Is it just me, or does January always feel about six months long? We’re only twelve days into 2026, and the “new year energy” is already fighting a losing battle against the gray sky and the freezing wind.
I woke up this morning, looked out the window, and honestly? I wanted to crawl right back under my weighted blanket and stay there until April. It’s that seasonal gloom… it just kind of seeps into your bones and makes everything feel a little heavier. Your coffee doesn’t kick in quite as fast, your motivation feels like it’s frozen solid, and even the smallest tasks feel like you’re trying to walk through deep snow.
If you’re feeling a bit “blah” lately, I want you to know you aren’t failing at your resolutions. You’re just a human being responding to a season that’s designed for rest, not constant grinding. But since we still have lives to live and dreams to build, I found one little trick that has changed everything for me.
It only takes 15 minutes, it doesn’t cost a dime, and it’s the closest thing to a “reset button” for your brain that I’ve ever found.
The 15-Minute Light & Movement Ritual
Here is the deal: when the sun stays hidden and the air is cold, our bodies get confused. We produce more melatonin (the sleep hormone) and less serotonin (the happy hormone). We’re basically trying to hibernate while our Google Calendar is telling us to “hustle.”
To fix it, I’ve started doing this the second I get out of bed:
Step 1: Seek the Light (5 Minutes) I know, I know… there isn’t exactly “sunlight” in January. But even a gray sky has more “lux” (that’s just fancy light talk) than your indoor lamps. I spend five minutes standing by my brightest window or, if I’m feeling brave, stepping out on the porch with my coffee. It tells your brain the day has officially started. It’s like a gentle nudge to your nervous system saying, “Hey, wake up, the world is waiting.”
Step 2: The Thaw (5 Minutes) Winter makes us stiff. We hunch our shoulders against the cold and sit at our desks for hours. I spend five minutes doing some really simple, “non-sweaty” movement. Just some slow neck rolls, reaching for the ceiling, and maybe a little dance to whatever song is stuck in my head. (Lately, it’s been a lot of 90s R&B… don’t judge me). Just move the stagnant energy out of your limbs.
Step 3: The Intentional Silence (5 Minutes) Before I check a single email or look at a single TikTok, I sit for five minutes in total silence. I ask myself: What do I actually need today? Sometimes the answer is “to work hard,” but sometimes the answer is “a nap and a bowl of soup.” Giving yourself those five minutes of honesty prevents the winter “burnout” before it even starts.
Why This Works
I used to think that to feel better, I needed a week-long vacation in the tropics. And sure, that would be lovely (if anyone wants to gift me a plane ticket, I’m available!). But most of the time, our mood doesn’t need a total overhaul… it just needs a tiny shift.
These 15 minutes create a “protective bubble” around your peace. It’s a way of saying that even if the weather is miserable, your internal weather can still be calm and focused.
We’re in the thick of winter, love. Don’t fight the season; just learn how to walk through it. Try this tomorrow morning—or even right now if you’re reading this at your desk—and see if that gray cloud doesn’t lift just a little bit.
I promise, spring is coming… but let’s make sure we enjoy the journey getting there.
What are your thoughts about the Winter Blues? This 15-Minute Habit is the Reset You Need Please share in the comments below. I really would love to know.
Until next time, shine amongst the stars!
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Feeling gloomy this winter? ❄️ You don’t need a vacation; you just need 15 minutes. Here is the simple habit I’m using to boost my mood and energy when the sky is gray. Let’s reclaim our spark together! ✨ 🕯️ ✨ ❤️ #LavandaMIchelle
I need to start this today. hanks for this.