How to Protect Your Mental Health During Minnesota’s Long Winter
Minnesota winters are beautiful… and long. When the temps drop, daylight disappears, and cabin fever creeps in, it’s easy to feel off your game. Low energy, restlessness, and a general blah mood are common this time of year—and you’re not alone.
I, for one, need a reminder to take care of my mental health when winter keeps us inside. So here are some helpful tips for when winter starts to take its toll.
Create a Daily Rhythm (Even When Days Blur Together)
Winter has a way of making every day feel the same. A simple routine brings structure back.
Wake up and go to bed at consistent times
Get dressed—even if you’re not going anywhere
Anchor your day with one “non-negotiable” (walk, workout, coffee ritual)
I’ve committed to working from our brand new office — and sharing a workspace with a friend. The accountability and rhythm to show up has been a great addition to my 2026 routine.
Soak in the Natural Light
Minnesota winters don’t give us much daylight, so be intentional with what we get.
Open blinds and curtains first thing in the morning
Sit near windows when working or reading
Step outside during daylight hours, even briefly
Light matters more than we realize. If your house doesn’t get much light, consider purchasing a light therapy lamp, or “happy light” to get the mood and energy boost your body craves.
Move Your Body
You don’t need intense workouts to feel better. Movement helps clear mental fog and boost mood.
Stretch while watching TV
Try a short home workout or yoga video
Walk laps at a mall or indoor track
My personal fave is that last one. We have the biggest mall in the country. One lap is just over half a mile! So, grab a Caribou and your tennis shoes and take a lap or two. Your body and mind will thank you.
Stay Social (Even When You’d Rather Hibernate)
Isolation sneaks up fast when it’s cold out. Stay connected in ways that feel doable.
Schedule standing coffee dates or phone calls
Invite friends over instead of waiting for spring
Join a class, book club, or community group
Spontaneous lunch or coffee dates work, too. Connection is a powerful mood stabilizer.
Make Your Space Work for You
If you’re spending more time indoors, your environment matters.
Add warm lighting and cozy textures
Keep one area tidy and calm
Bring in greenery—even faux plants help
When I do work from home, I love watching the birds out my window. When it’s snowing, it truly feels like I’m in a snow globe — and I love it!
Limit the Doom Scroll
We’re experiencing tough times here in Minnesota right now. The emotional toll is real.
Set boundaries around social media and news
Replace scrolling with reading, puzzles, or music
Notice how your mood shifts when you unplug
Less noise creates more breathing room.
Plan a Trip (Even If It’s Months Away)
My personal favorite — having a trip on the calendar.
Planning a trip—big or small—gives your brain a break from the sameness of winter.
Anticipation boosts mood and motivation
It creates a sense of forward movement
It reminds you that winter is a season, not a permanent state
The trip doesn’t have to be extravagant. A long weekend somewhere warm, a spring break road trip, or even a summer cabin stay all count. Research shows that the planning phase alone can increase happiness, sometimes more than the trip itself — but Florida right now sounds awfully appealing.
When to Ask for Extra Support
If winter blues start to feel heavy or unmanageable, reaching out for professional help is a strong step—not a last resort. Therapists, counselors, and primary care providers can offer support and perspective.
Minnesota winters test us—but they also invite us to care for ourselves in deeper ways. You don’t have to love this season to get through it well.
Small choices and steady care. Spring is just around the corner.
