6 Ways to Embrace the Final Weeks of Winter

Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

I know, I know - this winter has been SO cold and SO snowy for many of us in North America. And right about now, it feels like it might never end. Even during an average winter, I usually start to feel the "winter blahs" hit right around now. With a brutal winter like we've had this year, those blahs seemed to set in even earlier (probably around the time it hit -40ºC in the first week of January!)

There's no doubt about it, winter can get you down if you let it (even if you're a hardy Canadian). These last few weeks of winter I find it particularly important to focus on making sure I plan lots of uplifting activities in my life to help me get over "the hump" until the warmer weather finally greets us and I can get my hands in the garden once more.

I have found all of the following really valuable in my quest to embrace these last cold, snowy weeks of winter:

1. Get outside: Yes, I know it's cold out there. Maybe REALLY cold. But despite the fact that I'm usually reluctant to leave the warmth of my home at this time of year, it's one of the best things I do for my mental health when I make myself do it. If you're properly dressed, I've found it's quite possible to be comfortable at temperatures as low as -20ºC (and I am one of those people who feels the cold more than average). Yes, that means warm boots, wool socks, hat, gloves, scarf and a heavy coat, but if you take the time to bundle up, you'll be rewarded with an enjoyable outdoor experience. I have been toasty warm hiking through the woods even on very cold days when dressed appropriately. If possible, get your outdoor activity in at midday when the daylight's at its peak. To make the idea of spending time outside more appealing, consider doing an activity you can only do in winter, like cross-country skiing or skating on an outdoor rink.

2. Connect with friends: I spent the afternoon having lunch and chatting away with a good friend yesterday and I felt so refreshed afterwards! While I don't always have time to spend an entire afternoon hanging out, there are lots of ways to fit in a bit of "friend time" even if your schedule is pretty full. Meeting at lunch or after work for a coffee, or going for a walk together on a Saturday morning will give you a major boost in a minimal amount of time. Of course, there's something extra restorative about a longer, more leisurely visit, so inviting a friend or two over for lunch or dinner is a perfect way to while away a winter afternoon or evening.

3. Give yourself a spa night: The cold, dry winter air can wreak havoc on your skin, so this is the perfect time of year to treat yourself to a DIY Spa Night. You can find my suggestions for a frugal yet pampering home spa session here.

4. Cook up some warming foods: As the snow piles up outside, spending hours in the kitchen with a hot oven becomes an appealing prospect. Take some time to make baked goods and nourishing homemade stock, as well as simmering some soups and stews on the stovetop. Including some warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, turmeric, cumin and black and cayenne peppers in your recipes will help warm you up from the inside out.

5. Tackle a project or take a course: Once spring arrives, I know I'll want to be spending as much time outdoors as possible. So, these final weeks of winter are a great time to tackle an indoor household project or two. Whether it's decluttering, reorganizing, refinishing, or a minor renovation or two, having a project to focus on will keep your mind occupied and give you a sense of accomplishment once you complete it! Taking a course to delve more deeply into a subject you're interested in, or try out something completely new, is another fun way to keep your brain engaged for a few weeks. Through online learning sites such as Coursera, you can broaden your horizons without leaving home or spending a penny!

6. Snuggle up! If it's going to be cold out, you might as well embrace it by doing things you can't do in the heat of summer, like snuggle up under piles of blankets with a special someone and a hot beverage. A stack of DVDs and books from the library will help you stay entertained while you keep cozy.

What's your favourite way to enjoy winter?

 

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Winter Walk Challenge Update

Back at the beginning of December, I issued a "Winter Walk Challenge" and invited my readers to join me in the goal of walking outdoors at least 30 minutes per day. I have trouble staying motivated to get out of the house during the colder months and this was my plan to get some fresh air and exercise daily while avoiding cabin fever! I meant to issue an update right at the beginning of January, so I'm a bit late getting to it, but on the "better late than never" theory, here it is.

I'm afraid I have to report that I had very limited success during my first month of the Challenge. On Day 1, it was raining, but I went out anyway, so I was proud of myself for that. The very next day, minutes before I was to embark on my walk, my older son fell and got a very impressive gash on his forehead that required stitches, so instead of a walk I got a trip to the doctor's office. The day after that, I was busy trying to catch up on all the stuff I didn't get done while I was at the doctor's the day before! For about a week after that, I was very consistent and got in a daily walk. After that, things fell apart, and to be honest, from about December 10th on is a giant blur and I got in the occasional walk here or there, but I know I didn't come anywhere close to walking every day.

I'd like to be able to say that once the new year rolled around, I got right back on track, but (ahem) it didn't quite work out that way. I did venture out on a New Year's Day walk, however, since then it's been hit-or-miss again. Today's a nice bright sunny day (albeit, minus 13 Celsius!!) so I am going to renew my resolve, get all bundled up, and get out there. I want to see if I can stick with it every day for the rest of the month. If this frigid weather keeps up, at least I won't have to worry about getting stuck walking in the rain.

One thing I *did* manage to do consistently was attend Bikram Yoga classes weekly. I've been going faithfully every Friday since the last week of November (and even went twice the week between Christmas and New Year's). Since I ride my bike there and back as well (about 5 km in each direction), I get a LOT of exercise on Fridays. I purchased a 20 class package through Groupon, and although the class is very challenging, I love it! In fact, I used the money I received as Christmas gifts to purchase more classes, and I plan to start going twice a week.

How about you? If you joined me on the Challenge, how have you made out so far? And if you haven't yet joined in, it's not too late. Hop aboard and we'll root each other on for the rest of the winter.

Care to Join Me on My "Winter Walk Challenge"?

Photo by Dan/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It's December 1st, and I'm forced to admit I've been a bit sloth-like lately. During the warmer months I spend a lot of time outdoors, puttering around in the garden, riding my bike, hiking local trails and walking "the stairs" (this huge set of metal outdoor stairs near where I live, there are 165 steps I think). So I have no problem keeping fit from roughly the beginning of April to the end of September.

Once the colder, darker days roll around, it's a different story, though. I'm very much a homebody to begin with, and once the temperature dips below a certain level, I'm not so inclined to go outside unless I really, really, have to. Since I homeschool my two boys (who are now old enough to go out and about in the neighbourhood on their own) I can get away with barely leaving the house for days at a stretch. In short, by mid-winter I can start to feel a bit like Sandra Bullock in The Net. No so great for my mental *or* physical health!

Oh, and did I mention how much I hate to exercise indoors? Forget the treadmill or exercise bike - I'm bored in about 86 seconds flat. So I'm determined that things will be different this winter, and I've come up with a plan! A simple plan, but a plan nonetheless. Here it is: I'm going to commit to getting outside and walking for at least 30-45 minutes EVERY DAY from now until March 31st. No, that's not an earth-shattering idea, but I think making it a daily thing is the key (if I say 3-4 times a week, I'll always say that I'll do it tomorrow ::grin::) I'm also going to plan on doing 15-30 minutes of strengthening and stretching work when I get back from my walk each day.

In addition, I'm going to be attending a 90 minute Bikram Yoga class 5 times a month until the end of March (I bought a 20 class package for only $45 through Groupon - amazing deal!) I'm even going to ride my bike to the classes, since the studio is only 5 km from my house.

So, that's my winter fitness plan. I will post an update at the end of each month to let you know how I'm doing. I actually started at the beginning of this week, so I've got a couple days behind me already. The weather's pretty dreadful today (really overcast and rainy) so this will be an early test of my resolve to stick to the plan!

Anyone else care to join me in the Winter Walk Challenge?