How to survive Michigan winters
When I searched for a joke or poem to use in the intro of this blog post, I got tears in my eyes as I read about this state's culture, beauty, and uniqueness. This is my fifth winter in Michigan, it was quite an adjustment initially, but I grew fond of this state with its contrasting seasons and beautiful people. I learned that I couldn’t put my life “on hold” during the winter, but I have to embrace the cold and the beauty nature freely offers. Here are some tips that have helped me to embrace Michigan winters.
Get some fresh air
With an average temperature below 30F, it takes both courage and discipline to go outside. It is worth bundling up since a brisk walk out can boost your creativity, energy levels, mood, and immune system and help with blood circulation. Next time, when you struggle to find a solution or feel frustrated at work, why not go outside for a brisk walk, you might find new ideas like a breath of fresh air.
Bundle up
A night out with friends at Campus Martius Park or downtown Rochester is fun until your friend, who values Vogue magazine more than Accuweather, gets cold and the outing is cut short. Bundling up and dressing warmly is a form of self-care and it is time well spent if it means your night out is prolonged and more enjoyable - for everyone.
Connect with people
According to researchers, Hawkley and Capitanio, loneliness is linked to depression, poor sleep quality, and lower immunity. Another study led by Steven Cole, MD, indicated that people who feel lonely tend to have more inflammation than people who don't.
Socializing during COVID-19 looks different for everyone, but try to connect with neighbors, family, and friends in a fun and safe way. If you are comfortable meeting people outdoors, schedule a long walk with a friend or go skiing and ice skating. Another way to connect with loved ones is to create a COVID-19 bubble with a family who follows similar safety precautions than yours.
Get moving
According to the CDC, physical activity can boost brain health, improve mood and help with anxiety management. It also reduces the risks of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes 2. Working out also helps with weight management and strengthens your bones and muscles. People who are active for at least 150 minutes a week have a 33% lower risk for all-cause mortality than those who are inactive.
It is important to keep moving, even though the temperatures drop below 40F. Adjust your workout routine according to the seasons. For instance, if you like to jog outside in the summer, switch to an indoor high-intensity workout, like aerobics, during the winter.
Check your supplements
Talk to your doctor about supplements that will enhance your mood. Ask specifically about Vitamin D, Omega-3, and probiotics. Researches studies found an association between Vitamin D deficiency and depression, and a growing number of studies support the important role Omega-3 fatty acids play in mental health. Raphale Kellman explains in his book “The Whole Brain,” that many of the biochemicals responsible for mood regulation are manufactured in our gut, and restoring the balance of our microbiome will improve our mental health.
Stick to a sleep schedule
According to the National Institute of Health, it is best to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day; and adults should sleep about 7-8 hours. Sticking to a bed routine will soon pay off in the improvement of your mood and energy levels. Sleep schedules are easily affected by longer nights and shorter days in the winter. It is tempting to hibernate and sleep more or burn the midnight oil while watching Netflix on long winter nights. However, quality sleep is essential to our health, just like food and water, and you’ll soon see a difference in your mood if you stick to a sleep routine.
Eat warm and wholesome food
Bring new flair and favor to gloomy winter days by eating warm, nutritious meals. Soups, casserole, stews, and warm salad bowls are typical winter meals, and healthy recipes are freely available on the internet. Warm drinks like hot cocoa and gluhwein are fun drinks to celebrate winter.
Appreciate the uniqueness of winter
Embracing winter activities will help you to enjoy the season for what it is. Remind yourself that it is a season, and seasons are not permanent, like most things in life. Live in the moment and enjoy the unique winter activities beauty winter offers. I asked a few kids what their favorite winter activities are:
Snowball fights
Making snow angels with my mom
Snowdays
Pizza and movie night
Pretending to be Elsa and Anna
Cheers to winter!
Information on this website is provided for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by a mental health therapist or other healthcare professional. No information offered here should be interpreted as a diagnosis of any disorder, nor an attempt to treat or prevent or cure any disease or condition. Names, characters, places, and incidents on this website are for illustrative purposes only. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
