Winter is inevitable. For many, winter blues feels that way.
If the thoughts of a short, cold day fill you with fear, then you are not alone. According to the Cleveland Clinic, at least 5% of American adults experience seasonal affective disorder, a massive depressive disorder “SAD” associated with seasonal changes, and another 10-20% “Winter Blue Mild” I feel the form. ”
“I live in New England, where winters are long and shorter days, and during this time I often notice changes in clients' moods and energy levels,” Boston-based therapist Christie LeBlanc said in an email. Masu. “Many reports feel tired, and we are often staying indoors. Lack of sunlight and cold temperatures contribute to this, allowing them to engage with the community and engage with social activities outside of work. It makes it difficult to pursue.”
It's very common for moods to fall over the winter, but that doesn't mean you need to lean on those emotions. Instead of sticking to things that winter doesn't offer (like a long, sunny day) (like a long, sunny day), according to both winter experts and winter enthusiasts, it's a unique and special season Focusing on things can help you get out of the winter slump. If you need inspiration, consider the following tips:
Travel to even colder cities and take notes
If you are a lifetime of winter aversion, you may need to travel to even colder places. Yes, you read it correctly.
“Traveling in a place that's as cold and snowy as a winter town is truly eye-opening,” says psychologist and author Kari Leibovitz. Winter methodsa book based on her research on inhabitants of extreme climates and her personal experience living about 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Tromso, Norway. “There are places with more extreme winters… there are few options other than adapting [and] To understand how to embrace the season. In fact, it is a place at more mid-latitudes and you need to learn from these places. ”
For example, New Yorkers and Londoners, Leibovitz says that he is “not forced to adapt in the same way” and relies on a strategy of “away in a completely counterproductive way.”
So, if you have extra vacation time, why not plan a trip where you can learn to look forward to winter days rather than avoid them?
In Magog, Quebec, the tourism sector has dedicated much of its efforts to help residents and visitors celebrate the cold. At Magog, commuters can be found walking down the nearly two miles long ice trail through town, dropping by a cafe for a warm drink. There is also a Scandinavian spa just outside downtown. There, dozens of people take a cold bold bathe in their heads, fed by a frozen river, and walk along an outdoor path surrounded by snow into the sauna.
“Many people want to retire south,” he says. “I want to retire in Alaska.”
Magog is known as the “winter city.” This is a term describing where infrastructure, transportation and recreational opportunities are planned to encourage public life in the winter. There are winter cities all over the world. In the US, Winter Wonderland is found in Lake Placid, New York. Leavenworth, Washington. And Woodstock, Vermont, give it some names.
Massachusetts-based photographer and winter fanatic Sasha Pedro traveled to Iceland until this winter season to make his snowy dream come true. Given that her parents are from Boston, she thinks her love for the cold moon may be genetic. “My parents always talked about whether they retired and moved… They'll go to Maine or Canada,” she says. “We're all interested in just getting cold. …You can convince me to go to Iceland with a heartbeat, but beach resort vacations take a little. [talking into]. ”
“We think a lot of people want to retire south,” says Doug Mathias, a winter enthusiast and a lawyer based in Long Island, New York. “I want to retire in Alaska.”
Go outside and do some exercises
If your trip isn't on your budget, picking up winter hobbies you can look forward to every year, especially those you can do outside, is another way to remove the season's advantage.
“People around the world who are doing well in winter find ways to get out even when it's cold, wet and dark,” says Leibowitz.
One reason Pedro loves winter is because of the memories of her love of ice skating outside with her family as a child, especially on her birthday in January. “My dad was a recreational hockey player, so I grew up skating,” she says. “Most of my birthdays have been spent ice skating. There's nothing better in my opinion.”
“When someone is feeling down during the winter, I recommend that you make getting outside for the sun a priority, even if it's just a walk.”
Macias also has a nostalgic tie with winter days spent outside. In addition to ice skating, he found joy in the unattractive activities of snow shovels. “I really love snowy days,” he says. “They were my favorites as children. … Me and my siblings shovel for a few hours, usually doing the whole block of ours — and then [have] Snowball fight. ”
Ice skating outside is not always feasible or safe, but even public indoor rinks do tricks. If you're not confident in your skating balance, take a walk around the neighborhood.
“When someone is depressed during the winter, I recommend prioritizing going outside for the sunlight, even if it's just a walk,” says LeBlanc. “A 10-30 minute walk can make a noticeable difference.”
Turn to Heidi's doctrine at home
Hygge (pronounced “Hoo-gah”) is a term that describes the doctrine of happiness in Danish, all about cozy, slow life, accepting special moments with family and friends. By the mid-2010s, it became a viral trend in the United States. This concept is especially useful for bringing much needed appreciation on dark, long winter nights.
Pedro says her childhood home was designed by her mother, according to Heidi. She grew up around lots of warm colors, mugs and cozy blankets. She reflects this in her own home, where she lives with her partner. “It's not a clean, clean house, there are plenty of musical instruments. I have lots of pictures of my loved ones on my walls. My main view across from the sofa is 80% artwork related to my dog That's,” she says. “Anywhere I see something in my house makes me happy, so it's a great place.”
You don't need a complete home redesign, but take inspiration from Pedro and make sure your home is a happy place for you. That way, spending a little more time indoors doesn't have to be a reason to get winter blues. Heidi for your home is as easy as lighting candles indoors, one of Leibovitz's favorite winter habits.
Spend more time with friends and family (who loves winter)
The truth is that winter is as much as one as you make it. If the weather allows for a limited schedule, you will miss the fun times winter has to offer. Winter is “not more monotonous than any other season,” says Macias. “Winter can be too much trouble.”
Leibowitz agrees. “When I talk to skiing, snowboarding or sauna enthusiasts, I look forward to winter because there's something special during the season.”
When Pedro's partner, originally from Phoenix, moved in with her, he wasn't well-versed in the winter. Over the years, she ice skates outdoors on winter hikes in his area, travelling to Chicago, and on active walks with snow-loving dogs, chow and sheeva dog mixes made for winter I took him there. Now they look forward to the winter every year. “You just have to prepare yourself and have something to do,” Pedro said.
LeBlanc agrees that the best antidote to winter boredom is to plan social opportunities, whether indoors or outdoors. She suggests frequently schedule social activities, such as movie nights, dinners, and even virtual hangouts and phone calls, to boost your mood.
If negative emotions persist despite your best efforts, consider reaching out to your therapist or discussing medication options with your doctor for further assistance, she says.
