3 Ways To Stay Positive During Winter

Last week we were in the 70's but with Michigan being Michigan, we're now in the 50's. Winter will be here before we know it. I'm not going to sit here and sugar coat it, winter's can be really difficult. It's cold, gray and some of us struggle with seasonal depression. If you love winter, I envy you.

A couple years ago my best friend and I were going to get matching tattoo's and we stumbled across Hygge pronounced "hoo-guh". So, not only did I manage to get a tattoo out of this, but I learned how to cope with winter a bit better. What is Hygge? Professor Natalie Van Deusen described it best. She said, “The best translation is coziness, but not the physical coziness that you get when you put on a sweater or cuddle up with a blanket. It’s more of a state mental balance and psychological well-being.”

Of course, we're a little too used to hunkering down right now because of the pandemic and we'll be doing that a little more with winter approaching. So here's some ways to keep that positive mindset the Danish do in the winter.

Be grateful for the things you have

Trust me, I know it's easy to overlook the things. Taking a step back and appreciating the little things can help change your mindset. Like having a roof over your head, a fireplace to curl up next to, or the warm cup of hot chocolate you get to sip on your couch. We're beyond lucky to experience those things because there are people out there that don't get to.

Exercise

I don't know about you, but I have no energy in the winter. All I want to do is curl up in a blanket on the couch. But regular exercise gives you more energy, relieves stress and tension.

Embrace Seasonal Activities  

I'd rather be on a boat in my bathing suit too but we chose Michigan to live in so that's not realistic. So, pour yourself a warm cup of Joe or some hot chocolate and get outside and build a snowman or hit the slopes. I've never been skiing or snowboarding but I'm determined to learn this year. Finding a winter hobby you like might make you enjoy winter a little more!