The art of adjusting to winter

I am a self-proclaimed lover of winter (I often find myself thinking in the middle of summer, I wish it was winter) but this year it’s been harder than ever for me to accept that the season has changed. Maybe it’s because fall was so fleeting, or maybe it’s because I feel like my back is permanently hunched over, teeth shivering. Either way, the transition has not been easy.

A few weeks ago I was faced with the decision: do I walk the three blocks to the Co-op or do I drive? It was already dark, I hadn’t eaten dinner yet, and a light snow was starting to fall. But, the allure of the fresh winter air was so enticing it won me over, and I walked. I hadn’t done much physical activity that day so I was immediately happy with my decision to get the steps in and have the chance to admire the snow falling and the glow of the streetlights. Walking anywhere reminds me of living in Italy, too, and I miss being able to rely only on my feet for transportation.

I began to think about the ways that I could appreciate winter instead of dreading it every time I stepped outside. It’s a beautiful season, and I love skiing, skating, and all those winter sports, so I knew I needed to adjust my attitude towards the season and start looking forward to the good parts. Thus, this winter survival guide was born to prepare me for the months ahead and remind me to revel in the beauty of the season…the snow-covered trees, the pink sky at night because it never really gets dark when there’s snow, the moments spent in front of the fire, the boots and tights and sweaters I wait to wear during every season that’s not winter…here’s how to survive it and enjoy it with me.

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Take Vitamin D. Obviously ask your doctor or pharmacist first, but it’s the best for those of us who may not see the sun as often as we should.

Invest in a warm scarf. I really bought into this concept when I lived in Florence, as it seemed everyone wore a scarf every single day. It really makes a difference when trying to stay warm to ensure that your neck is all bundled up.

Spend time in front of the fireplace if you have one.

Keep an extra pair of hat and mittens in your car. Put blankets on your car seats if they’re leather and you are without seat warmers (gasp).

Invest in a warm jacket you love to wear, and do wear it. Time and again I opt for my lighter winter jacket and then kick myself all day while I freeze.

Another note on coats–mix them up. Variety is the spice of life! When I was younger my sister and I had matching coats that we wore to church, thus every nice coat became our “church coats.” I love to mix in my church coats on the weekday rather than just throwing on my puffer jacket for yet another time.

Add on five minutes to your commute so you have time to warm your car up! Maybe even ask for an automatic car starter for Christmas…

Be extra conscious to make plans with friends instead of just opting to stay in every night.

Search for seasonal events near you for something new to do.

Try to workout in the morning while you have the sunlight, since it gets lighter earlier now (and darker later, making working out after work extra hard to get motivated for if you ask me).

Fit in a run outside any time the weather is warmer. I hear it’s going to be above 30 degrees Fahrenheit here this weekend, so I am really looking forward to getting a run in. The fresh air and stress-relief is much-needed. 

Schedule time to do the winter sports you love! Ice skating with friends, skiing with family, maybe even try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Each winter I ski at least once, but this year I’d love to ski a few more times. It’s one of my favorite things to do (and an excellent way to clear your mind), so I need to take advantage of the snow while it’s here to stay!

Plan a trip to warmer weather during the months after Christmas, when the beauty of winter sometimes gets lost in the bitter cold (at least here in Minnesota). I’m watching flights to San Diego as we speak so I can escape for a few days, and visit my friend.

Appreciate the beauty of each fresh snowfall, of frost arriving in the mornings, and the crisp smell of winter in the air.

Check out your window every morning for fresh snow. It’s the best thing to wake up to! So maybe I do still love winter…