The Discontent of Our Winter
Winter can be a tough time in the Midwest for many people. The days get shorter. The nights are bone-chillingly cold. The lush green landscapes fade to sparse brown skeletons of bare branches. A cruel two-word phenomenon called “wind chill” enters our vocabulary, and pristine, sparkly snowfall outlives its welcome and becomes a mud-splattered, dingy reminder that spring is a long, long way off.
I was born in California, where folks can “go to the snow” in the winter for recreation purposes, but they have really no idea what it is like to have freezing or near-freezing temperatures as part of daily life for nearly half of the year.
In fact, when asked why I moved back to California from Iowa in 2012, my stock answer was “because you don’t have to shovel sunshine.” In the five years I was back on the west coast, I visited snow exactly zero times.
So, when I say I have come to love winter now, just know it has taken a lot of soul-searching and effort to figure out my method of cold weather survival. It is a two-pronged system, and it keeps me generally chipper from November to April.
Tip #1: Get Outside If You Can
You’ll want to have some guidelines for this, because I am not suggesting you go traipsing around on sidewalks after a fresh coat of ice or stand still, coatless, in the elements when the sub-zero temperatures team up with high winds to create misery. Safety first, friends.
My rule, for example, is “if it’s over 20 degrees and not slippy (yes, I say “slippy”), move around outside for at least 20 minutes a day.” I live about one-half mile from my studio, so the easiest way to accomplish my outside time most days is walking to work. You may need to figure out your own method and guidelines, but the most important thing is to spend some time outside beyond rushing to and from your method of transportation.
Cabin Fever is a real thing, people, and if you don’t get outside during those cold months (if your health and mobility allow it and you have proper clothing for the weather), by February you’ll be sad and anxious and possibly even cranky. I don’t want that for you.
I get outside because deep breaths of fresh air nourish the soul, movement is good for the body, and, most of all, thumbing my nose at the cold makes me feel victorious over winter. If winter can’t stop me, I feel like nothing can stop me. That, to me, makes all the difference.
Tip #2: Relish The Downtime
I’ve just told you to get outside if you are able, but I recognize there are times when it is not advisable to leave the house. If you want to thrive in winter, fall in love with the snow days, and make your peace with the quiet.
If the overnight weather brought a foot of snow or a sheet of ice, and you’re able to stay home, make sure your sidewalks are clear and then aggressively pursue doing absolutely nothing the rest of the day. Read a book. Binge shows or movies. Catch up on sleep. Play a board game with your family. Call a friend.
Think of all the times you’re too busy to catch a breath, and all the relaxing you wish you could do on those crazy days–and, when given the opportunity, relish that relaxation without an ounce of pause or a shred of guilt. Believe me, you’ve earned this day and then some.
My mom has been known to say “winter is God’s way of telling us to slow down,” and if that’s the case, who are we to argue with a snow day every now and again?
Beat the Blahs with Balance
My system for combatting the winter doldrums isn’t so difficult. Take the opportunity, at least a little nearly every day, to get outside and let Jack Frost know he’s not the boss of you. And, on those days when Old Man Winter wins, graciously accept your defeat for what it is–the gift of free time. Then, smile big as you get back into your jammies.
Sara Middleton is a correspondent and columnist for Mid-America Publishing and resident artist/owner of Studio Sol Gallery & Creative Space in Eagle Grove, Iowa. Email her at sara.studiosol@gmail.com or find her at http://studiosolllc.com
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