Filling my Winter
Something I’ve been realizing is that the older I get the harder winter is on my emotions and my spirit. Last year (for multiple reasons) I completely hated the winter and became the most depressed I have ever been. This winter I’ve attempted to fill my time and be proactive in combating the cold dark feelings that often come with midwestern winters. From talking with a few of my friends I am gathering that many others have these feelings towards winter. This is unfortunate because I believe each season is beautiful in their own way and there is something to be gathered from pressing into the current season.
So, what follows is the things i’ve done to fill my winter as well as suggestions I received from friends in ways they’ve filled their winter.
Do things inside!
There are so many things to do that are inside but sometimes its hard to think of them on the spot. Here are some of the things i’ve done this winter that are all inside so it doesn’t matter how dark or cold it is outside you can still feel like you’re out and about!
Arcade bars
Concerts
Conservatories
Rock climbing
Treat yourself to a fancy dinner with your bestie or significant other!
Yoga studio (Class pass is a good way to try different studios without the commitment!)
Go to the library
Find an educational class or talk that interests you! (artspeak, creative mornings, eventbrite has great suggestions too!)
Trivia! (lots of places downtown Indianapolis has trivia multiple times a week, even if you don’t know anything its something fun to get you out!)
First Friday art exhibits
These things are also great excuses to do things with friends! Theres such a great comfort in being with people and when you have something fun to suggest who can say no to you?!
Do things outside
When its not deathly cold I highly suggest capitalizing on outdoor time even in winter! As long as you prepare for the weather you can still enjoy your time outdoors!
Walk through your neighborhood
Take a hike at a local park
Grab a group and go skiing or sledding after a big snow!
Take a trip to warmer weather! Even if its only a few hours drive, going south to some warmer/sunnier weather will pay off and open up new opportunities of things to do in a new city!
Personal practices to keep you going.
Finding rhythms and practices that you can look forward to and that keep you going both physically and emotionally are so important when lies and negative feelings creep in as they like to do in the dark and coldest times.
Find a new craft or hobby (things i’ve tried have been: learning the guitar, embroidery, painting, cooking new things)
Stay physical and active! I can’t stress this enough! Being active not only releases endorphins that make you feel better but it also keeps you warm and gives you something to do if you feel like you’re just sitting at home all the time!
Finding something you do on a weekly or semi weekly basis to help you look forward to something and helps you track time with your activities. (weekly meals with friends, church, weekly yoga class, weekly trivia night, weekly bath and face mask etc.)
Eat your colors! I’ve found that making meals with lots of bright vegetables and choosing brightly colored smoothies puts me in a better mood. Some of this is the aesthetic of the food but a lot of it has to do with the vitamins included in these fruits and vegetables.
Have something to look forward to! Plan a trip, take a staycation, or give yourself a reward to look forward to in these bleak winter months!
Do something for others. When we are feeling most down, one practice i’ve tried to take on is to do something for someone else. One avenue is making bags through an organization here in Indianapolis called hands of hope for foster care kids on their first night in the system. For me, it was fun to go shopping and find deals on items that would hopefully bring joy (or at the least necessities) to a very stressful time in a child’s life.