When winter hits and the sun sets early, we tend to feel less motivated and maybe even a little blue. These feelings aren’t something we should necessarily run from. Mother Nature knows what she’s doing. Every living thing needs time to rest, and if you look around during the winter months, most of nature is doing just that: resting or hibernating. We need to accept that we, too, should probably go a bit easier on ourselves and give our bodies the much needed mental and physical rest it requires.

That being said, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy and make the most of all the winter season has to offer. For me, it’s the time after the holidays that hits hardest. January through March is perpetually gray in the northeastern part of the country and without a festive holiday in sight, it can seem like it goes on forever. Here are some tips to make that time, dare I say it, enjoyable!

• Make sure you have appropriate winter clothes. As the Scandinavian saying goes, “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”. If you are not dressed properly, there is no way you can enjoy any part of the winter, so invest in some truly warm pieces (that means no jeans! Cords or flannel-lined pants fit the bill) so you can enjoy the great outdoors. This includes shoes, so make sure you have some warm, comfortable, waterproof boots. Tip: check out your local thrift store for some great vintage and stylish duds at affordable prices. 
• Stick to a routine. Go to bed and wake up at relatively the same time every day/night. If you exercise regularly (you should!) set an alarm to remind you to do so. Get your workout gear set up the night before so it’s ready to go when you are. It’s discipline, not motivation that will get you through these colder, darker months. 
• Be self-aware. Take a moment each day (maybe upon waking or before bed or while you’re showering) to take note of how you feel. Are you more tired than usual? Sad? Just take note without judgement and then give yourself a moment to consider what you may need to improve how you feel. Are you thirsty? Hungry? Do you need a nap? If you can address the need immediately, do so. If not, make a plan to do so asap. 
• Get some sun, even if it’s really cold outside! Even just 10 minutes of sun exposure, especially in the morning, can boost our moods and energy levels. Take a short walk or enjoy your cup of coffee outdoors. It really makes a difference.
• Make PLANS! Don’t rely on just “winging it”. Put that calendar for the new year to good use and plan your free time. It’s important to have things to look forward to. Here are some ideas for what to do:
  • Get active outside. Go for a winter walk/hike. Go ice skating. Go snowshoeing. All three of those activities are available to most of us even if we don’t live anywhere near a ski lift (plus, skiing is expensive! Hiking is free!).
  • Book a date with your significant other, your kids, a friend or yourself and go to a cozy cafe to enjoy a hot cup of something while you reconnect. If the place has a fireplace, even better!
  • Take a day trip. Check out a new town and go window shopping and try a new restaurant for lunch.
  • Cook. Don’t want to leave the house? Well, you will still have to in order to purchase ingredients, but after that, put on your coziest apron and slippers and hit the kitchen. Even better, invite the kids to help so they learn valuable cooking skills. Make extra of everything so you can freeze your delicious creations and enjoy them at a later time. Bonus: the heat of the stove/oven will keep you extra toasty!
  • Read. Keep your mind active with a great book. Grab a cozy blanket, a hot chocolate and some warm socks, cuddle up and jump into a story. If the universe cooperates, it will be snowing outside when you do.
  • Craft. I love crafting! Winter is a great time to get started on a project or pick back up on one you have not finished. Depending on the skill level, the kids could join in on this one too.
  • Clean. I know, it doesn’t sound like fun, but do you really want to organize closets on a sunny, warm day? Plus, once you’re done you can stand back and admire your accomplishment while sipping on a hot chocolate. It’s a win-win!

As I get older, the years go by in a blink, so I know that before I know it, it will be springtime again. In fact, today, I received an email about the spring line up from a popular clothing brand! My point is, no matter how old you are, remember that this winter won’t last forever. Instead of wishing it away, make an effort to enjoy all that it has to offer. Sometimes all we need to do is adjust our perspective and the world seems brighter. So, get dressed in those cozy, warm layers and take on this winter by storm!