15 Cozy-Chic Living Room Must-Haves

1. Get outside for at least 20 minutes everyday.

My seasonal depression is definitely perpetuated by my work setup – I work remotely full-time, which means a big chunk of my days are spent inside in isolation.

Knowing that being in nature can soothe the tension caused by not only locking in on work tasks for hours at a time, but sitting in the same place for just as long, I’ve been prioritizing getting outside for at least 20 minutes a day. Even just sipping in a breath of fresh air can provide a nice restart to a not-so-great day.

Whether it’s going for a walk, coffee run, or to let your dog out, getting outside for a change of scenery can absolutely improve your mental health.

2. Engage in exercise that feels good.

I’m lucky to have found a combination of workouts that feel good to my body and mind. Climbing, hot yoga, and outdoor walks have truly kept me sane this far in the season!

Exercising (of any kind) releases dopamine and serotonin, which arecommonly linked to treating depression. It can also improve neuroplasticity, learning, and memory in the long-term, which, to me, sounds like a win-win for everyone.

The key for committing to an exercise routine in the depths of seasonal depression (and beyond) is only engaging in workouts that bring you joy – exercise should not serve as punishment, nor does it have to be painful.

3. Delete social media when I know it’s impacting my mental health.

This one is huge. I could talk for hours – heck, even days – about how hurtful social media can be for my mental health. To make a long story short, social media (Instagram in particular) degrades my attention span, sense of reality, and self-confidence.

There was a period of time where I had screen time limits on apps like Instagram and TikTok, but I would override them 99% of the time. Now, I'm making an actual conscious effort to delete the apps off my phone entirely when I feel the doomscrolling has gone too far. It’s helped so much: I don’t feel a constant sense of FOMO (which is a massive challenge when 69% of adults use social media), pressure to buy unnecessary things, or distracted from the present moment.

Of course, I’ll still download the apps every once in a while to check in – there’s a delicate balance between wanting to feel simultaneously connected and disconnected – but the biggest part of this is maintaining the boundaries I set for myself.

If you feel like deleting social media apps cold-turkey isn’t quite the step you need to take at the moment, I suggest making use of screen time limits and sticking to them, so you can live and be present in your (real) life!

4. Prioritize seeing my friends in person.

As I mentioned, working from home is quite isolating. I know many of my friends feel isolated this time of year, even if they work in-person jobs. I don't have any family members that live very close to me, so my besties have truly become my chosen family.

Speaking from experience, having a friend group (or even just a golden best friend) to turn to in those quiet moments after the workday is the ultimate cure for loneliness, boredom, and depression. In fact,studies like this onehave shown that a positive sense of community is associated with reduced reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

So, gather your pals for a movie, craft night, potluck, or even just time to rot on the couch together. A lot of times, your friends may be feeling the exact same way you are.

5. Cook nourishing and rewarding meals.

Winter time is comfort👏 food👏 central👏, so there’s no excuse to not whip up a delectable soup or casserole fit for the season. Seasonal depression most certainly takes a toll on my executive function, though, so finding (or rather, making) the time and motivation to cook something for myself can be rough. Don’t even get me started on going to the grocery store.

That’s why I like to turn to recipes that yield big ol’ batches of food, so I can eat on leftovers for a week or so rather than cook something new every single day. Bonus points if the dish is healthy! Maybe the meal preppers are onto something…

You can find tons of delicious, easy, healthy, meal prep-friendly recipes here!

6. Be cognizant of my water intake.

As important as eating healthy is, it doesn’t mean much if you’re not hydrated. Drinking adequate amounts of water every day simply sets me right – I notice I have so much more energy than the days my water bottle’s not tied to my hip.

Experts recommend that women drink roughly 11 cups of water daily in order to benefit the body, from your immune system to your mood. I’ve been making the ritual even more enjoyable with a fun water bottle, customized with stickers and all.

7. Journal regularly.

Journaling can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and hostility, as well as encourage self-awareness and resilience against the daily grind, which is why I aim to commit a tiny slice of my day to writing (or drawing). Even if there’s nothing “bad” or dramatic going on in my life, journaling about the mundane is super helpful in simply getting to know myself.

To incorporate journaling into your routine, I suggest writing right before bed, right before you wake up, or on a quick break during the day. Even just 5 minutes alone with your thoughts and your pen can transform your mindset.

You can find some really helpful journal prompts for improving your mental health here!

8. Go to therapy regularly.

Seeing a therapist on a regular basis has been a huge game-changer for me. When I started to go several years ago, I denounced therapy as a whole, but I started to really love it after a few months worth of sessions.

A good therapist can help you manage depression, stress, anxiety, and other mental health struggles, plus provide effective methods for self regulation, self awareness, communication, problem solving, and a whole lot more.

I’ve found my favorite part about therapy is having a third party to talk to about certain situations in my life – it’s been super beneficial when I want to talk through things I can’t (or don't necessarily want to) tell my close friends or family. Seeing a therapist regularly also helps me keep myself in check in terms of life, mental health, physical health, work, creative goals, and more.

If you’ve never had a persimmon, get yourself to the farmers’ market and buy some this weekend. Kind of like an apple, they’re sweet and crisp and pair perfectly with creamy burrata (but let’s be real… what doesn’t pair perfectly with burrata?).

Warm Quinoa, Kale and Squash Salad With Orange Balsamic Vinaigrette

This salad features delicata squash, which is about to become your new favorite veggie. And you don’t need to peel it, which makes this salad a super convenient dinner tonight.

If kale salad isn’t your jam, this recipe will change your mind. You can sub out the herbs for whatever you may have left over in your fridge to make this totally customizable.

This salad will make up for every disappointing salad you have ever ordered or eaten. Pears are roasted with bourbon and brown sugar and then tossed with leafy greens, blue cheese and sweet, crunchy candied walnuts for a perfect holiday salad.

Candied Hazelnut, Kale, Apple and Bacon Salad

This salad is next-level with its mix of textures and flavors. On Sunday, mix the kale and apple with the dressing and you’ll have lunch ready for the entire week.

This salad makes a beautiful accompaniment to heavier dishes. The pomegranate dressing is fresh and tangy and pairs perfectly with creamy gorgonzola and sweet acorn squash.

You only need six ingredients for this winter salad. It's easy enough to double or triple for a get-together and healthy enough to get all your veggies for the day.

Who said salads have to be greens-based? Take advantage of the bounty of winter squash at the market this time of year and make this drool-worthy salad for dinner this week.

This salad packs a nutritional punch that can't be beat. It's delicious too!

Roasted Mushroom and Romaine Salad

Super-simple ingredients make this comfort salad a go-to for busy weeknights. The mushrooms are tossed with olive oil, rosemary and garlic and then roasted for an earthy bite. Get your vitamin B fix and a powerful antioxidant called selenium, which helps to support the immune system. (via Cookin' Canuck)

You *need* to make this potato salad right now. You’ll give the summer barbecue favorite an even yummier upgrade with sweet potatoes, feta cheese and pomegranates.

The best part about kale salads is they get better the longer they sit in dressing. If you’re hosting a dinner party, this salad is the great starter for that very reason.

Brussels sprouts may have gotten a bad rap in the past, but they are the *it* veggie this winter. The goat cheese is rolled in bread crumbs and baked to make this salad feel extra special while still being ultra healthy.

Winter reminds us of the hunting and gathering period that often occurs right before this time so our minds immediately thought of this superfoods salad. It has sunflower seeds, walnuts, edamame, kale, blueberries, grapes, olive oil and more in it, making it the perfect replenishing meal.

Satisfy your taste bud's desire for something that fulls robust and earthy this fall. This is one of those yummy winter salad recipes that's going to give you a bit of caramelized and spicy flavor so you'll almost feel like you're not eating something that's on the healthier side.

While the overall vibes are buzzing right now, there's still a need to slow down, as Mars will be retrograde until February 24, 2025. Working with this energy over the next few weeks and months is critical. Mindfully pursuing goals, staying calm while frustrated, and using our determination and power for the best possible outcomes are part of the lessons while the planet of action is in this retrograde phase. There are nuances depending on where transiting Mars lands in your chart and where Mars was when you were born, but in general, it's a time to be extra careful, harness your energy wisely, and act upon ideas and opportunities to further your personal evolution.

This week, the Sun squares Neptune, and despite the energetic feeling of the season, it might be difficult to find motivation and enthusiasm for work. If you can take time off, do so. Tap into the dreamy energy to create something beautiful, whether it's to finish your holiday crafts or to host a gathering to let those you love know how important they are to you. Use music, lights, and candles to inspire and create a loving mood. Be aware that there is a tendency to see things through a rose-colored illusion. Make sure you're honest and upfront in all your dealings to avoid misunderstandings.

On December 21, the Sun moves into Capricorn. The winter solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Most ancient civilizations celebrated this occasion. Stone structures like Newgrange in Ireland were built with an alignment to the solstice sunrise. The indigenous Zuni tribe dances in gratitude for the abundance of the year. St. Lucia’s Day in Scandinavia celebrates light overcoming darkness by lighting candles. Devise your own ritual or adopt and modify what has been done in the past. Creating new traditions around ancient celestial happenings can be a wonderful way to celebrate the season.

Horoscopes for Sun and Rising Signs

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

You might feel like retreating from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Allow yourself to be inspired by your intuition and make time for quiet contemplation. You'll probably be more interested in engaging in a private spiritual practice with a few close loved ones rather than going to a large holiday gathering. It's a good time to honestly evaluate your life’s direction. This might feel disorienting and a little confusing. Practice patience (not easy for an Aries!) and trust that this period of time will put you in touch with a more authentic and spiritually aligned version of yourself.

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

The challenge is to combine your big dreams with a practical plan of action. Are you supported by a solid community of collaborators to help manifest your ideas? It's important to be clear with your cohorts and work cooperatively toward a common goal. If you're the leader, make sure you lead with compassion and aim to lift everyone in the group, utilizing the unique skills of each participant. If you find yourself doing most of the work, re-evaluate the plan so that there is more reciprocity. There is an opportunity for creative and spiritual growth in the community. Just make sure everyone is benefiting in one way or another.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

You might feel a shift in your attitude about your career. This could feel disorienting if you have built your ego around success in the workplace. It's a good time to evaluate whether you have created a false persona and to adjust for better alignment with your more authentic self. If you have access to a mentor, ask for guidance as you navigate toward a more honest approach to your career. Courageously make any changes that will better reflect your positive and cooperative tendencies. Practice self-compassion and realize this could be a foggy, confusing time. Be honest with yourself about what is important as you explore a new way to be in your professional life.

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

Connect with your spiritual center. You might feel as if there is a veil of illusion testing your trust in the unknown or unseen. Your intuition is keen and will be an asset as you navigate this hazy period of time. Go with the flow of life and let go of any need to control the outcome. This will create a sense of freedom. Release your ego needs and surrender to a higher sense of humility and compassion. Hone your meditation practice, devote yourself to music, and engage in anything that brings peace to your heart. The love energy will flow around you and those you cherish.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

You're in a phase to uncover the depths of your subconscious mind. What you reveal has the potential to transform you in profound ways, connecting you to your intuition and power. It's essential to communicate clearly, especially in matters involving finances. Refrain from borrowing money from friends or close associates. Reassess your spending habits and explore creative ways to increase your income. Financial independence will lead to a sense of freedom and autonomy, which will allow easier access to your inner intuition. This week marks the beginning of a period of self-awareness that will align you with your essence. Approach it with an open heart.

Virgo (August 23 – September 21)

You might be idealistic and only see the potential in your relationships. If you ignore reality, miscommunications and heartache are likely. It's important to be clear in all your exchanges. Make sure you're grounded and don’t get carried away with fantasies. If a loved one is ill, you'll likely feel a deep connection as your compassion is strong. You'll excel as a caregiver in this case. Be sure to practice self-care and keep in mind what you need as you establish healthy boundaries. Unconditional love is available, but you must take care of yourself as you extend that love to others.

Libra (September 22 – October 22)

Are you taking care of yourself? Your daily habits and routines are important. Make sure you're keeping your immune system healthy, as you'll be more sensitive to illnesses and infections. Sleep well and eat nourishing foods. Tune into your body for clues about your best approach to health. Moderation and mindfulness are key. Engage in a holistic approach and don’t neglect your mental and spiritual health. You might find yourself compelled to acts of service for others. Be sure you're taking care of yourself and have realistic boundaries in place before committing to helping others.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Your imagination and creativity are heightened. Harness your artistic expression with tangible projects. Use your intuition and inspiration to guide you. Be on the lookout for opportunities to express your creativity. You'll likely be super sensitive, and your emotions might be hard to control or define. This is not a time to intellectualize what you're feeling. Instead, translate your emotions into opportunities for self-understanding. You'll benefit greatly by working with a professional guide, whether a counselor or someone you can collaborate with on an artistic level.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

It's likely you're experiencing profound shifts in your internal world. Maintain a sense of peace and tranquility at home, as these shifts might cause you to feel unbalanced. There might be changes in your family dynamics. Let go of old patterns and roles that no longer serve you or your family. It's essential to establish boundaries with your loved ones. Clear and compassionate communication is necessary to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts. Take advantage of opportunities to express your newfound internal understandings, and you'll experience deeper connections. Spend time in nature and commit yourself to activities that keep you grounded and connected to the Earth.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Open yourself up to a more fluid state of mind. If you're accustomed to relying on your intellect, this is a chance to experience a more integrated way of being. Engage in activities that expand your consciousness and connect you to realms of spiritual understanding. You may have a desire to express your creative side in a new way. Allow yourself to experience life without knowing exactly where you're going, and trust that the process unfolding inside you will lead to a deeper understanding of yourself. Cultivate an inner gentleness and kindness as you continue on your path to greater self-compassion.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

This is a time to reassess your values. The material possessions you own may conflict with your spiritual needs. It's easy to become distracted or weighed down by your belongings. Take this opportunity to honestly evaluate what truly matters to you. If you find yourself overly focused on external, tangible indicators of success, consider shifting your attention to inner growth and spiritual fulfillment. Simplifying your life and prioritizing what aligns with your deeper values will create a sense of freedom and clarity, allowing you to connect more authentically with yourself and others.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Your intuition is heightened, and you may find yourself drawn to imaginative and creative pursuits. Allow your inner vision to guide you as you explore new ways to express yourself artistically or spiritually. However, be mindful of boundaries, especially in relationships. You have a natural inclination to give selflessly, but it's essential to balance this with self-care. Avoid overextending yourself emotionally or physically. Tap into the dreamy, compassionate energy of the season to strengthen your inner peace and connection to higher truths. This is an excellent time for introspection and for nurturing your unique gifts.