F*** I Hate Winter
Okay yes, lots of us hate winter. Or at least, start to feel really down when the weather starts changing and the snow seems like it’s here to stay. It seems like everyone in Winnipeg gets affected by seasonal affective depression, and vitamin D companies start making bank.
Sooooo, I decided to make this list to help you get through those initial winter blues. I think half of my job this time of year is just trying to convince my clients to go for walks. Of course, most of them are like “chill Tori, we aren’t as obsessed with walks as you are.” And that’s okay… even just going outside for 10 minutes—trust me—is probably going to help :p. Pause and take note of something enjoyable about it. Do you like how the snow sparkles? Do you see some squirrels being cute?
It’s important to do things that “just feel good.”
1. Spark your creativity.
Humans are meant to be creative. Even if you’re kind of bad at it, that’s okay. Creativity can show up in so many ways. From the way you add different spices when you’re cooking, the way you decide to wear your clothes, how you dance in the kitchen, to building something out of wood or clay or painting. There isn’t one standard way creativity always shows up. In a way, making time for creativity is a way to nurture yourself.
Some ideas to help you get started: plan a paint night with a friend, try writing a haiku, cook a new or favourite dish, build that thing you’ve been wanting to for awhile but have been avoiding.
2. Get outside.
Okay, hear me out. Going outside is so fun. There are actually so many winter activities you can do. A lot of it is just about mindset, kind of tricking yourself into doing it. Then making sure you have a fun time when you do. Grab your friends, maybe grab some drinks, and pick an activity to try out. Here are some ideas on my list for this year:
Skating - learning how to do a “hockey stop” (and, you know, learning to skate better because I’m pretty bad) and skating on the river trail - It is so pretty okay
Snowshoeing in the forest
Sledding downhill at the park
Going for a hay ride
Maybe try ice climbing (did you know there’s a festival for this in Winnipeg? It’s called Festiglace)
Cross country skiing (apparently, you can rent them!)
Walks on the river
Going to the snow maze
Having hot chocolate outside
Trying snow tubing
Tobogganing
Festival du voyageur
Having bonfires
Building a snow fort
And having a snowball fight.
3. Make time for friends.
I don’t mean your soul-sucking vampire friends who leave you drained after you see them. I mean the ones who help you feel uplifted, help you laugh, help you feel more like you. Pick something to do—whether it’s inside or outside—but actually make time for it.
Some inside ideas are: paint night, movie night, face masks, bowling, axe throwing, rock climbing, try a spin class, going out for food, having a theme night and making food in that theme, game night, baking, grabbing a coffee, chocolate fondue night, taking a drop in dance class, trying a sound bowl meditation class, attending a workshop.
4. Make time to get grounded and add pleasure.
As kind empathetic people, I think we are often giving too much. We fall into this trap of caring for everyone else, and then we come last. When the truth is: if you take care of yourself first, it’s a lot easier to be there for other people. If you fill your cup - making time for fun, for exercise, for ummmm walks, you will be less agitated, less grumpy, less on edge, and actually be able to show up better for those you love.
So, intentionally take some time to consider what brings you pleasure, what helps you feel grounded. Maybe it’s sitting with your favourite dessert and eating it slowly, savoring it, without any distractions. Maybe it’s the way you massage your legs when you put on lotion. Maybe it’s putting on a bit of perfume for yourself. Start to notice the little things throughout your day – start to pay attention. Notice those moments when you are suddenly smiling. Take note, maybe write them down, and then intentionally add more of those moments into your day.