Recent News & Blog / 6 Tips for Making It Through the Last 6 Weeks of Winter
February 16, 2026
On February 2nd, the world’s most famous groundhog and beloved Pennsylvanian, Punxsutawney Phil, predicted six more weeks of winter. This news comes as a blow to those who are desperately longing for warmer days ahead, especially after a winter marked by below average temperatures and heavy snow.
As we muscle through this last stretch of cold and dark days, here are six tips to help you make it through these last six weeks of winter.
1. Consider how others make it through long winters
As we count down the days until bright sunbeams and lush, green grass are visible from our windows again, it can be helpful to consider what others do to make it through long winters. In countries like Denmark and Norway, the practice of hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) helps get people through the long, cold, and dark winters. This practice centers on warmth, comfort, and intentionality. During this time of year, when it’s frigid and uninviting outdoors, they use hygge to create the exact opposite conditions in their homes.
You could easily implement some of these practices into your home as we prepare for the last stretch of winter weather. For little to no cost, you can light some candles, enjoy a homemade meal around the table with your family, bring your kid’s bedding to the living room for the ultimate cozy movie night, or invite some friends over for a board game marathon. A warm and inviting home, where everyone feels comfortable, can make the winter season feel much more manageable.
2. Utilize light therapy
Light plays a crucial role in staying well throughout the winter. When the days end sooner, the lack of sunlight can disrupt circadian rhythms, contributing to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). As you go about your day, consider the ways in which you can increase your exposure to light sources.
Open your curtains to allow for sunlight to filter in. If you work from home or an office with windows, try positioning your workspace closer to natural light. For those who spend the majority of the day in environments without natural light, light therapy can be beneficial. Bright light boxes that shine light at 10,000 lux (like this one) or sunlight lamps can provide support for those experiencing SAD or anyone who could simply use a pick-me-up.
3. Prioritize diet and physical exercise
Since the weather is often a barrier to spending significant time outdoors, many of us settle into hibernation mode—eating too many carb-filled snacks and watching too much television. But these things can make the winter more challenging than it needs to be.
During the winter, find ways to prioritize movement and nutrition. Especially for those who work at a computer all day, a walking pad can fit under your desk, helping you to get your steps in as you go about your work. You could also find free at-home yoga and stretching resources on YouTube that can help you stave off the winter blues.
Over these last several weeks of winter, focus also on eating well and increasing your intake of essential nutrients, like vitamin D3 and zinc, so you can be at your best when the weather improves. And don’t forget to hydrate! Even though you may not be participating in strenuous outdoor activities, water consumption plays a key role in keeping your skin hydrated in dry conditions, boosting your mood, fighting off fatigue, and supporting your immune system throughout the winter months.
4. Do something for others
Whether you’re dealing with SAD or just feeling a bit run down, something that can help perk you up is to do something for someone else. These acts don’t have to be huge or extravagant to make a big impact either.
For example, if you’re a coffee drinker, this could be as simple as the next time you’re in a busy drive-thru line, paying for the order behind you, or bringing a coffee to a friend while you’re out. If you’re a woodworker, you could carve out some time this winter to create a Little Free Library for the children in your neighborhood.
You could also lend time or donate to a local nonprofit to help support your community, bring a meal to a new mom, or simply send a “I’m thinking of you” text to an old friend. If you want inspiration, this list of random acts of kindness is a great starting point!
5. Focus on what you can do
One of the most important tips for getting through the winter is to find unique ways to enjoy the season. You can accomplish this by reframing your thinking to stop focusing on everything you can’t do during the winter and instead focus on the unique things that can only be done during this time of year.
Have kids or grandchildren? Plan a Saturday to go snowtubing or snowboarding. Love shopping? Pick out the best snow boots or winter jacket you can find in your budget. Feeling a bit stir crazy? Channel your energy into getting a head start on your spring cleaning.
It might even be helpful to make a bucket list of things that are unique to your interests that you want to do before spring rolls around. This will also help you feel like you’ve accomplished something after the winter ends!
6. Create anticipation
While finding contentment in winter is a great way to get through these final weeks, it can also be helpful to start planning things that you look forward to in the warmer months.
Maybe it’s scheduling a weekend on the lake with friends, blocking time off for a trip to a local winery with your spouse, or starting to research restaurants to patronize during your family’s annual beach vacation. Creating anticipation can help energize you for what’s ahead and help you get through these last few weeks.
Final thoughts
Even though it’s cold and dreary, there’s always something you can do to find joy in every season! We hope these sparked some ideas of things you can do as we wait out these final weeks of winter to give way to spring.