Dr. Jodi Aman is joined by comedian Julia Leahy from @morepestoplease on YT and TikTok to discuss how to beat the winter blues, especially for those facing colder months in the city. The two discuss the struggles of staying motivated when days get shorter and colder and explore practical tips for keeping spirits high—like creating cozy spaces, sticking to routines, and finding joy in social connections and indoor activities. From maintaining a positive mindset to bundling up and taking walks, Jodi and Julia share relatable insights to help you thrive through winter.Episode Summary:In this episode, Dr. Jodi and Julia Leahy discuss the common feelings of isolation and decreased motivation many face during winter. They cover how colder weather, shorter days, and city life in places like New York can amplify the winter blues. Julia shares her experiences as a content creator and offers light-hearted tips like building cozy, inviting spaces and the joys of crafting and decorating. The two explore ways to counteract winter struggles, such as keeping routines, joining exercise classes, and nurturing social connections, even through small outings or coffee breaks. Dr. Jodi highlights the benefits of maintaining a supportive environment, practicing self-compassion, and using creativity as a tool to feel empowered rather than overwhelmed. From managing daily routines to staying mentally energized, this episode is packed with relatable advice on managing seasonal challenges.Key Takeaways from this Episode:Create a Winter Routine:Stick to a daily schedule that includes a walk, a warm-up ritual, or a consistent exercise class to help your body and mind adjust to the colder season.Build a Cozy Sanctuary:Make your space inviting with warm lighting, frequent tidying, and small comforts like soft blankets or scented candles.Engage in Social Activities:Combat isolation by joining classes or spending time with friends, even if it’s a small coffee shop outing.Stay Active in Crafting or Learning:Take up hobbies like crafting, reading, or even a part-time gig to keep your mind engaged and spirits lifted.Bundle Up and Go Outside:Embrace the cold by dressing warmly. Taking a short walk outside, even during chilly days, can energize your body and mind.Resources mentioned in this episode:Watch the video of this episode at the blog:https://jodiaman.com/blog/beating-winter-blues/Julia’s videos and podcast "More Pesto Please" ✬Spotify✬YouTube✬TikTok✬Dr. Jodi Aman’s YouTube Channel:@DoctorJodiGeneration Z Mental Health Resource Guide:jodiaman.com/guideRedirect Positive Mindset Cardsjodiaman.com/order-redirect-flash-cardsEnCompass SEL Class Activityjodiaman.com/order-encompass-gameAnxiety,I'm So Done with You!BookThank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please take a moment to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts and share it with someone who needs inspiration or help to heal! You’re listening to the Ask Dr. Jodi - Mental Health & Relationship Advice with Jodi Aman.Sign up for text updates, where you can ask me your private questions! Text JODI to 8334583845 to get in the group. Want personalized coaching on the show? Sign up to be a call-in guest at jodiaman.com/live Remember, you can join me live every Monday at 8 p.m. Eastern on YouTube, @doctorjodi, where you can ask your questions in real time. 👉👉Get on the list to get reminders about the show, including the topic for the week. PLUS, receive my Gen Z Mental Health Resource Guide here: jodiaman.com/live. Let's keep building a stronger, happier generation! Contact Doctor Jodi:• Website: jodiaman.com• TikTok: @doctorjodi• YouTube: @doctorjodi• Instagram: @doctorjodiaman About Dr. Jodi: Jodi Aman is a social work doctor with 28 years of experience in clinical practice. She helps clients heal from trauma, understand the world, and reclaim self-confidence. She created C.O.M.P.A.S.S., an emotional wellness curriculum for middle and high school health classes designed to mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression. You can find hundreds of self-help videos on YouTube @doctorjodi. Also, watch her TEDx Wilmington talk, "Calm Anxious Kids," and read her award-winning book, Anxiety… I'm So Done with You! to learn how to understand and reverse the current mental health crisis. More about Jodi. Ask Dr. Jodi LiveWelcome to Ask Dr. Jodi, where you get trauma-informed mental health and relationship advice you won’t hear anywhere else. Advice that helps you breathe a sigh of relief.You’ll discover that your brain is not broken. That…. Whatever you are feeling is understandable. You are having a regular human response to the context of this crazy world. But that doesn’t mean you are destined to stay like this. You can get better. And I’m here to help. We cover topics that you and those you love are dealing with every day, helping you understand the problem, yourself, and other people so you have the ...