Christmas decorations filled store shelves right after Halloween, but I am still waiting on snow and breath you can see as you exhale outdoors.
While the North Pole experiences record-breaking warmth, winter used to mean frozen faces and puffy coats -- I hope we can get back to that!
Any minute now, I expect the cold to rush in and snow to cover the streets and I, for one, want like to be ready and excited for another memorable winter. Even though Mother Nature can sometimes hit us hard with extreme weather.
Here are some ways to take on winter and make the most of the cold:
1. Check the weather every morning.
You never know when snow might surprise you or wind might whisk you off your feet! Don't let the random temperatures and storms get the best of you. Be prepared by checking out the forecast before you leave the house.
2. Make sure you are getting enough light.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is real and maybe a funny acronym. It often starts in the fall and continues into the winter. One way to combat SAD and the feelings that accompany it -- fatigue, exhaustion, sadness, and hopelessness -- is to get enough light and vitamin D. Try an early morning walk when the sun is out and a glass of orange juice in the morning. Cheers to health and happiness!
3. Engage in some winter activities.
While it's comforting to curl up in a ball and hibernate for the winter -- there is still plenty of fun to be had. Ice skating is a classic solo and group activity. Maybe you can ski, sled, or build snowmen wherever you live. Or try some indoor sports like bowling. Perhaps you prefer to make a delicious and warm soup or indoor arts and crafts with friends. Winter is a great time to take a class and learn something new because then you have the perfect excuse to stay indoors! Nothing shows an appreciation for winter like participating in winter activities.
4. Create a winter playlist.
Everything is better with some tunes! Forget holiday songs (although, it can't hurt to have one or two) and make your own playlist to keep yourself warm in the winter months! Might I suggest:
"Ice, Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice.
"Winter Winds" by Mumford and Sons.
"Sweater Weather" by The Neighbourhood.
"Snow" by The Red Hot Chili Peppers.
"Blackbird" by The Beatles.
"Darlin' Do Not Fear" by Brett Dennen.
.... and the entire Frozen soundtrack?
5. Pull out your snug, comfortable and cozy socks, sweaters, scarves and blankets.
One of the best parts about winter is human hibernation through the softest items we own, namely socks, sweaters, scarves and blankets! If you're feeling extra wintery, get your snuggie and your onesie ready!
6. Get your tea and your vitamin C ready.
Nothing is worse than a cold because it's just so annoying and inconvenient! Stay healthy and practice self care when the weather changes. Depending on your choice of tea, you can reap more than just the benefits of warmth, there is also how certain teas can give you more energy, reinvigorate the body, reduce inflammation, and improve mood. But don't only drink tea, make sure you are getting all your vitamins and minerals so you don't catch the flu or a fever!
7. Find out what fruits and vegetables are in season and make a dish.
We are accustomed to getting whatever we want when we want it, but there is so much value in trying to be one with nature. When you look at the foods we eat for the holidays, they are usually ones that are in season because of tradition -- how does winter squash sound to you? Or beets and carrots? If you want to be even more sustainable, buy your produce locally instead of products imported from far away!
8. Plan a trip to get away from the cold weather or into the winter wonderland.
Some of us love the winter weather and others want to run away from it. Either way, plan a getaway to your preference and enjoy a vacation. Planning is a great way to look forward to something new or shaking up a routine!
*Bonus and most important: warm your body and mind with knowledge
It sounds cliche, but January and February tend to be quite cold and especially with 2017 around the corner, there are many items on the world stage that need addressing. If you are experiencing winter in the U.S., all eyes will be on the inauguration in January and looking further down the line, we are quickly approaching our need to address climate goals.
This is more than preparing for winter, this is preparing for the future!
Tall order, I know but will you participate in the big changes ahead? If so, how?
