Cold weather and less sunlight got you down? Here’s how to rekindle your energy and creativity.

While the concept of “Blue Monday”, typically the third Monday in January as being the most depressing day of the year, might not be scientifically proven, let’s face it: January and February can be a drag. Winter stretches ahead for weeks and, in many places, it’s so cold you don’t want to go outside.

The combination can be enough to get anyone down. If you’ve got a case of the winter slumps, use these tips to feel better and rekindle your energy and creativity.

1. Stay Warm

Wear warm and fuzzy sweaters. Yes, sweaters are in this season. But I still like warm and thick sweatshirts with a huge hood. Create an environment where you’re going to be comfortable and not distracted by how cold you are.

2. Fake Sunlight

Staying indoors during winter’s daylight hours can lead to a reduction in Vitamin D and generally make us feel less energetic. If you can’t get outdoors a few times a day, then try to sit near a window whenever you can to catch some rays that way.

3. Reconsider Your New Year’s Diet

In January, your food choices are likely different than they are during the rest of the year. You may have indulged in rich, fatty foods during the holidays, which may make you feel lethargic. If you then began dieting as part of a New Year’s resolution, such dramatic food changes can have an impact on your energy levels.

“Cutting morning calories, giving up too many foods, and not addressing the needs that emotional eating fulfills can turn a health-bound dieting effort into a mental health emergency. Talk to your doctor about how you can adjust your eating properly and opt for balance. Eat soothing food like a crockpot meal or a roast with root veggies.

4. Plan Some Fun Time

People who live in cold-weather climates may find themselves more isolated during the winter months either because it’s too cold or plans get cancelled because of weather-related issues. “We tend to stay indoors more and not socialize,” she says. People who crave such social interactions may feel a lack of energy or enthusiasm without such connection. Positive social interactions are critical for our health and well-being, so make an effort to spend time with people who make you feel happy.

5. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is the cheapest and most effective medicine you can give yourself. If you feel like you need to sleep more because of the shorter daylight hours, don’t fight it.

6. Tune In TO Your Energy

It can be tempting to want to power through when you feel “blah, it’s important to give yourselves the benefit of some downtime, too. Taking advantage of the winter months to slow down and “hibernate” can have tremendous restorative benefits and make our minds more creative.

“Our mind is more likely to come up with novel, creative, and breakthrough kinds of ideas when we’re idle. It’s like the proverbial aha moment in the shower. Research shows that our brain is more likely to come up with those ideas when it’s just hazy, daydreamy, right before sleep, or you’re just relaxing”. But you can’t tap into that creative power when you’re mindlessly surfing social media or zoning out in front of the television.

7. Take Action If Needed

Sometimes, a slump is more than a slump. If you are feeling depressed or anxious, it might be time for help. If you need to talk to someone or just spend more time with Yeshua/ Jesus.