Embrace the Wonder of Winter

Last February for my husband, Noah’s birthday we rented a small cabin in Northern Michigan for the weekend.

The timing in early February could not have been more perfect as we got up there and had 6 inches (or more!) of fresh snow to play in. Our dog, Jerome, is most definitely a cold-weather dog and LOVES tromping through the snow.

He also really loved the puffy vest I got him for that occasion. We had a great time Up North, hiking in the fresh snow, reading, and enjoying delicious food.

So far in 2020 now half-way through January, we’ve had a relatively mild winter here in Michigan. We had an ice storm over the weekend and Noah, Jerome and I enjoyed a relaxing and productive weekend at home. I worked a lot, but not too much, got some things done around the house, and Noah baked some fresh, oh so delicious, Challah bread.

Both of these weekends were wonderful – I love winter hiking and exploring, there is something about the stillness of the season that is very calming; but I also don’t mind staying indoors sometimes and using the winter weather as an excuse to get some things done around the house that I might not otherwise.

Now that we’re in to the most intense part of winter here in Michigan, I thought it might be useful to talk about ways we can fight the winter blues. After Christmas and New Year’s pass it can be difficult to maintain a positive mindset and focus on all the good winter has to offer when the thermometer dips into single or *gasp* even negative digits and it takes you longer to scrape off your car or shovel your sidewalk than it does to make dinner.

• Make a Winter Bucket List and plan some fun things to do outside the house or outdoors
  • Don’t jampack your calendar with to-dos – save some space for down-time – but do plan some fun things to look forward to.
  • Try not to be a hibernating hermit in your house however tempting that may sound (we’ll talk about Hygge in a minute). Here some ideas for fun things to get you out of the house, get you moving, and get you socializing:
    • Go to a sporting event – basketball, hockey, volleyball
    • Go bowling, axe throwing, even high-speed indoor go-karting (sounds like my worst nightmare, but if it sounds fun to you, go do it!), or try an escape room outing
    • Plan a spa-day with friends
    • Try a new yoga or meditation class/workshop
    • Go on a winter hike, snowshoe adventure or cross-country skiing. Many locales even have snowshoes or cross-country skis you can rent if it’s your first time trying the activity.
    • Take the kids sledding and have a thermos of hot chocolate and some cups ready in the car for the ride home.
    • A craft (or craft beer tasting) night in with friends. Or a game night – whatever you’re into, but remember that quality social relationships are one of the keys to health and happiness.
  • Anything you think might be fun but you don’t get to this winter, save it for next year’s Winter Bucket List. Work on adding items to your Winter Bucket List all year so that when November/December/January/etc. rolls around you’ll already have some fun ideas ready to go!

• If you don’t want to brave the elements for some fun outdoors or outside the house – here are some options for making the most of your time inside in winter:
  • The Danish concept of Hygge. Hygge is pronounced “HEW-guh” or “HOO-gah” and means comfort, coziness, or contentment.
    • The practice of hygge varies, but usually includes candles, hot tea or hot cocoa, a soft blanket, relaxing music, or a small gathering with friends. Other elements are being present (put down your phones!), togetherness, and relaxation.
    • Hygge is also viewed as the pursuit of everyday happiness. Reading a book by candlelight with some cozy socks on or outdoor activities like a winter beach walk or a winter bonfire can help you slow down and appreciate the little things.
    • It’s no wonder this practice is a favorite in Denmark as that country along with its Nordic neighbors of Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Iceland often rank as some of the happiest countries on the planet.
  • On the weekend – meal plan, grocery shop (you might actually have to leave your house unless you have a grocery delivery service), and meal prep for the week ahead.
    • Cook up a big batch of soup (loaded with veggies for the week ahead)
    • Bake some yummy muffins for breakfast
  • Don’t wait until spring to do some deep cleaning indoors – clean out a closet, clean under your stove, clean out your refrigerator, organize a drawer/cupboard
  • Have an at-home spa-day with a face mask, DIY mani/pedi, Epsom salt or bubble bath
  • Try a meditative activity like coloring and jigsaw puzzles as a great way to pass the time if you’re stuck inside.

• Recognize that the “Winter Blues” might be more than a simple aversion to the colder weather, it could be the condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
  • SAD may be caused by a number of factors including: reduced sun exposure (Vitamin D), and genetic, biological, or evolutionary sensitivities.
    • Light therapy can help combat lack of sun exposure – talk to your healthcare provider about options for you.
    • Maintaining your regular physical activity (even if modified for the indoors), and social activities can also help.
    • If the options listed above don’t help, see your healthcare provider who can recommend more intensive therapies – your mood shouldn’t have to wait to improve until the weather does.

• Another “secret” to battling the winter blues – the Norwegian mindset about winter. In Norway, people see winter as something to be enjoyed, not endured.  Try to see winter as a time to enjoy the peace, quiet, and calm the snow can bring; as a time to enjoy a hot mug of tea or cocoa.

Embrace the winter weather. You cannot control the weather, but you can prepare for it. Don’t fret over the snow and ice – control the controllables – dress warmly, have emergency supplies in your car, give yourself plenty of time for driving on the messy roads, and plan some fun activities to help you enjoy the wonder that winter has to offer. Don’t just survive the winter, thrive during it! Hopefully these tips will help you optimize your time and enjoyment of the winter season.

Tell me:

***What’s on your Winter Bucket List?***

***What fun things do you have planned before winter ends?***

• I am looking forward to a winter weekend in South Haven Michigan, exploring the shores of Lake Michigan and the downtown shops with friends.

***What are you hoping to accomplish before spring?***