In Canada, there are people who love winter and those who hate it. If you’re on the side that counts down the days until the return of warm weather, entering this season can be a sad and stressful time. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few ways to ease the harsh effects the grey skies and frozen weather can have on your morale.
Ensure that you’re properly dressed.
This is an important one. If you’re underdressed for the season, you’re going to be chronically cold and constantly trying to avoid being outside. While it can be a pricey investment, getting a proper down jacket and warm boots built to withstand a Canadian winter will change your life. If you have the gear you need, spending time outdoors won’t seem nearly as terrible.
Spend time with Netflix.
Winter is a great time to sit back and get hooked on a new Netflix show. You have to spend every second you can out and about during the warm summer months, so you probably missed out on a bunch of great shows. Now’s the time to get under the covers and binge with some hot cocoa.
Find a winter activity to enjoy.
Just like with exercise in general, it might take some trial and error—but finding an activity you enjoy doing outdoors in the winter will make you look forward to the cold months. Winter sports are a big deal here because we have such a long winter every year, so take advantage of that fact. It might be skiing, snowboarding, ice skating or something else entirely, but once you find it, you’ll look forward to the snowy season. The endorphin rush you get from these sports will also help brighten your mood.
Take your Vitamin D.
The lack of sunlight means a chronic lack of Vitamin D since your body makes it when the sun hits your skin. No (or very little) sun each day means very little Vitamin D, which you’ll have to make up for with supplements until the sun returns in the spring. If you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, a strong dose of Vitamin D each day can help ease the blues.
