Welcome to the middle of February. When it’s cold and slushy and gray. You’re on your umpteenth cold. You’ve seen the sun exactly 5 times since since New Year’s – and you know it’s still going to be a loooong time until you can exchange your snow boots for flip flops.
To help you through this yearly slump, I’m sharing five of my favorite ways to beat those mid-winter blues!
1. Learn to ski.
Downhill, cross country, snowboard. While downhill skiing isn’t my cup of tea, cross country skiing offers a whole world of possibilities right out the front door. Besides being a great work out, cross country has the added pleasure of letting you become immersed in the nature around you. Enjoying the peace, quiet, tranquility and the fresh, crisp air. Some of the best soul searching can be done on cross country skis anywhere in the state. And if you’d rather get a little adventure? Head to Traverse City, strap on those skis and hit the wine trails! Skiing between the wineries is a sure fired way to beat even the worst winter blues!
2. Hit the sales.
Your favorite stores have heavily discounted all of those winter items so it’s the perfect time to refresh your closet. There’s only so many times in one week you can wear that same old cozy cashmere turtleneck – it’s the perfect time to expand your options. Besides, you’ll still have a lot of time to wear all of your new finds!
3. Get out of the house.
The worst thing to do this time of year is to settle into your couch and start a new series on Netflix. I know, it’s cold out and the last thing you want to do is leave the house but trust me, call up a friend, tug on your boots and get out of the house. Plan at least two outings a week – go to your favorite restaurant, go to that art gallery you always say you want to visit, check out that antique store, go to a fundraiser and support your favorite cause! And no, going to your friend’s house to watch Netflix doesn’t count – the key here is to interact with your community in some way.
4. Flowers.
Keep a fresh bouquet of flowers in your house at all times! I don’t care if you pick them up at the grocery store or stop by and see your favorite florist once a week, just keep them coming. The color, the freshness, the promise of beauty soon to come – flowers will remind you that there is a light at the end of this tunnel called winter!
5. Clean out your junk drawer.
Remember all that stuff you threw in closets and drawers when getting the house ready for all those holiday guests? Yeah, that stuff you forgot all about. That stuff making your house feel like it’s bursting at the seams. Take it out, make sure there’s nothing important and throw it all away. Chances are you’ll find a nearly full bottle of suntan lotion from September that never made it back to the bathroom cabinet. Rejoice in the thought that soon you’ll need it!! Even if it’s just to protect your nose on the ski slope.
I hope these give you a little inspiration for the final push to spring! What’s your favorite way to beat the winter blues??
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