During the winter season, you may find that you're feeling a mild case of the mid-winter blues. It’s hard to be happy all the time, especially when the weather is cold and dreary. Doing a wellness reset and creating an apartment sanctuary can help you chase away the winter blues.
Key Takeaways
- Boosting your apartment’s lighting with lamps, string lights, or smart bulbs can help counter the effects of shorter winter days and lift your mood. Letting in more natural light during the day also helps.
- Creating a cozy environment with fuzzy blankets, soft rugs, and seasonal scents like cinnamon or pine transforms your space into a relaxing retreat during the colder months.
- Dedicating a small corner for self-care, adding a few low-maintenance plants, and playing energizing music or festive tunes can make your apartment feel more vibrant and combat the winter blues.
What Are the Winter Blues?
The winter blues describe the low energy and sluggish mood many people feel when the colder months arrive. This is likely due to the decreased daylight hours, gray weather, and chillier temperatures. Shorter days can throw off your rhythm, making it harder to stay motivated or feel settled at home.
Many people experience the winter blues and renters are no different. It can even feel more pronounced when you spend long stretches inside your apartment. Now that you know what the winter blues are, here’s how to create a sanctuary that gets rid of them.
Focus on Lighting
When daylight disappears early, your apartment can feel dark and dim fast. Add a few lamps or string lights to brighten up your apartment or splurge for a smart bulb for customizable, mood-boosting light.
Incorporate natural light
The sun sets early in the winter, so make the most of the daylight hours while you can. Keep blinds and curtains open during the day and swap blackout panels for sheer curtains for more light. Natural light does wonders for boosting brightness and your mood.
Add Cozy Details
Another way you can boost your mood is by creating a relaxing retreat right in your apartment! The best way to create a warm wonderland is by adding cozy details.
Throw in some cozy textiles
Go to a home decor store and pick up some blankets, pillows, and a rug or two. Focus on textiles that are fuzzy, soft, chunky, and thick. These will keep you warm while adding a cozy touch to your apartment.
Surround yourself with seasonal scents
Use scent to shape the mood of your space. Light a candle or add scented oil to a diffuser, then choose fragrances that match the vibe you want. Warm notes like cinnamon or vanilla create a cozy atmosphere, while crisp scents, such as pine or fir balsam, add a burst of energy.
Create a Dedicated Self-Care Corner
Whether it’s a corner for exercise, wellness activities, or your new indoor hobby, having a specific space for it makes the activity easier to enjoy and stick with. You don’t need a lot of space, either; a single corner is plenty. Add a chair and rug for a little reading corner or use a storage bin to keep workout or hobby gear organized and within reach.
Add Plants
Incorporate indoor plants to bring some color and life to your apartment. Even just one or two can bring a breath of fresh air to your space. Don’t worry if you don’t have a green thumb, as there’s plenty of low-maintenance options out there.
Play Your Favorite Music
Music instantly shifts the mood of a room. Put on your favorite songs or holiday tunes to add energy and break up the winter’s quiet. A little background sound can make your space feel brighter and more alive.
Decorate for the Holidays
Get in the spirit of the season and bring a little cheer to your apartment by decorating! Try out renter-friendly holiday decorations to get festive without having to worry about losing your security deposit. Some favorites are tensions rods wrapped in garlands, command strips with lights, and window decorations.
Find Hosting Tips on Renterverse
Now that you’ve created an apartment sanctuary that chases away the winter blues, show it off by inviting people over! Regardless of the size of your space, you can enjoy the fun of hosting holiday gatherings with a little planning and some smart hacks.
Renterverse is here to help you discover how you can host in an apartment. Every season and holiday is covered, whether it’s for winter events around Christmas or the summer season, like the 4th of July. From small apartments to outdoor spaces, find out how to utilize every inch of your apartment to host the best gathering.
FAQs
What temperature should I set my apartment to in the winter?
A thermostat setting near 68°F is generally comfortable during the fall and winter months. Lowering the temperature slightly at night or when no one is home can help reduce energy use. To protect your plumbing, avoid setting the heat below 55°F, which helps keep pipes from freezing.
How do I make my apartment warmer?
Simple adjustments can make an apartment feel noticeably warmer. Seal gaps around windows and doors to reduce drafts, and use heavier curtains to keep heat inside. Area rugs add insulation on hard floors, while rearranging furniture so it doesn’t block vents helps heat circulate more effectively.
