The Winter Cure We Forget: Creativity!
/Written by: Stacy Stoddard, LCMFT
As the days grow shorter and the weather turns colder, many people notice a shift in their mood, energy, and motivation. Winter can bring increased isolation, disrupted routines, and a sense of emotional heaviness—especially for those already navigating anxiety, depression, or seasonal affective symptoms.
We’ve all heard the standard self-care tips for winter - exercise, warm tea, journaling, maintaining friendships, and more. And while all of those are helpful, I find one in particular that is often overlooked - creativity!
Creativity gives us a way to express what may feel difficult to name. Even if we can’t put words to our winter blahs, getting our brains into creative mode can help express our internal experiences rather than holding them silently inside.
In addition, when the cold and darkness of winter keeps us inside for longer periods, creative projects can provide respite to the isolation and boredom that can come from more limited social interactions and outdoor activities. They invite curiosity, play, and novelty at a time of year that often feels repetitive or stagnant.
There is also a nervous system benefit to creative engagement. Many creative activities support regulation by slowing the body down, improving focus, and shifting us out of chronic stress responses. Repetitive or immersive creative practices—such as knitting, drawing, journaling, or playing an instrument—can be grounding and calming, offering a gentle sense of rhythm during an otherwise dysregulating season.
If winter tends to feel emotionally heavy for you, consider inviting creativity into your routine in small, accessible ways: a few minutes of free writing in the morning, doodling while listening to music, cooking intuitively, or experimenting with photography during a midday walk. These moments of creation can serve as quiet acts of care, reminding us that even in the darker seasons, there is still room for expression, movement, and growth.
Creativity doesn’t eliminate winter’s challenges—but it can help us meet them with more flexibility, resilience, and warmth.
