5 Tips To Fight The Winter Blues
So how’s the weather by you? Rainy, snowy, cold or gray? How does that leave you feeling?
The third Monday in January has been named “Blue Monday.”
Here’s the definition: Blue Monday is a name given to a day in January (typically the third Monday of the month) reported to be the most depressing day of the year.
Now, I’m going to date myself, but when I heard about “Blue Monday” I thought about the Carpenter song Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Me Down. I want you to know I’m not endorsing Karen Carpenter or her music, because I really don’t know near enough about her but when I listened to the song a line really jumped out to me.
“Run and find the ONE who loves me…”
So often earthly love fails us but our loving God is always there for us.
So how do we find much needed renewal during this winter season? Let’s start by defining what we mean by renewal. One definition of renewal means to give somebody new energy, strength or enthusiasm. Here are a couple of synonyms for renewal:
Revitalization
Rejuvenation
Replenishment
Could you use some of that? Me too!
1. Take time to Be Still
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Find a quiet place and time just for you. I know, for some of us this sounds almost impossible! When my kids were little I would just hope for a nice hot soak in the bath or a late evening or early morning with time just for me and God.
2. Get into the Word
The best place to start is with inspiration and motivation from God’s Word. His love and forgiveness renews us daily! Some days I just need some encouraging Bible passages. Other days, I can just stick with my reading plan. Either way, I end my time with prayer and lay my concerns and hopes before the Lord. I also spend time thanking Him for the many,many blessings He has poured out on me. This allows me to do a heart and attitude check.
“But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart”
Am I too focused on me and not on God and his will for me?
Am I sinking into a pity party of everything being wrong?
Or am I just stuck in a rut and need to be pulled from it?
3. Intentionally Choose your Attitude
Often our attitude can resemble the dark sky. We can slip into a bad attitude and not even realize it. When this happens to me, I know my day won’t be good. So I ask God to help me to choose a better attitude for the day.
Winston Churchill wrote,
“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”
And isn’t that the truth? How you approach things often impacts the end results.
How’s your attitude been lately?
Do you see challenges as opportunities or problems?
I recently met a woman who said, “No one will ever help me with this.” She had already determined the results because of her attitude.
4. Set Goals
No matter if you are a huge planner or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of woman, a few good goals can help you jump start your day, week, month or year. If we don’t have a goal we get stuck in the same old place- which can happen to look rather dull, gray and bleak.
“As I make goals for this year... Jesus, let your thoughts become my thoughts and bend my will to your will.”
5. Increase your Energy Level
Find ways to increase your energy level. Ask the Lord to renew your strength. Turn on some favorite music, go for a walk or run, go dance in the rain or play in the snow.
Did you know that energy is contagious? People love to get on board and be part of something fun and exciting. But if you’re down in the dumps and have little energy it can impact everyone around you.
“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
So sweet sisters may God richly bless YOU and your year ahead. I hope this gives you a few fresh ideas on renewal. I’m sure you have lots of ideas too!
What have you found that helps you to renew?
Lori also helped launch a thriving Women’s Ministry at Trinity. She serves as the Leadership Development Coordinator, coordinates and facilitates Bible studies and engages, equips and empowers other women with the gifts and abilities to gather and encourage women to grow in their walk with Jesus.