5 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

***these are from our ski trip this past March – We skied Copper Mountain for 4 days!

I read a great article back in November (when we were having 4 straight days of blizzards) that discussed ways to make the most out of winter. Unfortunately I cannot remember where I found the article, but if I do I will post it. Here in Grand Rapids we get copious amounts of snow, beyond freezing temperatures and weeks without sunshine for anywhere from 2-5 months, depending on the year. Every year I start out saying that I’m going to maintain a positive attitude throughout the duration of the winter, and every year it ends with me yelling a few choice words out my front door at the snow plow for plowing my car even deeper into my parking spot. This year I am determined to not let the winter get the best of me. Here are the 5 ways I plan on staying positive and energetic this winter:

1. Dress appropriately
It’s really hard to be positive when you’re freezing your buns off. Solve that problem by dressing for the weather. In Grand Rapids that means: shearling lined waterproof boots, hats, calf-length parkas, GLOVES, scarves and more. Although I look like a smurf in my parka, I am one warm smurf! As much as I love cute heels and thin jackets, I love having feeling in my toes even more. Every time I end up choosing a more fashionable coat instead of my parka, I immediately regret it. I think I have finally matured enough to choose warmth over style…maybe.

Here are a few warm and cute winter options:

2. Go outside

You read that correctly. Get outside and take in that fresh air. Hibernating can be nice, but it gets old really quickly! There are so many winter sport options (at least in the Midwest), why not take advantage of them? Downhill skiing, cross country skiing, lights at the zoo, ice skating, sledding, walking, and running are just a few of my favorites. I just got a pair of Yak Trax for Christmas and I’m excited to use them in the snow. Not sure what Yak Trax are? (click here)

3. Exercise

Trust me, I know how tempting it is to nap instead of workout. From Thanksgiving through this past week I was only working out 3-4 times a week instead of my usual 6-7 times and I felt miserable. My self confidence was low, I had less energy and I didn’t want to do ANYTHING. Find a schedule that works for you, whether its 2 days a week or 5 days a week, and stick with that schedule. I’m already feeling healthier and more energetic.

Kill two birds with one stone (or #1 and #2) and get your exercise outside! You’ll feel refreshed after!

Plus its an excuse for new workout gear 🙂

4. Smile

Smile at EVERYONE. After a while that smile will help you feel better.

5. Tell yourself positive things 

I talk to myself sometimes, especially when I’m starting to get frustrated. I’ve been trying to keep reminding myself how beautiful snow is instead of how annoying it is to drive in. So If you see that crazy girl talking to herself while driving…its just me talking about snow, don’t worry. When you feel yourself getting irritated, try to find a positive in the situation. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but its at least worth a try!

Tell me in the comments, what is your trick for happily surviving the winter?

-M