Seasons affect people in different ways. Some come alive in the spring — the increasing light brings energy and a better mood. For others, spring can actually feel more tiring than the darker season that came before it.
If your tiredness is seasonal and occasional, and your low mood isn’t too severe, the tips below might help.
Note: If your low mood is severe or continues for a longer period of time, it’s a good idea to contact a healthcare professional.
1. Update Your Sources of Pleasure
Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether your body needs rest or stimulation. For some, occasional lounging on the couch is a good way to recharge a tired mind — but rest alone doesn’t always bring relaxation. Especially for people working in desk jobs or doing academic work, true relaxation might come more from engaging in active tasks or shifting focus rather than typical rest.
The activities that help you relax may also need updating. What once brought peace in a different life stage might not work anymore — and that’s okay. You might need to try something new.
On the other hand, revisiting childhood or teenage memories can spark ideas for reconnecting with core parts of yourself that once brought joy.
What did you love doing as a child? Or as a teen? What brought you joy and helped you relax? How could you adapt that to your life now?
2. Schedule Milestones to Look Forward To
Not everyone enjoys long-term planning, but for some, having things to look forward to makes everyday life more bearable. Especially during long stretches of routine, it helps to divide time into intervals where something exciting is planned. Having something ahead keeps your eyes on the horizon.
Sometimes less is more
During stressful times, it can also help to ground yourself in simple, everyday routines. Repeating similar tasks adds structure and helps focus on what truly matters. Sometimes less external stimulation creates more internal peace.
3. Immerse Yourself in Something New
Getting deeply engaged in an activity lets your mind rest from other concerns. Fatigue and stress can fade — even temporarily — when you’re fully present. Deep focus promotes living in the moment.
That’s why it’s important to find a hobby or activity that you enjoy and that requires your full attention. For some, it’s hiking in tough terrain. For others, it might be painting, trying a new dance class, or indoor climbing. Experimenting helps you understand yourself and your needs better.
Contrast helps some people
Winter swimming or dipping into icy water is popular in Nordic countries. The shock of cold water has been studied, and some people report it brings them significant energy and mental clarity. Cold-water immersion may support stress management and improve mental wellbeing.
4. Cook or Pack Food and Eat Outdoors
Especially in northern parts of the world, every bit of daylight — especially in winter — is precious and worth using.
I have a friend who works remotely and starts eating lunch outdoors as soon as she sees even a single snow-free patch of ground. She layers up in winter clothes, places a warm fur on a garden chair, and takes her lunch plate outside. Eating outside has become a cornerstone of her winter wellbeing.
TIP: If you have a yard or balcony, start using it as soon as weather permits. Try to capture even small rays of sunshine — with warm clothing, even your coffee break can move outside.
5. Accept Occasional Low Moods
Sometimes it’s helpful to reflect on the expectations you set for yourself. Constant energy and positivity are not realistic or necessary goals.
You don’t have to be your “best self” every single day.
Ask yourself: Do I allow myself space to feel unmotivated, irritated, or tired?
It’s important to learn to care for yourself even on days when you don’t feel productive or inspired. Speaking kindly to yourself is especially crucial during low-energy moments.
Have you ever noticed the tone of voice you use when talking to yourself?
Is your inner voice kind or demanding?
6. By Doing Good for Others, You Also Take Care of Yourself
The media is full of tips for boosting happiness and wellbeing. Ironically, too much focus on yourself can lead to overanalyzing your emotions and thoughts. Sometimes shifting attention outward helps.
Helping others — even in small ways — lifts your own spirits too.
Acts of kindness and support not only benefit others but often give a sense of purpose and joy to the giver. For example, volunteering has been linked to greater life satisfaction.
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