10 Ways To Stay Positive During The Dark Winter
Trying to stay positive during the dark winter is challenging. The urge to go to bed at 6:30pm is real. I’ve seriously contemplated that idea, ultimately realizing I would end up waking up at 10pm as my body would think I was taking a nap.
I just finished reading The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, which is a book following a family that moved to Alaska. A main challenge in the storyline is dealing with the minimal sunlight, living mostly in darkness. The darkness totally fucks with the characters & people die every winter season. The rest of the year is 100% about preparing for the dark winters. A great book about earth, adventure & family if you’re interested in something like that. It was a perfect read right before winter, now I pretend I’m like the characters living in the challenging darkness of Alaska. (But then I take a trip to Nordstrom for a cute outfit & Whole Foods for my organic meat so…)
I know, especially in Minnesota, the cold & dark days can make people really depressed. The early nights have made me feel off & the first few weeks of darkness can cast a bit of sadness over you. I hate that people might feel that way! Some people can brush it off as winter, but I know it can be truly challenging for others.
Below I have a few ideas to help transition into the falling dark days of winter. If nothing else, they can give you a fun checklist to get done in the dark hours.
10 Ways To Stay Positive During the Dark Winter
1. Adjust the Schedules:
Why fight the urge to relax earlier in the evening? Relax! Switch things around a little so your schedule accommodates your desires when darkness falls. If possible, go to bed earlier & wake up earlier. If you sleep-in on a winter day, you’re really missing out on some precious daylight.
I noticed myself feeling more anxious & a little emotional since it started getting dark early, but I also noticed myself being stubborn about the hours of daylight (something I can’t change). I wanted to fit too much in my afternoon schedule, like I could during the summer, which makes the 4pm shadows extremely frustrating. So, instead of fighting the sunlight, I adjusted to work with it. I started putting the things on my schedule that need the sunshine earlier in the day so I don’t feel that anxious pressure that usually creeps in at 3:30pm. If you’re someone who gets their Vitamin D from the sun & you’re used to walks, runs, or play outside – adjust the schedule so you’re still getting that sunshine time in or you’ll end up anxious & sad without understanding why. Think:: early mornings!
2. Try New Recipes:
Try new foods & comfort recipes. I started picking up a few varieties of squash every time I’m at the grocery store. I have no idea what they taste like or how to cook them, I figure it out later via google. My recent fav is chopping my spaghetti squash in half, throwing it in the instant pot, then mixing it with olive oil, salt, ground beef, sunflower seeds, and sprouts. MmmmMm.
3. Buy a Dog Light:
If you have a dog, get a dog light off Amazon (HERE). You don’t know how much of a game-changer this is until you have one. Likely, you’ll be going to the park, on walks or even potty breaks when it’s pitch black outside. Having a little dog light on their collar gives you that comfort of being able to see where the hell your animal is AND allows other people to see your animal too. These lighted dog collars fit any neck size, they’re super affordable, come in a few colors, and don’t bother the doggie at all.
4. Dress Like its Cold:
I don’t know why but I’m ALWAYS meeting people that are trying to act comfortable in uncomfortable weather. The most bizarre human trait that I have yet to understand. The temperatures are usually dropping around this time of year – wear clothes to support that! Bust out your sweaters, jackets, earmuffs, GLOVES, boots, tights, hats, ect. You need all the pieces. Have them organized & easy to throw on when you walk out the door. Get your cozy pajamas & big socks for lounging around the house. Like, what’s going on here?
5. Have Moxa Heat Packs on Hand:
I shared these heat packs awhile ago on Instagram & I needed to circle back to them in this post. I can’t believe I spent 18 years living in Minnesota & have never heard of Moxa packs. Full disclaimer: they get fucking HOT. You have to have fabric between the pack and your skin or you’ll probably get burned. The moxa packs get super warm for at least 24 hours, they’re affordable, & they’re easy to use. Not only will they keep you super warm, they’re also great if you have a sore muscle or achy area. I learned about these from my acupuncture doc (HERE). I have a huge box of them at home, true love.
6. Make Plans:
I can tell you how to get on the direct road to depression: see no one, do nothing during winter weather. I’ve been there. Whether to the movies or meet up with friends, do something! Make an occasional plan whenever you can & don’t let yourself bailout of them. I’ve started doing this, trying to be a little bit of the “yes” man, and I haven’t regretted it yet. Even attending an evening yoga class, a dinner with friends, a night at the movies, a morning coffee – make the plans & stick to them!
7. Get a Book:
Tv shows & movies can get depressing this time of year. I mean that in the kindest way, as much as you might enjoy the Christmas themed movies or shows, they can also get into your subconscious & make you sad somehow. If you get a good book, it won’t know what season you’re in, so you can truly get transported into a different place & give your mind a break. I liked City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert, and I’m reading Red Notice by Bill Browder now.
8. Clean:
First of all, cleaning is a great idea to keep you busy when you’re a little anxious about something, I highly recommend it. But also, cleaning before it gets deep into winter & the Christmas decorations start coming out will help you feel less “stuck inside”. Especially when we’re inside more often because it’s cold outside. Get “stuff” out of the house. I’m currently in this process & obsessing over it. I get rid of everything.
9. Look Forward to Something:
I recommend planning a trip! If you have something to look forward to? OMGOMG it makes the WORLDs difference. Plan a trip a few months out & plan your outfits, itinerary, & food while you’re prepping to go. If it’s possible, plan another one when you get back! If a trip isn’t your thing – maybe it’s a concert coming to town, a comedy show, a wedding to attend, family visiting. Plan something that you can look forward to.
10. Turn on the Lights:
This sounds wildly obvious, but when the dark comes early & fast you can forget to turn on all the lights & before you know it you’re sitting in your kitchen with one light on wondering why you’re sad. This is true. Turn on all the lights if you’re feeling gloomy, you’d be surprised!
I’m doing my best to embrace the winter, even though these months are not my favorite. The cold, rain & darkness does get tiring but it also goes by fast as does everything so – I’ll embrace it the best I can 🙂
What do you do to enjoy the winter months? Share below!
love you, be thoughtful
Xx
Shop The Post: