We Canadians know that winter starts sooner than December 21st and wraps up well before the official first day of spring on March 20th. So, let's forget what the calendar says and call it – we're nearly over the winter hump and gliding into spring as we speak.
Still not seeing the glass half full? Here are 5 ways to make winter wonderful again.
1. Bright Idea. Heliotherapy (or light therapy) is a common prescription for people dealing with seasonal sadness. Find the light by making a point to step outside everyday when the sun is highest in the sky (even if you can’t see it). If that’s not possible, fake it using a light box daily instead. Now, close your eyes and feel the sun – it’s almost like you’re having your morning coffee in Costa Rica.
2. Do It Anyway. Enough letting winter keep you cowering inside. It’s time to grab a hold of Old Man Winter and give him a big raspberry right on the stomach. Embrace the cold, get out and do the things you love. Hike, run, paddle – it’s all possible with just a slight adjustment to the gear. Before you know it, you and OMW will be BFFs.
3. Winter Garden. Green thumbs don’t need to hibernate. Not only can you keep gardening through the winter with window sill herb boxes, but it’s almost time to start your summer veggies from seed. Not enough sunshine through your window? Give your indoor garden a boost with low-energy, hydroponic bulbs.
4. Snow Angel. What better way to warm your insides (and the insides of others) than by doing a few random acts of kindness? The next time the snow comes tumbling down, set out to do some good – set up a hot chocolate stand and give it away (who says lemonade has the monopoly?), shovel some driveways, offer to walk a dog or scrape someone’s windshield before they have to go to work. You’ll be like the neighbourhood superhero – The Snow Angel (thermal cape optional).
5. Ferment. The best time to ferment food is during fall harvest. So what?! If you’ve never done it before the best time to start is now. There are still plenty of things you can get fermenting with like Kombucha or cabbage. Plus, by the time the next harvest rolls around, you’ll be a fermentation fiend!
That’s a lot of ways to rock the rest of your winter so you’d better get going. Vancouver is nearly ready to bust out in cherry blossoms; spring will be here before you know it.
