I remember our first winter here in the Midwest. As a born and raised New Englander, I didn’t flinch. I knew it would be cold. I knew we’d likely be inside more—that outside it would get darker. Logically, I knew all of that. But I didn’t realize how much it would affect me.
I didn’t factor in that we had essentially been out of the idea of wintering for nearly a decade. That my body and brain weren’t used to the months spent in the cold, dark season anymore. After 10 years of living in the South, I was used to being on the beach in January. My northern blood got used to going for walks outside in t-shirts and leggings in December.
Needless to say, that first winter in the Midwest hit me like a frigid pile of ice. It was dark. It was cold. It was long. And frankly, it was depressing as heck. I might be a born and raised New Englander, but every inch of my body missed the beach and sun during those long weeks of winter.
As we enter our fourth winter in the Midwest, the days start getting dark at 4 pm (seriously, who approves this and why?). And with some trial and error, researching, and crowd-sourcing, I’ve discovered some ways to hate winter less. Or at least mentally get through it with a little less of the Saddies.
Before I move on to the actual tangible tips, please know that these little coping skills are not a replacement for treatment of medical conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD – just some methods to help alleviate the mental exhaustion of long winters! If you are concerned about your mental health, please speak to your doctor or a therapist about ways to help.
Lean in
“The only way out is through.” Well, winter is pretty inevitable. So why not lean in? Lean into the cozy. Lean into the darkness. Lean into the energy winter brings – to the darkness, the cold, the rest and the grace. Light the candles. Turn on the cozy diffuser. Have the fireplace on every morning and evening. Buy more blankets and spend some extra on the coziest slippers. Instead of resisting it, maybe this year try leaning into it.
Embrace winter with all five of your senses
Decorating and home guru Myquillyn Smith says to embrace winter with all your senses. Think about how you can lean into winter through smell, sight, touch, sound and taste. Pick out new candles that you burn all season. Embrace the warmth of a space heater or fireplace. Try a new skincare routine. Turn the lights off and hang string lights or open the blinds each morning to let natural light in when you can. Pick three new dishes to cook or bake each month. There are so many options to lean in with all of your senses, it just might take a little noticing or planning.
Take care of yourself a little more
I know, this is the most basic of things. You’re an adult. You know how to take care of yourself. But… now is your chance to be a little….extra about it. Vitamins. Exercise. Happy lamps.
Daily walks (when you can) are always helpful. There are things that naturally (or with a little effort) boost your mental health. I’m talking about your mental health, not your sister or your neighbors or your friend. Chances are, you know what those things are…even if you don’t always have the time, energy, or space to do them. When winter gets dark in more ways than one, it’s important to make an effort to take care of yourself more than you might normally. Try some different or extra vitamins (vitamins D and C are great for winter!). Get in a workout or stretch. Choose to read a book or do a puzzle instead of scrolling at night.
Nothing about what I’m saying is new or especially groundbreaking. But maybe you needed the reminder. I know every winter we’ve been here when I’m stuck in a rut mentally or emotionally, it clicks. Oh, it’s winter. It’s that time again. Being aware is half the battle!
Tangible ideas for wintering well:
- Blankets, blankets everywhere.
- Lots of lamps and fewer “big lights” – twinkle lights on the mantle, in kids’ rooms, candle warmers, dimmer switches, etc.
- Lean into smells – get a colored diffuser or some new fancy candles.
- Flameless candles are a great “big lights” alternative when you have littles in the house
- Remember to open your blinds first thing in the morning for natural sunlight. If you work from home, try facing or sitting next to a window as much as possible.
- Try making a seasonal “capsule” nail polish basket and take time to paint your nails weekly.
- Spend the weekend or Sunday afternoon baking, try making homemade bread, or make a list of new recipes for each month or week.
- Invest in some self-tanner or tanner drops to add to your face moisturizer – it might sound a little superficial, but there’s something about having a little extra color that can make you feel better when your summer skin fades.
- Try out some new cozy drinks; ask a friend for tea recommendations or make some spiced cider.
No material in this article or on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you’re experiencing depression, please reach out to your doctor!
