Surviving the Winter Months
By the time February rolls around, dealing with the frigid winter weather can get old, fast. And by early March, you’ve been battling the cold for four months and may have a month or more to go. Rather than feeling caged in, why not take advantage of the extra time you’ve got at home now?
Instead of moping around and waiting for spring, use this time indoors to enhance your life and relationships. Check out these suggestions for inspiration on surviving the remaining months until spring breaks.
Snuggle up with a book or a favorite TV show. How often do you allow yourself to totally relax and live in the moment? Nothing recharges your batteries like immersing yourself in a good book or movie. You deserve to experience some “R and R,” don’t you?
Give yourself the gift of relaxation in your own home at least one or two evenings a week in the wintertime. Your mood will improve and your spirits will lift.
Work toward accomplishing your goals. Reviewing your objectives periodically will help you to stay focused and positive about life. What do you want to accomplish over the next few months? By the end of the year? Look over your goals and make any changes necessary.
Once you’ve clarified that you’re on the path to achieving the goals you want, make a list of specific things you can do now to move toward those established goals. Will doing some reading each day help? What about checking into some college websites if you’re considering some online courses?
Working with a therapist can help you set goals for how you want to feel about yourself. Therapists can also help you get the tools and support you need to reach those goals.
Whatever your goals are, vow to make weekly progress toward them. Seeing some results can be a great mood-lifter during the dark winter months.
Plan special family nights. This one is easy and fun. Whether it’s a video the kids pick or an old-fashioned board game night, winter weather provides numerous opportunities to spend time together and bond as a family.
Consider winter as the season to really get to know your kids’ interests by spending more time together. Help them do homework and explore their interests. Feeling shut in isn’t so bad when you remember that you’ve got your loved ones with you.
Learn a new hobby. If you’ve got a craving to learn how to do something, why not take time during the winter to educate yourself about the subject? Whether it’s learning photography or studying birds, you’ll bring joy and inspiration to the winter months when you delve into a new and fascinating subject.
Once you’ve done your initial research, use the winter season to practice your new skill. By the time spring rolls around, you’ll be a resident expert in the topic of your choice.
Use your imagination and creativity to survive the winter months. Relax while reading or watching TV, evaluate and work toward your goals, re-connect with your kids and spouse, and delve into a new hobby. Before you know it, the frigid weather will disappear and your life will be richer, too!
