Ahh, the Canadian winter. Dreary, bleak days, limited sun, and freezing temperatures. Keeping your sanity can be a struggle.
Here are some tips that can help.
Get Active
Cold weather makes you want to wrap yourself in a burrito blanket and spend the day napping and eating snacks. Unfortunately, life doesn’t stop just because it’s January. You still have to interact with the world.
Exercise pumps your metabolism and warms your body. The winter cold won’t feel as brutal if you get your heart rate up. Even your aching joints and tired muscles will be relieved by physical exertion.
If you want to exercise outside, invest in the right clothing. You might look a bit ridiculous running around in your snowsuit but at least you’ll be warm.
Hire a Babysitter
You can’t stay cocooned in your home forever. You have to interact with people around you. This is especially true if you have kids. Raising young people isn’t a “job” in the typical sense, so you don’t deserve a break or vacation. You do, however, deserve time yourself. You’ll be a better parent if you stay on top of your mental health.
When your kids are very young, it can be hard to find a babysitter. That’s where daycares come in handy. You can find a facility with amazing reviews.
Those that are poorly run are quickly shut down. According to a Toronto daycare injuries attorney: “When a child suffers an injury, the owners of the center and the staff providing care could be held liable… If the provider is found negligent, you could receive compensation for your child’s injury; past, present and future medical treatment and associated costs; therapy; and pain and suffering.”
Be Social
Your soul craves social stimulation. Even if you’re an introvert, social interactions are still beneficial. This is especially true in the winter. Hanging out with friends can help you beat the blues.
If you can’t meet up with anyone in person, the internet can help. Social media can scratch your itch for connection. Or you can meet people playing video games. Modern games are actually highly social. You can play against people from around the world.
Learn How to Cook
You have to eat every day. You may as well learn how to cook. If you’re already a seasoned chef, you can always get better. It’s a great habit to pick up during the cold months because it gives you something to do on cold, snowy nights.
It’s easy to get started. There are millions of recipes online that you can follow step-by-step. If text instructions aren’t your thing, you can try watching a video. There’s no shame in starting small if you’re not experienced. Have you ever thought about the best way to scramble eggs?
Moisturize
Dry air is a little-known annoyance of winter. It’s bad for your skin and hair and can even lead to nosebleeds. Moisturizing can keep you healthy and comfortable. Just start slathering on lotion after you get out of the shower.
You’ll also feel better if you drink a lot of water. It’s harder to stay hydrated when it’s cold outside because you won’t feel as strong of an urge to drink. You’re not sweating, so you may just forget to keep drinking water.
Travel
If you can afford it, migrating to a warmer climate during the winter is also an effective way to beat the blues. There’s a reason so many people have winter houses in Florida. You can escape to sunny weather.
You have tons of travel options. You’ll have to go abroad because Canada is pretty frigid during the winter. A trip to the states, however, doesn’t have to break the bank if you plan it out carefully.
Prepare for Snow
Getting snowed in a nightmare if you’re not prepared for it. You could end up stuck without power or food. Life will go smoother if you plan for the emergency. Flashlights, batteries, candles, food, plenty of warm food. It will still suck if the power goes out but you’ll manage.
Enjoy It
If you can’t beat them, join them. Winter happens every year. If you’re going to live in an area known for its harsh winters, life will be easier if you get used to the cold. Start engaging in winter activities. Go sledding, build a snowman. Having fun will take away the sting of the cold.
The best part about falling in love with the cold? It’s free.
