When we first moved to Alaska, I was confident about getting through their famously harsh winters. I had grown up in Chicago after all. Lake effect snow, winter vortex, sleet, icy roads, below freezing winds? I had seen it all, or so I thought. Because of this, I gave no thought to following the advice of the hardcore Alaskans, the ones who have lived here for decades in the icy Interior. That first winter, I ended up paying the price! In the midst of our second winter, with several feet of snow, only a few hours of daylight, and temperatures that dipped close to negative 50 degrees, I implemented the weird tips and tricks with my own family and watched it work firsthand. Whether you live in Alaska or not, winter can have negative effects on everyone. Read on to see what some of the toughest people do to help themselves and their kids beat the winter blues!
(This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a very small commission if you clink on a link and buy something. For more information please read our Disclosure Policy. Thanks for your support!)
What does it mean to beat the winter blues?
So, what exactly are the winter blues? Typically, this term is used to describe sadness, decreased energy, loss of motivation, and depressive symptoms that occur during the winter season. Clinically, these symptoms are to a lesser extent than what would be seen in a diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Psychiatrists estimate that approximately 14% of adults in the United States experience the winter blues.
While more severe symptoms may require therapeutic treatment, Alaskans have utilized these methods to help beat the winter blues and combat the effects of long, harsh winters in extreme conditions.
1. Invest in a happy light
For some people, frigid temperatures, less time spent outside, and diminishing sunlight can leave them feeling sluggish, irritable, and unproductive. In Fairbanks, we receive just 3.5 hours of daylight on the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.
For this reason, many Alaskans and their kids regularly use a happy light to help beat the winter blues. Recent research shows that routine use of this intervention can drastically reduce the severity of symptoms seen in the more severe SAD cases.
Get it from Amazon here.
2. Increase Vitamin D
In the winter months, most people in colder climates are apt to spending less time outside. This can lead to a lack of adequate sunlight, which is linked to Vitamin D deficiency. Research shows that a deficiency in Vitamin D can lead to an increased risk in higher rates of certain cancers, skin diseases, mood disorders, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, coronary heart disease, and more.
To help raise Vitamin D levels, try providing your kids with Vitamin D rich foods, such as fatty fish such as tuna or salmon, mushrooms, orange juice, egg yolks, and some dairy products including milk and cheese.
Vitamin D supplements are also available for children. Alaskans recommend beginning Vitamin D supplementation in late summer to fully combat the effects of Vitamin D deficiency. As always, ask your child’s pediatrician before starting them on a supplement.
Get it from Amazon here.
3. Exercise
Kids are full of energy and in the winter months, this can be more challenging in times when going outside is not an option. Take a tip from Alaska and schedule time for indoor activities where kids can run around and expel some of this energy. Going to the gym or an indoor play place, or signing up for lessons such as swimming, dance, or indoor sports can be great ways to give your kids increased exercise to help beat the winter blues.
In Alaska, they have conformed to this idea by bringing the outdoors inside. Indoor playplaces, soccer fields, and even an indoor waterpark in Anchorage are common!
Related:
- 7 Amazing and Unique Things to Do in Fairbanks, Alaska
- Coping Skills Worksheet for Kids
- 45 Incredible Positive Affirmations for Kids
4. Plan a trip
Alaskans are notorious for breaking up the winter with a vacation. So much so that Alaska Airlines runs a special every October with discounted fares out of Alaska to California, Hawaii, Mexico, and more. Research shows that even the act of planning for a vacation can increase happiness levels.
So save those frequent flyer miles or look for great deals on flights, plan a small weekend roadtrip, and relax with your kids with a change of pace and scenery to help beat the winter blues.
5. Socialize
Kids need socialization and this can be especially important during the winter when staying indoors can lead to cabin fever and the winter blues. Fairbanks is well known for having a tight-knit community, something that has helped generations since the first pioneers survive and thrive in the harsh climate.
It’s normal to feel like you want to hibernate in the cold, winter months. However, be proactive and help you and your kids beat the winter blues by scheduling playdates and family time. Board games, card games, crafts, science experiments, art projects, and more creative activities can help your kids keep their brains sharp and save your own sanity during these long winter days.
If symptoms of the winter blues in you or your kids continue or worsen, talk to your doctor or therapist about other changes that may be necessary to get through these winter months.
Do you have any tips to help beat the winter blues? Let us know in the comments below!
Like this post? Pin it!
Meileilan says
I know what you mean by winter cold. I live in Wisconsin but I can only imagine how cold Alaska is. Yay! I love the positive vibe from you. Getting vitamin D is definitely on my list too. Xoxo
Christina says
Thanks so much! I definitely think that growing up in the Midwest helped prepare me for Alaska, but we are fortunate in Fairbanks not to have any icy wind!
Megan says
Exercise and socializing were big for me when we lived in snow and colder temperatures. Great ideas. Xo ~ Megan The Fashionista Momma
Christina says
Thanks so much! I definitely agree, they can make a huge difference!
Jasmine Hunt says
These are spot on even for us adults! I tend to be a little bluer in the winter time so I have to combat that with a lot of these tricks! Love that you are addressing it for the little ones! People tend to forget that kinds get down too!
Jasmine 🙂
colorubold.com
Christina says
Thank you, Jasmine, that is definitely true that adults can feel the winter blues just as much as kids! It’s so important to take care of our mental health, no matter what our age.
lauren says
Love this! We live in Michigan and winters can just drag on. I have never heard the Vitamin D supplement suggestion, I will have to give that a try. I get terrible seasonal depression and this post has great suggestions! Thanks for sharing!
Christina says
I’m so glad you found it helpful! I had never heard of taking Vitamin D supplements either until we moved there, but it was a must for Alaskans to get through those dark winter months!
Shannah says
I can’t even imagine what it’s like to be without sunlight for so long! I too lived in that Chicago area and the 6 months of winter was enough for me and we moved the next year. These are great tips and I’ve heard a lot of good things about using a light box in the winter.
Christina says
I didn’t think Chicago winters were that bad except it’s the wind that will get you! It was very difficult to be without sunlight for so long. Even the daylight during the winter months tended to be more of a twilight. I would say that bothered me more than the brutal temperatures!
savvysouthernchic says
These are great ideas, even for those of us who don’t live in cold climates.
Christina says
Thanks so much! We are down in Florida now and had a cold spell this week and I am already ready to book a vacation somewhere warmer to escape!
tumblingcloset says
Omg. These tips are so helpful. I thought I was the only one feeling blue these days. Good to know that I am not alone in this. Very informative post. Will definitely try these tips <3
Christina says
You are definitely not alone! The winter blues are very common, but also reassuring to know that there are effective ways to get out of it!
geekydaddydave says
I was unfamiliar with a ‘happy light’ until recently, but been hearing a lot about them now.
Christina says
It was new to me too when we first moved to Alaska, but there is a ton of research that has been coming out showing it can be extremely effective!
Chrissy Woj says
I don’t even think those are that weird! I’m a Chicago girl too, and I agree with all of them! Especially the vacation!
Christina says
For me, winters in Chicago were a lot easier because we tended to have a lot more to do! As we’ve since travelled around the world, I’ve realized that’s not always the case. That’s where these can be especially helpful!
Kasey Ma says
I think those are great tips! I live in NYC, so implementing some of these will definitely help get through the winter season.
Kasey Ma
thestylewright.com
Christina says
Thanks so much! I can imagine NYC winters can be difficult as well, but how fortunate to live in a city where cheap flights are available!
MK says
I’ve never heard of a Happy Light before, but now I shall get one. It’d be great to use both in the wintertime and at my home office when I am hunkered down getting things done and can’t wander outside. Thanks!
Christina says
That’s a great idea! We’ve since moved to the Sunshine State, but now that I work from home, I don’t get outside as much as I should and a desktop Happy Light would be an awesome help!
Blythe Alpern says
These are such great tips. I actually enjoy winter, except for the getting dark early part. I try to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible and make plans with friends so I don’t feel trapped inside all the time.
Christina says
Yes, I completely agree with that! In fact, the friends I made in Alaska were such an amazing support and helped me survive those tough winters! It’s actually one of the reasons why I believe the Fairbanks, Alaska community is so close and tight-knit. They understand that power as well!