For most of my life I really hated winter. I saw winter as something to endure. This winter I was able to change that for good.
Even though the colder months bring darker days, frigid temperatures, and less time spent outdoors. Winter no longer means endless months of enduring seasonal affective disorder.
SAD is so common in places where winter stretches on for months. But what if your experience of winter had less to do with the weather and more to do with your mindset?
For me… It actually did!
In her book How to Winter, Kari Leibowitz explores how the way we think about winter can drastically change how we feel during the season.
During her time studying in Norway, she discovered that people living in some of the harshest winter climates didn’t dread the season. Instead, they looked forward to it.
In countries like Norway, winter is associated with cozy evenings by the fire, warm meals with friends, outdoor activities like skiing and ice skating, and even celebrating the beauty of snow-covered landscapes.
These cultures have what Leibowitz calls a positive wintertime mindset. Rather than seeing winter as a time of deprivation, they view it as a time for slowing down, resting, and connecting with loved ones.
This shift in perspective has a profound impact on mental health. In fact, researchers have found that people with a positive mindset about winter are far less likely to experience symptoms of SAD.
One of the key takeaways from this research is that our thoughts about winter can shape our mood, energy levels, and overall well-being.
If you dread winter and tell yourself it’s going to be miserable, your mind and body will respond accordingly. But if you shift your mindset to see winter as a time for rest, reflection, and new experiences, your emotional response may change dramatically.
Here are some ways to embrace a more positive winter mindset:
Bundle up and get outside – Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you need to stay indoors. Dress in warm layers and take a walk to enjoy the beauty of a snowy day. Fresh air and movement are excellent for boosting your mood.
Create cozy rituals – Embrace hygge, a Danish concept of coziness. Light candles, drink warm beverages, read a good book, or spend time with loved ones.
Try winter-specific activities – Explore winter sports like skiing, snowshoeing, or ice skating. If those aren’t your thing, try simpler activities like building a snowman or feeding birds in your backyard.
Bring nature indoors – Caring for houseplants, starting seeds for spring, or decorating your space with greenery can create a connection to nature even when you’re inside.
Remember, winter isn’t something to suffer through. It’s a season that offers unique opportunities for slowing down, reconnecting with yourself, and appreciating the beauty around you.
By shifting your mindset and creating positive wintertime rituals, you can transform your experience of the season and bring more peace and joy into your life, no matter how long or cold the winter may be.
