Struggling with winter? Here’s 5 ways to beat the blahs!

A man is outside looking into the distance

Winter is a less-than-happy time for many people in the Northern Hemisphere and can be especially impactful to the neurodiverse community. And yet there are still things we want and need to do! Wouldn’t it be nice if everything just went on hold until spring? Alas, our powers are limited.

If you’re struggling to hold out until spring, try these concepts to keep going despite the blahs of late winter:

1. Under promise to over-deliver It can be tempting to power through and assume we can be just as productive mid-winter as we are in late spring, but that isn’t realistic for many of us. If we can cut back and state smaller intentions, even if we eventually exceed those, we will have fewer disappointments from ourselves and those around us.

2. Ask for help This is a theoretically simple concept that bears repeating, but it can also be more challenging for the neurodiverse community than for others. We have made multiple videos on this very concept. What could make reaching out for support a tiny bit easier?

Two roses lying against the dark ground

3. Movement (yes, I know) Moving our bodies is a proven benefit to nearly anyone. Although some kinds of movement have different benefits, any movement is more beneficial than none. For the neurodiverse community, doing this alone can be a nearly insurmountable barrier so consider getting a buddy to join you for accountability!

4. Connection Many of us struggle with connection with other humans in the neurodiverse community for many reasons, whether it’s online, through a video call, or, the most potent, in person. If we can find a way to make a start, however small, at feeling connected to the people in our lives and communities, the winter may not feel so long.

5. Building something One of the things about winter that I find interminable is that it feels like we will never see the sun again. Having a project I can see progress on week by week really helps me feel a sense of agency and hope.

What things help you weather the winter with fewer blahs?