The 5 W’s for Thriving in Winter

Inside: Winter can be long and hard–or it can be welcoming. Surviving and thriving in winter is possible. Read on for my five tips to make the most of the season.

The Woes of Winter

Winter. Not exactly the most popular of seasons. My dad didn’t like winter. Working on a dairy farm in the cold all those years can do that to a person. I know because I worked alongside him for a couple of decades to see for myself.

I’ve faced my own battles, too, in the past. Feeling down or even full-blown depression a couple of times in the month of January have resulted in some hard winters in my lifetime, and though life is better these days, I’m still learning how to manage winter and all the pitfalls this time of year can bring.

But I am learning. Here is what has been helping me survive–and dare I say thrive?–this season.

The Five W’s of Winter

Warmth. Bundling up. Dressing in layers, even if I’m taking out the trash. Wearing gloves. In the past I’ve been known to not properly prepare for the cold with my clothing choices, which left me shivering and crabby..This year I’m taking better care of me.

Writing. Not only a creative outlet but a way to express myself. Vital. Neglecting the habit of writing isn’t good for me. Sharing my thoughts with you, kind readers, has blessed me tremendously! Thank you for showing up and reading!

“Weeklies.” What I mean by that is keeping my weekly appointments. Church, critique group, running errands. Coffee at Roasted Bean. Hibernation is for bears, not humans. I know my tendencies, and burrowing in can be one of them, particularly when the weather is bleak. Sharing, talking, connecting–these are good for me. Still learning in this area, too. Aren’t we all?

Wellness. That means getting enough sleep (but not too much), eating right, exercising, taking vitamins, and diffusing essential oils. Getting outside at least once a day is a goal. A good way to make that happen is by having something you have to do outside. Walk the dog. Take out the trash. Feed the birds. Give yourself a reason to go outdoors and breathe in plenty of fresh air while you’re out there.

Wonder. A fresh fallen snow. The thick fur coat on a horse in winter. Icicles–nature’s ice sculptures. The bluish glow as night descends on a blanket of white. A tiny snowflake. Find the beauty in the ordinary. Not always easy, but it’s a skill well worth cultivating. And it does take cultivating.

Embrace the remaining days of January and welcome February with both arms. Live well!

What are your thoughts on winter? Tell us about it in the comments.

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