Even though Michigan winter can offer some beautiful sights and excellent outdoor activities, if you’re not a winter person, it can be pretty hard on your physical and mental health. The shorter days, longer nights, cold weather, isolation and seasonal illnesses can all take their toll.
In order to help you weather the winter blues, we’ve put together the following suggestions and resources so that rather than lamenting the winter, you can look forward to it as a time to slow down and replenish your energy for the spring.
Take Things Slowly
Accept that you will have less energy and enthusiasm to do things and allow yourself to take things more slowly. Give yourself a few extra minutes, or as long as you need, to get through your daily routines. You’ll feel far more relaxed and still be able to get things done even if it’s not at your usual pace.
Slow Living by Helena Woods (e-book)
In Praise of Slowness by Carl Honore
Slow by Brooke McAlary
The Little Book of Hygge by Mark Wiking
Make Your Own Winter Traditions
Do you get the urge to knit when that first chill hits the air? Maybe you always eat hot stew when it’s extra cold out. Is the first snow of the season your favorite to watch? Whether you love the usual winter traditions or not, it can be fun to make a new tradition just for yourself. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
365 Winter Warmer Slow Cooker Recipes by Carol Hildebrand (e-book)
Winter House by Charlotte Moss
Head-to-toe Winter Knits by Monica Russel
Don’t Forget to Socialize
Even though the winter weather and seasonal illness can make it difficult to socialize, there are still plenty of ways to safely keep in touch with those you care about. You can have long phone conversations, virtual gatherings or try letter writing. And, of course, be sure to take advantage of any good road and weather conditions for an opportunity to gather in person.
Winter Gatherings by Rick Rodgers (e-book)
A Practical Plan for Winter Parties by Maury Ankrum (e-book)
The Big Book of Holiday Paper Crafts by Paper Crafts magazine
The Complete Photo Guide to Cardmaking by Judi Watanabe
Set Yourself Up for Success
Prep early while you’re still in the right headspace and it’s early in the season. Get that snow brush, snow shovel and kitty litter in the back of your car, order your free at-home COVID-19 tests, dig up your cozy-time faves, dust off your therapy light and adjust your schedule to give yourself that extra time.
Defeating SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) by Norman E. Rosenthal
The Ultimate Winter Survival Handbook by Tim MacWelch (e-book)
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