I live in Michigan. It is cold, dark, and snowy here for at least four months if not five to six. It is my home and I love it here. When I was a child I didn't realize that there were places in the world where it was not this way. It was blissful ignorance. Now that I know it is eighty degrees in Jamaica in January, I find myself sometimes restless, irritable, and discontent here in the great white North. So I've come up with a list of ten things that I do to make the best of and survive the long winter. If you are somewhere gray, cold, and frigid too, feel free to steal ideas.
1. Drinks, Warm Drinks
My favorites are coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. There is nothing that warms you up faster than a warm drink. It is a warming from the inside out feeling. I personally like to hold the cup in both hands and let the steam rise up onto my face...ahhh.
2. Fuzzy Things
No need to match or look pretty, I just get my hands on as many warm and fuzzy things as I can find. Here I have my fuzzy socks, pajama bottoms, and blanket. I usually pair this with a robe that is also fuzzy. I may not be winning in the fashion department but this is survival people!
3. Outdoor Gear
Staying inside is so tempting but life goes on here in Michigan. Having proper outdoor gear is a must. Coats, boots, mittens, hats, and extra large Marshall's bags to hold it all are essential. You also need a space in your home with coat racks, rugs, and bins to store all of this that you don't mind being a disaster zone. If your entry way doesn't look like this most days in the winter then we can't be friends.
4. Heat
I know what you are thinking...duh! Of course you need to have heat in the Michigan winter This is something that cannot be taken for granted though. Our heat went out last winter and took several days to fix. It was miserable. Bottom line, keep your furnace tuned up, pay your heating bill, and have a backup plan like a fireplace or electric heater or Mom's couch just in case. And have empathy for the fact that we have people that do not have a home, live in their cars and on the street here.
5. A Healthy Dose Of Denial
They say that the brain cannot tell the difference between a real beach and a picture of a real beach. In the brain it is the same file, same feelings. So you can do what I do and bombard your brain with images of warm places, green scenery, and flowers. Sometimes I also like to turn on ocean wave soundtracks to enhance the effect. Is it lying? Sure. But if it helps, I'll do it. Now you could also hop on a plane and head to Miami but if your schedule and pocketbook don't allow for that, this could do the trick.
6. Activity
This is my nasty, dusty, loud and old treadmill. It lives in my basement and can be a life saver. It is best to get outside and do something active. Ski, snowshoe, go sledding. If it is not possible to do those things because of zero degree wind chills, sick children, or lack of money (skiing is not cheap!) then this is a beautiful alternative. I didn't pay a lot of money for this, I took it off my sister's hands in a move, but it has been in my life for years and come in very handy at times.
7. A SAD Light
This is not for everyone. You should research seasonal affective disease and see if it may apply to you. I noticed last year that just after Christmas I start to feel like Eeyore, gloomy and gray. I went to the doctor and was told that I had low vitamin D levels and could have SAD. He told me to try a light but I was overwhelmed by the choices and not sure how to use one so I didn't do it. This year, I did a little research and bought one. There are tips online for getting the most out of your light and I'm hoping that it helps me beat those winter blues. Mine arrived yesterday. As you can see from the picture, I am a reluctant patient, because I hate ever admitting that I might need help.
8. Games and Books
When it gets dark at 5:15 p.m. and you have two to three hours to entertain bouncy children or restless husbands, games and books can be a lovely way to pass the time. You can only watch so much television before you feel like your brain is turning to mush. Books and games challenge you to concentrate and think and can be a lot of fun. Books go well with fuzzy things and warm drinks also.
9. Cold Kit
You will get sick and so will other members of your family. Denial will not help here. You need to stock up on the essentials. Cold medicine, essential oils, saline nasal spray, vitamins, tissues, sore throat lozenges and a good humidifier. Don't be caught off guard because the only thing worse than being sick is having to stand in line at Walgreens with every other sick person in your town on a freezing winter night.
10. A Hobby
Trust me on this. You need something to do that makes you feel productive and brings you joy. I have picked up knitting, crochet, crafting, and writing. For you it may be practicing music, building with wood, or decorating your home. Pick something that brings you satisfaction and is a release of energy or creativity. This will serve you well any time of year but is especially helpful in winter.
We can do this. Winter should be embraced, enjoyed, and if that doesn't work for you at least endured! I hope my tips are helpful to those of you in the throws of a northern winter. If you are reading this and it is warm and sunny where you live, soak it up and file this away in case you ever find yourself lucky enough to live in Michigan.
