Preparing for Shorter Days Part 3: Sharing winter with others
Posted November 18, 2021
In the previous post of this series we looked at how adopting an ‘explorer mentality’ can give us a new perspective on familiar places and allow us to enjoy time outdoors during the winter in new ways. Another way to enjoy time outdoors in the colder months is to do so with others.
As we mentioned last time, outdoor activities are considered safer when socially distancing than indoor activities. And as we also mentioned in our first post of this series, preparing for time outdoors with warm clothing and other accessories can allow you to brave long periods outside even in less than ideal weather. So next time you plan to head to a park or take a long walk for some fresh air, bring along a friend and enjoy the refreshing qualities of their company (just make sure to let them know how to prepare to be outside for a while). Through their eyes, you may gain a whole new experience of a familiar place. You can also make a plan to go ice skating, enjoy the result of any snow storms, or window shop.
The truth is, winter has always been a season we prefer to share with others, with some of our most gathering-centric holidays occurring during the fall and winter (looking at you, Thanksgiving!). And as we head into a second holiday season where we may have to limit our gatherings, it can be difficult to feel as excited as we normally may. But we can adapt: turkey and pumpkin pie taste great outdoors, too. Even if it doesn’t look the same as past holidays, you can still have a great experience. The most important thing is to find ways to foster your most cherished connections. Letters, phone calls, and, yes, those video calls that have become so ingrained in all of our lives are resources we have to make it through another winter.
We’ve discussed a lot in this series how winter can be a great time to enjoy and enrich our relationship with nature. Winter, even in a pandemic, can also still be a great time to enjoy and enrich our relationships with our loved ones. We may need to recalibrate our expectations but with some preparation on our part we can make winter a joyful season.
A note on the “winter blues”
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a recurrent major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern.
Symptoms can include feelings of hopelessness and sadness, thoughts of suicide, changes in sleep patterns, changes in appetite (especially a craving for sweet or starchy foods), heaviness in the arms and legs, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, a drop in energy level, and mood changes including increased irritability or sensitivity. SAD symptoms usually begin in the fall and continue through winter months. For those suffering from SAD, treatment with the help of a licensed mental health professional can be an effective way to feel better. Learn more about Seasonal Affective Disorder on our website. If you'd like to learn more about available treatment options, contact us today.