Warding off the Winter Blues & Appreciating the Snowy Season
It’s that time of year again; short days, cold temperatures, runny noses, icy roads, dreary skies. The holiday fun has passed, yet the dreaded Midwest winter will still persist for the next few months. We’ve all felt the physical and mental drain from the cold, unpredictable weather, and lack of vitamin D, and heard the room groan with disgust as someone announces the ominous upcoming forecast. Heck, I, and I’m sure most of you, have taken part in the grumble of displeasure, wishing spring would hurry up and finally get here.
There’s a lot that winter brings that we don’t have control over, which can create a lot of physical and mental stress in our lives; seasonal depression, lack of motivation, and fatigue are just a few examples. However, one of the greatest factors we can control that influences our mental health is our attitude. How we view and respond to our environment is crucial for our personal sense of satisfaction and acceptance.
Here are three ways we can start to shift our attitudes to improve our health and outlook this winter season:
1). Turn the “I cant’s” into “I can”
“I can’t attend my planned event in the Minneapolis this weekend because of the snow.”
Versus
“I can still get out locally and have some fun in the snow with my kids/friends” or “I can still go for a drive and admire the fresh snowfall once the weather clears up.”
“I can’t be productive after work anymore because it’s so dark so early”
Versus
“Maybe I can find a different, low level activity that helps me destress, like reading a book before bed, playing a board game with family/housemates, or diving into an adult coloring book, puzzle, or art project”
“My nose is stuffy and throat hurts from this darn cold. I can’t do anything but sit here and sleep.”
Versus
“I don’t feel that great today, but I can give my body the rest and recovery it needs by taking time to relax and fuel it with good foods and good energy.”
2). Use “I get to” language instead of “I have to”
“It snowed again last night, looks like I have to shovel again this morning”
Versus
“It may not be my favorite activity, but I get to start my day off well with some fresh air and physical activity.”
“I have to stay home and skip my daily walk around the block this morning because the sidewalks are too slippery to stay safe.”
Versus
“I get to change up my movement today and tidy up around the house, head to the mall for a change of scenery, or bundle up and build a snowman in the front yard.”
3). Be Mindful
Take time to appreciate all the good things that winter brings.
Fresh snowfall on the trees and rooftops; holiday lights around town; winter sports like ice skating, hockey, skiing, etc.; appreciation for other seasons; sweater weather & cozy socks; inhaling the cool, crisp winter air; the winter ‘smell’; warm drinks on cold mornings; the sweet smell of your favorite candle; bugless days and nights; hot showers after a snowy expedition.
Now you’re probably thinking, easier said than done, and you’d be right. Will you be happy and cheerful, motivated and optimistic every day? No. Will you be able to change your attitude with the flip of a switch whenever you’re grumbling about the next snowstorm headed your way, or the dread of scraping that impossibly stubborn ice from your windshield? Definitely not. It’s a work in progress for me everyday. But identifying moments in which you can turn some of that negativity around can add up and have a significant impact on your mental health. Starting small, being mindful, and changing the language you use not only can help make the winter season less dark and dreary, but can carry over into other aspects of your life as well.
I wish you a safe, healthy, and happy winter season! Thank you all for reading.
Stephanie Bjerke, CIFT – Therapeutic Health Technician