Battling the Winter Blues

Creative Tips for Getting Through the Cold

Winter on Canada’s East Coast is long, dark, and undeniably cold. As the days grow shorter, I often feel my creative spark flicker, and it becomes harder to stay motivated. While I do enjoy winter—there’s something magical about waking up to a fresh layer of snow—the deeper we get into the season, the harder it becomes to keep going. As spring feels distant, I find myself struggling with motivation. Over the years, I’ve developed techniques to push through these winter blues, and I want to share some of them with you.

February is, without a doubt, my least favorite month. The holidays are long gone, the days are still short, and spring seems nowhere in sight. With some of the coldest temperatures of the year, February often feels like the peak of winter exhaustion. By 5:30 PM, darkness has already taken over, and I’d much rather curl up in bed. As an illustrator, I can’t afford to let an entire season slip by without creating. So, I’ve had to get creative with how I approach this time of year.

Set Daily Goals

When motivation is low, seeing a long to-do list can feel overwhelming. Instead of focusing on weekly or monthly goals, which can feel daunting, I start my mornings by making a simple list of daily tasks. It’s crucial not to overdo it. Keep the goals realistic and focused. This approach helps me stay on track without the pressure of trying to tackle everything at once.

Experiment with winter

Autumn has always been my season—the warm reds, oranges, and golden yellows come naturally to me. Winter, with its cooler color palette, used to feel like a barrier to creating the art I loved. But over time, I’ve learned to see winter scenes as an opportunity to experiment. Maybe I’ll start with a warm underpainting, allowing bits of warmth to peek through the snow, or challenge myself to step away from my usual color choices. Winter offers a chance to push boundaries and explore new ideas in my work.

Set the Mood with Music

Sometimes, the right music is all it takes to get into the right headspace. On some days, I like to romanticize my work and imagine what music the character in my painting might be listening to. On days that are a bit harder, when the winter chill makes everything feel heavy, I turn to nostalgic music that reminds me of a happy memory.

Take a Warm Reset

A hot shower and a cozy drink can work wonders when I’m feeling stuck or unfocused. Even if it’s only midday, if I find myself losing concentration, I’ll take a break to recharge. A hot shower clears my mind, and a warm drink—my go-to is Earl Grey—adds a comforting touch. It’s a simple, soothing ritual that helps reset my mood and get me back on track.

An Inspiring Read

Sometimes, creativity is nurtured outside the studio. I’ve found that reading can be a great way to refill my well when I’m feeling drained. Lately, I’ve been re-reading Anne of Green Gables—a childhood favorite. The first chapters of the book, set in spring, are filled with lush descriptions of blooming flowers and golden sunshine. These beautiful images fill me with hope for the warmer months ahead and inspire the work I’ve been doing in my sketchbook. Sometimes, it’s not about creating in the moment but surrounding yourself with things that inspire you.

Finding Other Creative Outlets

There are days when the motivation to create just isn’t there, and that’s okay. Our minds and bodies need rest, and sometimes that means stepping away from your primary creative work. But if you’re like me, you still want to express yourself in other ways. On really cold days, I enjoy getting creative in the kitchen—cooking a comforting pot of soup or baking soft, cozy cookies to enjoy with tea. Lately, I’ve also been working more with my sewing machine, whether I’m mending clothes or making something new. These alternative creative outlets help me stay connected to my craft, even when I’m not actively illustrating.

Takeaway

Everyone experiences winter differently, and each person has their own way of coping with the season. If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to try something new—whether it’s one of the tips I’ve shared, or something completely different. Maybe winter is your season, and you thrive during these months—in that case, I truly envy you. But if, like me, you’re finding it difficult to get through the cold, know you’re not alone. Take a deep breath and listen to what your body and mind need.

Stay warm my Lovelies,

Leah Bee xx