan is to start listening to I Am All In, Scott (Luke Danes) Patterson’s Gilmore Girls podcast.
And as long as I’m talking about Gilmore Girls, have you seen the new Walmart commercial with the cast?
Unlike some of the rest of us, Lorelai loves winter. If you’re a fan, you know how happy she gets when she can smell snow.
The point of all of this is that you can use the darkness of winter as permission to slow down, rest, and rebuild for a coming spring. Soon enough, we’ll be talking about all you want to accomplish for the new year. Until then, maybe reinvigorate yourself gently?
A PERSPECTIVE TO HELP YOURSELF LET GO
Paper Doll Post:
Thank you, Julie, This is such a wonderfully rich post. Many doable suggestions and enticing links to follow.
Thank you for reading and your kind words.
Stay warm and cozy!
Julie, you never cease to amaze and delight me! Your posts are not only filled with great resources but also with fun facts and new perspectives.
I am not a fan of winter. I love being outside in all seasons except for winter but because I have a dog and he has to go out at least 3 times a day, I am out in the cold and dark weather. I have learned to treat myself when we come back inside with a nice warm cup of tea and a scone or biscotti – Buddy also gets a treat, of course.
Thank you for your suggestions for shifting your mindset.
Aww, Diane, you’re making me blush.
I’m glad to know that your treat yourself (as well as Buddy). I suppose if he doesn’t mind getting out in the cold, you can look at it as a volunteer role — you’re making his life better.
Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts!
There is so much that I resonate with in this post. I struggle with the lack of daylight, but I do now mindfully try to fight the seasonal doldrums.
First, I identified two things I prefer about winter over summer (it was hard, but I found two): fires in my fireplace and that it is generally quieter. The summer I hear a lot of lawn mowers and leaf blowers. I also live next to a family who truly love their pool, and their teenagers enjoy with abandon.
I also add lights and smells. Candles aren’t as fun in the summer, since their light isn’t easy to see. I light a candle every night with dinner during the winter months.
Interestingly, hygge is the “theme” of our library’s winter reading program. I love it! They have a fireplace and it is a nice spot to go sit and read magazines. I wouldn’t do that in the summer.
I am at one with nature- but only when it is warm. Cold weather and I don’t get along very well. In warm months, I’m outside all the time. In winter, I give myself permission to huddle under heated blankets (which I have in three places in my house).
One of the best things about organizing in the winter is that it gives you a great result that improves your mood. Has anyone studied the dopamine hit of getting organized? If so, I bet YOU know about it!
I suspect more of us have (at least mild cases of) seasonal affective disorder than is ever diagnosed. I think we all need this kind of reminder to not just let the snowbanks pile up on top of us (metaphorically) but to use those candles and fireplaces to melt our icy reactions.
Your library has a fireplace? That is the coolest (OK, warmest) library fact!
And OMG, Seana, I am SO going to delve into the literature to find out about the dopamine hits of organizing. There’s far too little academic research on organizing (especially when compared to productivity studies), and this sounds like a rich potential resource!
Thank you for reading and always being so supportive!
I feel cozier already. Thank you, Julie.
It’s so funny, but I ordered “How to Winter” yesterday. I saw it mentioned somewhere (I forgot where), and it was exactly what I wanted to read. I love your review, and I’m sure I will love the book, too.
I learned about the hygge concept some years ago. As someone who struggles with the winter cold, I loved how the Danes embrace and thrive in freezing temperatures. I like to have extra atmospheric light (real or electric candles), use lots of cozy fabrics and blankets, and enjoy spending quieter time with friends and family or alone.
Your suggestion to create a special beverage station is awesome. I almost bought a bag of mini marshmallows at the market yesterday, but I noticed they were about to expire, so I didn’t. Next time I shop, I’ll look for a ‘fresher’ bag.
We’re going to our friends’ home for their annual winter solstice party this Saturday. It’s an amazing event. They live on a large property in the woods. They build an enormous bonfire (teepee shaped) in the woods. There is a lighting ceremony, food, music, and great company. Each of us gets a candle. When we’re ready, we toss it into the fire to signal those things we are ready to let go of and our wishes for the new year. That’s one night I don’t mind being out in the cold. The heat of the flames warms me up, along with the great company.
Cozy up, buttercup! And how funny that you ordered the book just yesterday. I suspect you and I are often on the same wavelengths. (Diane Quintana and I have been trading book recommendation brainwaves lately, too!)
It sounds like hygge was made for you. Maybe you should visit the Nordic countries — though perhaps not in the winter — and report back to us?
They make pink marshmallows; I wonder if you could find purple ones anywhere? (I just Googled; apparently only Peeps and some gourmet kinds; nothing hot cocoa-appropriate.)
I’m so envious — I would LOVE to go to a Winter Solstice party. The cold aside, I would love the rituals, setting aflame (Ted Lasso-style) the things I can let go of. Maybe you’ll share some details after the fact in your blog?
Thank you for reading and sharing your (warm) thoughts!
Julie, you always have so much to ponder. I really liked the quote, “And yet, sometimes, things need to retreat. Sometimes we have to cut it all back to make space for the new growth. An important part of any creative process is the letting go – for every new thing created, there’ll be other great ideas that never see the light of day.”
In the next couple of weeks leading up to the new year and the promise of longer days, I intend to re-evaluate my practices and routines.
Thank you, Jonda. My goal is to give you things to ponder, but not to make the blog too ponderous. 😉
And yes, Graham Allcott has a wonderful way of thoughtfully commenting on concepts like these. I’m so looking forward to reading his new book about kindness.
Stay warm and cozy, and thank you for reading!
Your blog posts are always so incredibly timely! I enjoyed this one as always and am looking forward to the video of the winter solstice from Ireland. 🙂 Great content!
In the dark days of winter our family looks forward to Tuesday movies as the local theater offers discount Tuesdays.
Also, the holidays are a great excuse to brighten your environment. Our grandchildren are a great excuse to leave decorations up long beyond the normal time frame.
Brian, I’m so glad this post hit at the right time. I love the idea of being in the movies on dark days, because movie theaters let you travel *anywhere*, even to someplace warm and sunny for a few hours.
Enjoy the holidays, and thanks for reading!
You’ve touched on so many things that have been percolating in my brain for a long time. Letting go is one of the hardest things for me. I try, every year, to “make friends with winter.” Maybe this is the year?
I hope this year, you can at least have a polite détante with winter, Dava.
We can find the sparkle in little things, including spending time with good friends. Happy holidays, my friend-on-the-mountain!
And thank you for reading.
Julie,
You are a wonder! Is there nothing that you don’t research? Know something about? can advise us about? I am so impressed with all you give your readers!!! Happy Chanukah and best wishes for a wonderful New Year!
LOL, Michele, the problem isn’t researching. It’s STOPPING researching so that a post doesn’t become an encyclopedia. But I appreciate you appreciating my writing.
I hope you have a lovely holiday season and that your 2025 is a healthy and happy one. I hope I will see you on a Wednesday “hive” meeting soon. Until then, thank you for reading!