Winter is here! This time of year is hard for me, January
and February specifically. I really love spring, summer, and fall, but this is
the one time of year that really gets me down. It’s cold, dark, and the days
seem to drag on forever. I live in Northern Utah, so the forecast is filled
with plenty of snow. I have two rambunctious girls, ages one and three, who are
happiest when they are outside. As a mom, it’s hard to plan outside activities
when it’s near freezing in the morning, my baby is sleeping in the afternoon,
and then the sun is down by 5pm.
My oldest thrives on social interaction, so when the park
days are long gone, our house turns into tantrum city. She’ll start crying over
her sister touching her, crying over not being able to watch TV, or crying
because she wanted the Mickey Mouse chicken nuggets.
Fortunately, a few
years ago I finally decided, “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!” I started trying
certain things to make the winter months FUN rather than just tolerable. I know
I’m not the only one who struggles this time of year, so I’d like to share a
handful of my ideas that may help out my fellow summer-loving friends.
So, without further ado, here are the seven things I’ve
found that have helped me shake off the winter blues:
1. Exercise: This one is non-negotiable
for me. I am a much happier, patient, and fun mom to be around once I’ve gotten
my exercise in for the day. This is actually true for me on any day of the
year, but especially in the winter months when I’m trying to keep myself from
packing my bags and heading south.
2. Get outside: On the days when I’m
really wishing for summer, I force myself to throw on a coat and get outside. Even
if I’m just going for a quick walk around the neighborhood, it changes my mood (and
my kid’s moods) instantly.
3. Try something new: I typically pick
something new and fun to try in January. I learn a new skill, try a new workout
class, or go somewhere I’ve never been. This year, I’m going to attempt to go
snow shoeing for the first time and I can’t wait!
4. See something pretty: When I get in a
funk, I will usually tell my husband, “I need to see something pretty.” Whether
it is making my way to one of the many national parks, or just a simple stroll
around a local Reservoir, it always makes me breathe a little deeper and
remember what’s important.
5. Make a winter bucket list: People
always make summer bucket lists, so why not make a winter one!? There are
plenty of fun things to do. We try to include things on our list like: see the
Midway ice castles, go ice fishing (well, that’s only for my husband), build a
snowman, bake cookies, go ice skating, go to a hockey game, make a snow angel,
rent a snowmobile, etc. It makes the winter fun and forces me to get outside.
6. Book a vacation: Whether the vacation
is six months from now or six weeks, it helps me to have something to look
forward to on my calendar. I feel like it’s easy to fall into the routine of
doing the same thing day in and day out, especially in the winter, so it’s a
great way to break up the monotony.
7. Winter Cleaning: I set a goal this year
to go through my entire house by the end of March and throw out anything I
don’t need. If I’m going to be cooped up most of the winter, then I’m
determined to be cooped up in a clean, organized house.
I don’t think I will ever be a person who says, “I love
wintertime” (ahem, my sister), but I’ve decided to at least embrace and enjoy
the season. Like I said, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!
Published in the Tremonton Leader in January 2018 and also on powerofmoms.com in January of 2019
Published in the Tremonton Leader in January 2018 and also on powerofmoms.com in January of 2019
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