Making the Most of the Cold, Dark Months

While some may be thrilled to engage in their favourite winter sport and others may be jetting off to a tropical destination, there are many of us for whom winter is a hard and dreary time of year. And while winter is the season we love to hate, it may be beneficial to reframe how we think of this less favourable period. Our outlook has a lot of power. Taking a positive view of life has a multitude of health benefits, particularly in the way we manage stress. So, what if you live in a climate with 4-6 months of winter? How can we look at winter in a positive way?

It’s important to set up our expectations well and be realistic about what winter is not. Winter is not summer. Shocker, I know, but sometimes we may fall into the trap of only thinking about what we can’t do or what we must endure and not what is uniquely valuable about this season.

What does Winter have to offer?

Rest

Many people find themselves constantly juggling too many things. Winter is a gentle invitation to slow down and smell the roses, aka look at a snowflake. The outside world is still and quiet, offering us the chance to follow suit. Not all rest is equal however. You may think of rest as any time that you are “not working”, but true rest consists of more than simply the absence of work. True rest involves peace in our minds and bodies and refreshes us to go back to our daily tasks, energized. It’s a state where we can let go of mental, emotional and physical tension and just be. We can support true rest by prioritizing a consistent sleep schedule, taking breaks from screens/notifications and practicing being present to the moment at hand(mindfulness).

Ice and Snow Activities

These are the more obvious cold weather opportunities but finding a specifically winter activity to enjoy can uplift your outlook on the season. Whether it’s skating, cross country skiing, curling, or ice fishing(to name a few), finding a winter sport creates a positive association with the cold that can transform your winter experience.

Indoor time

Although there are some fabulous ways to spend time out of doors during the winter months, the cold naturally draws us to be inside much more. In the warmer months there is a greater pressure to make the most of the fine weather and be outside as much as possible but in the winter we have the opposite. Guilt free indoor time! What are the indoor activities we’ve been neglecting in favour of yard work or trips to the lake? Maybe decluttering that closet or junk drawer. What is a craft or activity that is best done indoors that you’ve been wanting to try. Creative writing, baking, origami! Finding a creative outlet through a hobby or project can bring peace and freshness to the stagnency of winter.

Helpful tips

How we sit

Winter inevitably brings about more sitting for us northern folk. Consider how you are sitting/lounging. Try if possible to maintain postural alignment in those positions we keep for longer periods. Sit evenly on both hips. Avoid a rounded spine by using supportive furniture or bolstering with pillows. When spending time reading or on a device, if possible, bring the focal point to eye level to avoid looking down(or up) for extended amounts of time. Rest is important, but keeping any position for too long will cause push back when we begin to move out of it. Break up your seated time frequently to stretch, get a glass of water or cup of tea.

Get Outside, Prepared

While it may not be our inclination, fresh air is a vital part of our well-being, even in winter. Simply getting out for a 15 minute walk(preferably in the daylight hours) can give you a physical and mental boost. How we prepare ourselves for the elements greatly affects our experience of them. Cold has its beneficial effects on the body in controlled amounts but exposure to cold can also cause involuntary muscle contraction which can initiate unwanted muscle tension and stiffness. Do yourself a favour and take the extra seconds necessary to put on adequate outerwear to protect yourself from the elements, especially covering areas like your neck, back/pelvis and stiff/arthritic joints when getting outside, even during shorter exposure times like walking to your vehicle. Being prepared can keep your muscles relaxed, help maintain mobility and make the experience much more pleasant.

Sunlight

A precious commodity in winter is sunlight. Though opportunities to encounter it are limited, take advantage of those sunny days by getting outside even briefly or sitting by a sunny window when you can, especially in the morning.

Winter can be difficult. Sometimes getting through it feels like an extreme sport in itself. But with a little effort of reframing it in our minds, perhaps we can take it from something we endure, to something we tolerate, to something we maybe even enjoy and look forward to.