How do you look forward to and enjoy winter?
October 5, 2020 8:25 AM Subscribe
Please share your best tricks for looking forward to and embracing winter and cold and dark! My mental health is pretty good right now, all things considered, but I never really look forward to the shortening days and it seems like life is gonna be extra rough this year.
Jason Kottke had a good post on this last winter - The Secret to Enjoying a Long Winter. He followed up on this the other day in a post about friluftsliv, the Norwegian concept of 'outdoor living'. Everything Kottke talked about in his initial post and in the friluftsliv article has absolutely worked for me, living in a cold, dark, often damp Northern European country (I live in Scotland).
For me, it is really about making sure there are contrasts in your life. If I spend the whole winter inside in hibernation mode, I can end up getting really down and cabin feverish quite quickly and I get this horrible lethargy that makes everything way harder, and leads to overeating, too much gaming etc.
Likewise if I try and spend all my time outdoors, I end up getting cold and tired and annoyed. So I have to alternate. Get outside in the daylight as much as possible and then get inside and get warm in the evenings. Contrast (and proper clothing for when you're outside) are absolutely key.
posted by Happy Dave at 8:36 AM on October 5, 2020 [22 favorites]
For me, it is really about making sure there are contrasts in your life. If I spend the whole winter inside in hibernation mode, I can end up getting really down and cabin feverish quite quickly and I get this horrible lethargy that makes everything way harder, and leads to overeating, too much gaming etc.
Likewise if I try and spend all my time outdoors, I end up getting cold and tired and annoyed. So I have to alternate. Get outside in the daylight as much as possible and then get inside and get warm in the evenings. Contrast (and proper clothing for when you're outside) are absolutely key.
posted by Happy Dave at 8:36 AM on October 5, 2020 [22 favorites]
Response by poster: I should say, I got myself some fleece and long underwear from LL Bean and that has cheered me up, hence, my wondering what else might help!
posted by ferret branca at 8:41 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by ferret branca at 8:41 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
Seconding Happy Dave above.
I've figured out that I'm definitely a solar-powered person, so the key for my mood in the winter time is to definitely try to get outside as much as possible. Another thing I did was set up some Hue lights in the bedroom to gradually wake us up via light.
I also sort of maintain 2 sets of hobbies - one for for spring/summer (gardening/outdoor/yardwork), and another for fall/winter (reading/electronics/ham radio). Trying (not always successfully) to keep them separate means I've got cool stuff to look forward to as the seasons change.
posted by jquinby at 8:48 AM on October 5, 2020 [5 favorites]
I've figured out that I'm definitely a solar-powered person, so the key for my mood in the winter time is to definitely try to get outside as much as possible. Another thing I did was set up some Hue lights in the bedroom to gradually wake us up via light.
I also sort of maintain 2 sets of hobbies - one for for spring/summer (gardening/outdoor/yardwork), and another for fall/winter (reading/electronics/ham radio). Trying (not always successfully) to keep them separate means I've got cool stuff to look forward to as the seasons change.
posted by jquinby at 8:48 AM on October 5, 2020 [5 favorites]
It depends where you are I guess. Myself, the harsher the climate and further north I go - as long as there is less/no humidity, the more I enjoy being outside during winter.
However, in areas with high humidity, it just isn't that pleasant - in-my-opinion.
You are already halfway there, here is an article where a recent study shows that developing a positive mind-set to winter, can help - even for those stuck in the far north.
posted by rozcakj at 8:50 AM on October 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
However, in areas with high humidity, it just isn't that pleasant - in-my-opinion.
You are already halfway there, here is an article where a recent study shows that developing a positive mind-set to winter, can help - even for those stuck in the far north.
posted by rozcakj at 8:50 AM on October 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
I haaaate winter. I'm making it my goal this year to do as noted above and force myself outside (properly dressed in warm outerwear) during the am and midday, particularly when it's sunny out. One thing I can embrace about winter is an excuse to go to bed earlier and really enjoy snuggling up in a warm bed. Also making endless soups and roasted veg.
posted by whistle pig at 8:50 AM on October 5, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by whistle pig at 8:50 AM on October 5, 2020 [7 favorites]
As someone who dreads winter because of the dark, the thing I look forward to is cooking hearty warm meals. Stews, enchiladas, baked pasta dishes, casseroles. They’re delicious — and I can only cook them in cold weather because the oven heats up the kitchen so much, and anyway no one wants hot stew when it’s 100°F. I tend to spend whole days cooking large batches of these dishes, then portioning and freezing them. I like to cook; YMMV.
I got a SAD light to try and help with the darkness. I still struggle to get out of bed and actually use the thing, though. My natural wake up time appears to be “sunrise + 1 hour.” I got some of those Hue bulbs to try and set up a sunrise alarm… but I keep turning it off because I feel guilty about waking my husband, who doesn’t have to get up until later. Try to get the light things going without my hangups!
posted by snowmentality at 8:55 AM on October 5, 2020 [4 favorites]
I got a SAD light to try and help with the darkness. I still struggle to get out of bed and actually use the thing, though. My natural wake up time appears to be “sunrise + 1 hour.” I got some of those Hue bulbs to try and set up a sunrise alarm… but I keep turning it off because I feel guilty about waking my husband, who doesn’t have to get up until later. Try to get the light things going without my hangups!
posted by snowmentality at 8:55 AM on October 5, 2020 [4 favorites]
Even though I am NOT a morning person, I make a concerted effort to try to shift my sleep and wake times around this time of year in our hemisphere so as to not sleep through hours of daylight. Before that I had been using the fall time change out of daylight savings as a gift of sorts to myself (aha, it's not as late as I thought, now I can stay up LATER!) and doubling down on my increasing dysfunctional SAD-exacerbated fall sleep schedule. But since I've gained a tremendous amount of control over my personal and work schedule, it turns out my mental health is a lot better when I keep a winter schedule where it's light when I wake up (at least civil twilight levels), but hasn't been light for long. I keep my bedroom curtains open in winter always (so I'm not waking up in the dark), and drink my morning coffee at my own pace next to a south facing window as the world brightens up a bit more, and it helps.
posted by deludingmyself at 8:57 AM on October 5, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by deludingmyself at 8:57 AM on October 5, 2020 [3 favorites]
The holidays this year are going to be very different, and I think people may well spend more time dressing up their homes if they're not going to be able to travel. Find neighbourhoods where there are streets you can walk round with great Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas displays on the houses.
Many parks and botanical gardens have Festivals of Light at this time of year and if they're doing these with proper social distancing and limited admission, that would be a fun way to celebrate the winter.
posted by essexjan at 8:58 AM on October 5, 2020 [3 favorites]
Many parks and botanical gardens have Festivals of Light at this time of year and if they're doing these with proper social distancing and limited admission, that would be a fun way to celebrate the winter.
posted by essexjan at 8:58 AM on October 5, 2020 [3 favorites]
I dealt with this by moving to the west coast after 15 years in New England.
But! If you tend to get depressed, start using light therapy NOW daily in the morning (and not when you’re feeling so low you can barely peel yourself off the couch). I actually did find it helpful, and there is decent data.
Otherwise, stews. Shelling out the money for really good winter gear that kept me warm and toasty when I went for walks, etc.
posted by namemeansgazelle at 8:59 AM on October 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
But! If you tend to get depressed, start using light therapy NOW daily in the morning (and not when you’re feeling so low you can barely peel yourself off the couch). I actually did find it helpful, and there is decent data.
Otherwise, stews. Shelling out the money for really good winter gear that kept me warm and toasty when I went for walks, etc.
posted by namemeansgazelle at 8:59 AM on October 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
Get a grow light for seed starting! Things like peppers and tomatoes can be started as soon as January for putting out in April or May. I mostly hate winter where I live, and starting seeds makes it feel much more temporary.
posted by showbiz_liz at 9:10 AM on October 5, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by showbiz_liz at 9:10 AM on October 5, 2020 [5 favorites]
Get some houseplants if you can, especially ones that bloom in the winter, like Christmas cactus, or bulbs that show visible growth each day (narcissus and amaryllis are good), or something that has a fragrance that you like, maybe geranium or rosemary. Seeing something grow and change every day can help lift your spirits.
posted by corey flood at 9:10 AM on October 5, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by corey flood at 9:10 AM on October 5, 2020 [5 favorites]
I got a SAD light to try and help with the darkness. I still struggle to get out of bed and actually use the thing, though. My natural wake up time appears to be “sunrise + 1 hour.” I got some of those Hue bulbs to try and set up a sunrise alarm… but I keep turning it off because I feel guilty about waking my husband, who doesn’t have to get up until later. Try to get the light things going without my hangups!
You know what rules? Light therapy goggles. I have a Luminette. You don't even have to get out of bed, and your husband won't be affected!
posted by showbiz_liz at 9:11 AM on October 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
You know what rules? Light therapy goggles. I have a Luminette. You don't even have to get out of bed, and your husband won't be affected!
posted by showbiz_liz at 9:11 AM on October 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
Long underwear, also known as a "base layer" in modern times, is really key to feeling warmer outside, as are good mittens and boots.
Outside:
- I do my best to do a lunchtime walk, when the sun is brightest
- we have 'winter wonderland' nighttime walks just after snowfalls or alternatively on crisp nights when you can see the stars. I haven't tried this in a while but we used to crunch Wintergreen Lifesavers because they spark.
Inside my home, I:
- install fairy lights around our windows and put them on at night
- have an extensive collection of candles which we have at dinner (candelabra) and in front of which I sit in the evening (collected pillar candles)
- we have throws for everyone that are snuggly and warm
- cosy sheets and duvets
- warm candlelight baths
- I agree that having "winter hobbies" is helpful; this year I am half planning to build a dollhouse, if I stay employed (I know which kit I want but I need to finish replenishing my savings this month before I buy); knitting is a good one. I bake too, which isn't great for the waistline but...
- sing...obviously this has to be more solo this year but I honestly think singing got my ancestors through the harsh winter
General health:
- take Vitamin D at the appropriate level for you, it makes a big difference
- keep exercising (with a video if needed...in the past I've ramped up group classes, but...) - for us a dance party is sometimes a way to go, and if it's dark early we can treat the living room like a night club
- make your sleep as regular as possible rather than sleeping in some days
posted by warriorqueen at 9:15 AM on October 5, 2020 [9 favorites]
Outside:
- I do my best to do a lunchtime walk, when the sun is brightest
- we have 'winter wonderland' nighttime walks just after snowfalls or alternatively on crisp nights when you can see the stars. I haven't tried this in a while but we used to crunch Wintergreen Lifesavers because they spark.
Inside my home, I:
- install fairy lights around our windows and put them on at night
- have an extensive collection of candles which we have at dinner (candelabra) and in front of which I sit in the evening (collected pillar candles)
- we have throws for everyone that are snuggly and warm
- cosy sheets and duvets
- warm candlelight baths
- I agree that having "winter hobbies" is helpful; this year I am half planning to build a dollhouse, if I stay employed (I know which kit I want but I need to finish replenishing my savings this month before I buy); knitting is a good one. I bake too, which isn't great for the waistline but...
- sing...obviously this has to be more solo this year but I honestly think singing got my ancestors through the harsh winter
General health:
- take Vitamin D at the appropriate level for you, it makes a big difference
- keep exercising (with a video if needed...in the past I've ramped up group classes, but...) - for us a dance party is sometimes a way to go, and if it's dark early we can treat the living room like a night club
- make your sleep as regular as possible rather than sleeping in some days
posted by warriorqueen at 9:15 AM on October 5, 2020 [9 favorites]
I just rounded up a bunch of crafts/books/puzzles/things that are fun that I hadn’t used in a while (or ever) and wrapped them up, so I can open one present a week until the spring.
I might randomize it by numbering the wrapped presents and then picking a number from a jar.
I am also concerned about surviving this winter, so I will be watching this thread with interest!
posted by punchtothehead at 9:15 AM on October 5, 2020 [6 favorites]
I might randomize it by numbering the wrapped presents and then picking a number from a jar.
I am also concerned about surviving this winter, so I will be watching this thread with interest!
posted by punchtothehead at 9:15 AM on October 5, 2020 [6 favorites]
I love winter, and here are the things I look forward to:
-being able to dress like a burrito in sooo many layers
-winter sports like downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating (many outdoor shops have rentals so you don’t have to commit to buying)
-making our home as cozy as possible with twinkle lights, candles, blankets, and a fire
-switching over to flannel sheets and adding the heated mattress pad to the bed
-decorating for and honoring the season by bringing outdoor decor elements inside (pine or cedar boughs, pine cones, etc)
-walking on crunchy snow with a friend (get yak trax, they make a huge difference)
-making winter comfort foods like stews and soups and casseroles, drinking fancy hot chocolate
-spending time with friends, this year outside at a bonfire or heated patio perhaps
As much as possible try to mitigate the frustrations of winter (pay someone to shovel the driveway, layer up to avoid being cold) and embrace the good!
posted by stellaluna at 9:17 AM on October 5, 2020
-being able to dress like a burrito in sooo many layers
-winter sports like downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating (many outdoor shops have rentals so you don’t have to commit to buying)
-making our home as cozy as possible with twinkle lights, candles, blankets, and a fire
-switching over to flannel sheets and adding the heated mattress pad to the bed
-decorating for and honoring the season by bringing outdoor decor elements inside (pine or cedar boughs, pine cones, etc)
-walking on crunchy snow with a friend (get yak trax, they make a huge difference)
-making winter comfort foods like stews and soups and casseroles, drinking fancy hot chocolate
-spending time with friends, this year outside at a bonfire or heated patio perhaps
As much as possible try to mitigate the frustrations of winter (pay someone to shovel the driveway, layer up to avoid being cold) and embrace the good!
posted by stellaluna at 9:17 AM on October 5, 2020
While you're at LL Bean, get one of their beautiful robes! I'm a plaid lover, so i got a plaid flannel. I put it bedside during the winter so i can put it on first thing in the morning. It seriously puts me in a better mood. And there's something cozy about about a cup of coffee snuggled up in a robe. If you're not into plaid or flannel, their fleece and terry robes have good reviews too.
Along those same lines, I think it helps to have something that you only indulge in during winter, maybe a seasonal coffee or tea, a TV show, etc. It gives you something to look forward to and a happy association.
posted by BlueBear at 9:20 AM on October 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
Along those same lines, I think it helps to have something that you only indulge in during winter, maybe a seasonal coffee or tea, a TV show, etc. It gives you something to look forward to and a happy association.
posted by BlueBear at 9:20 AM on October 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
adding the heated mattress pad to the bed
Oh shit I forgot about this, but: YES. I got one of these a couple of years ago and its one and only downside is, it makes it VERY hard to get out of bed.
posted by showbiz_liz at 9:43 AM on October 5, 2020 [3 favorites]
Oh shit I forgot about this, but: YES. I got one of these a couple of years ago and its one and only downside is, it makes it VERY hard to get out of bed.
posted by showbiz_liz at 9:43 AM on October 5, 2020 [3 favorites]
Chenille socks are so good. They don't last long, that's my primary complaint, but critically they do not bind at all. There's no ankle-gripper mechanism, they just sort of slorp onto your feet and stay there and don't leave any dents or divots when you take them off. And, very importantly, there are so many novelty chenille socks. Regardless of gender, age, religion, a pair of cozy brightly-colored socks in a vaguely festive motif are guaranteed mood-lifters for yourself and others.
The best source is drugstores - CVS, Walgreens etc. Aldi also has strong winter holidaytimes game in the chenille sock category. Target is okayish but they usually only do them in "women's" size 7-10, and a size 10 sock can be a little snug on "men's" shoe size 8 and up, but it's worth trying one pair to see if they stretch enough.
If you have pets or anything less than a perfectly pristine home, do not get the slipper socks with the nubbins on the bottom, or you will end up with a sort of doghair snowshoe and it's gross.
Target has fantastic plush heated throws - they should be hitting shelves soon if they're not there already. They're a good entry-level non-sleep-time heated device, but honestly we leveled up a few years ago to full-on electric blankets OR put a twin-size heated mattress pad ON YOUR SOFA. A warm butt is a warm body, generally. We live in a mild climate with a sofa on the patio and for that one we drape it in a king-sized electric blanket and 80% of the time we sit on/against it instead of under it. For this year, I have obtained Snuggies to wear over ourselves while we sit on/against it, and I am eagerly watching the weather reports as our evening temps finally start dipping into the 60s and 50s and I can have my warm butt TV time. I'm so excited about the Snuggies too, as I really like a thorough draping of blankets but also have to get up and pee a lot.
All these chenille and plus devices require heavy-duty fabric softener or you will set yourself on fire from crackling shooting static, so plan for that. You may also need to run a humidifier.
We are trying to do less alcohol-drinking in the evenings, and I have just ordered a range of hot ciders, good decaf teas, and some fruity bitters (rhubarb is our favorite) for adding to seltzer with a splash of juice, or diet ginger ale.
posted by Lyn Never at 9:47 AM on October 5, 2020 [6 favorites]
The best source is drugstores - CVS, Walgreens etc. Aldi also has strong winter holidaytimes game in the chenille sock category. Target is okayish but they usually only do them in "women's" size 7-10, and a size 10 sock can be a little snug on "men's" shoe size 8 and up, but it's worth trying one pair to see if they stretch enough.
If you have pets or anything less than a perfectly pristine home, do not get the slipper socks with the nubbins on the bottom, or you will end up with a sort of doghair snowshoe and it's gross.
Target has fantastic plush heated throws - they should be hitting shelves soon if they're not there already. They're a good entry-level non-sleep-time heated device, but honestly we leveled up a few years ago to full-on electric blankets OR put a twin-size heated mattress pad ON YOUR SOFA. A warm butt is a warm body, generally. We live in a mild climate with a sofa on the patio and for that one we drape it in a king-sized electric blanket and 80% of the time we sit on/against it instead of under it. For this year, I have obtained Snuggies to wear over ourselves while we sit on/against it, and I am eagerly watching the weather reports as our evening temps finally start dipping into the 60s and 50s and I can have my warm butt TV time. I'm so excited about the Snuggies too, as I really like a thorough draping of blankets but also have to get up and pee a lot.
All these chenille and plus devices require heavy-duty fabric softener or you will set yourself on fire from crackling shooting static, so plan for that. You may also need to run a humidifier.
We are trying to do less alcohol-drinking in the evenings, and I have just ordered a range of hot ciders, good decaf teas, and some fruity bitters (rhubarb is our favorite) for adding to seltzer with a splash of juice, or diet ginger ale.
posted by Lyn Never at 9:47 AM on October 5, 2020 [6 favorites]
Get one of those fire pits, get some wood, and get outside with warm blankets and warm drinks and friends. Social distancing outside is the thing this year.
posted by RedEmma at 10:10 AM on October 5, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by RedEmma at 10:10 AM on October 5, 2020 [3 favorites]
Response by poster: These are wonderful, thank you, all!!
posted by ferret branca at 10:12 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by ferret branca at 10:12 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
A winter without good gloves is miserable. A Canadian winter without trigger mittens would be ugh.
posted by scruss at 10:50 AM on October 5, 2020
posted by scruss at 10:50 AM on October 5, 2020
I like doing yoga in the winter -- I think it's a good time to turn your attention inwards, there's less outside to distract you and if you do a vinyasa type , you can generate quite a bit of heat. To be clear, I'm not talking about outdoor winter yoga but that might also be a thing ?
I love taking walks in the winter - the air is so crisp and clean, and the sun can be so bright and shiny, especially with fresh snow. Winter also allows you to stay inside and snuggle in with a good book or movie guilt-free when the weather is bad.
I'm not generally a Christmas fan or holiday person, but the decorations can be really pretty. Lots of extra sparkle around in the winter, that is fun.
As previously mentioned, cooking and baking is way better in the winter. You heat up the house a little bit, make it smell great, and get delicious food. Win win!
This is a bit of a self-promotion, but the ongoing card exchange (metafilter card club) is still going on, if getting and sending cards sounds like a fun wintertime activity. Memail me if you want more info on that.
posted by Sparky Buttons at 11:00 AM on October 5, 2020 [4 favorites]
I love taking walks in the winter - the air is so crisp and clean, and the sun can be so bright and shiny, especially with fresh snow. Winter also allows you to stay inside and snuggle in with a good book or movie guilt-free when the weather is bad.
I'm not generally a Christmas fan or holiday person, but the decorations can be really pretty. Lots of extra sparkle around in the winter, that is fun.
As previously mentioned, cooking and baking is way better in the winter. You heat up the house a little bit, make it smell great, and get delicious food. Win win!
This is a bit of a self-promotion, but the ongoing card exchange (metafilter card club) is still going on, if getting and sending cards sounds like a fun wintertime activity. Memail me if you want more info on that.
posted by Sparky Buttons at 11:00 AM on October 5, 2020 [4 favorites]
I love winter (fall is best but winter is a close second), and if you're coming to this from a place of "mostly okay coping with winter but never excited" then I would offer these to piggyback on the already excellent advice:
Indoors:
-Put your lights on a timer so that you don't look up from your computer and everything's just dark all of a sudden
-Simmering nice-smelling stuff (I like to use a mix of orange slices, cloves, and cinnamon sticks) on your stovetop regularly so that instead of stale indoor air you have a pleasant ambient smell
-Think about what makes houses look cozy to you when you happen to walk past them, and make it a project to make YOUR house one of the ones people think that about. Soft light, a happy wreath? Fairy lights? It will also make coming home an especially happy time for you.
Outdoors:
-Get a super good insulated mug, like a Yeti or something, so that you can have hot beverages outdoors easily and happily
-KEEP YO FEET DRY. If you're in a place where winter weather is wet and cold, invest in very good boots and you will not regret it for a moment.
-Look for a very warm but lightweight coat, and you will not forever feel like you are lugging yourself around. I like the Uniqlo ultra-light down for this. It's very warm even with minimal layering, though once the temps get into the negative I usually layer it with a hoodie.
Good luck to all of the summer people; I felt the way you feel when the weather started getting hot, and it was a rough time but like all seasons, now it's over.
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 11:06 AM on October 5, 2020 [3 favorites]
Indoors:
-Put your lights on a timer so that you don't look up from your computer and everything's just dark all of a sudden
-Simmering nice-smelling stuff (I like to use a mix of orange slices, cloves, and cinnamon sticks) on your stovetop regularly so that instead of stale indoor air you have a pleasant ambient smell
-Think about what makes houses look cozy to you when you happen to walk past them, and make it a project to make YOUR house one of the ones people think that about. Soft light, a happy wreath? Fairy lights? It will also make coming home an especially happy time for you.
Outdoors:
-Get a super good insulated mug, like a Yeti or something, so that you can have hot beverages outdoors easily and happily
-KEEP YO FEET DRY. If you're in a place where winter weather is wet and cold, invest in very good boots and you will not regret it for a moment.
-Look for a very warm but lightweight coat, and you will not forever feel like you are lugging yourself around. I like the Uniqlo ultra-light down for this. It's very warm even with minimal layering, though once the temps get into the negative I usually layer it with a hoodie.
Good luck to all of the summer people; I felt the way you feel when the weather started getting hot, and it was a rough time but like all seasons, now it's over.
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 11:06 AM on October 5, 2020 [3 favorites]
I'm another winter lover. There are a couple of things I really enjoy, but the biggest are the ability to dress warmly, the clean feeling of the air, and the sports.
Sweater weather has gotten to be kind of a cliche recently, but it really is nice. I'm the type of person who runs really hot by default, so I'm still wearing shorts in what other people consider sweater weather. For me to be able to put on a heavy shirt or sweater, it has to be well below freezing. I wore an LL Bean flannel shirt to work last year when it was around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and broke out in a sweat. You're probably not as extreme as I am, but the point still holds: thick, warm clothing is cozy and comforting.
Winter air is so underrated. There's nothing like standing outside on a really cold, crisp day and just inhaling. It invigorates you.
I don't actually participate in many winter sports. I haven't gone skiing in years, and I don't really even play hockey anymore. But I still love the idea. And I do go sledding as often as I can, which is easier now that I have kids. But yeah, even just watching Winter Olympic sports on tv is fun. My daughter was born in December a few years ago, and for whatever reason, ski jumping on tv really caught her infant attention that first winter. So we watched a lot of ski jumping, which is fine with me because it fascinates me. Likewise speed skating or luge or any of the other obscure sports most people only think about during the actual Olympics. NBC Sports covers a lot of it, and it's fun.
In terms of things you can buy to look forward to, I would suggest a set of flannel bedsheets. It's like the sleep equivalent of your fleece and long underwear. I would also suggest looking into the concept of hygge about which there's still a ton of stuff on the internet from when it was a big trend a couple years ago. There are other similar concepts, but being Danish, hygge seems to really emphasize warming responses to chilly weather.
posted by kevinbelt at 11:28 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
Sweater weather has gotten to be kind of a cliche recently, but it really is nice. I'm the type of person who runs really hot by default, so I'm still wearing shorts in what other people consider sweater weather. For me to be able to put on a heavy shirt or sweater, it has to be well below freezing. I wore an LL Bean flannel shirt to work last year when it was around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and broke out in a sweat. You're probably not as extreme as I am, but the point still holds: thick, warm clothing is cozy and comforting.
Winter air is so underrated. There's nothing like standing outside on a really cold, crisp day and just inhaling. It invigorates you.
I don't actually participate in many winter sports. I haven't gone skiing in years, and I don't really even play hockey anymore. But I still love the idea. And I do go sledding as often as I can, which is easier now that I have kids. But yeah, even just watching Winter Olympic sports on tv is fun. My daughter was born in December a few years ago, and for whatever reason, ski jumping on tv really caught her infant attention that first winter. So we watched a lot of ski jumping, which is fine with me because it fascinates me. Likewise speed skating or luge or any of the other obscure sports most people only think about during the actual Olympics. NBC Sports covers a lot of it, and it's fun.
In terms of things you can buy to look forward to, I would suggest a set of flannel bedsheets. It's like the sleep equivalent of your fleece and long underwear. I would also suggest looking into the concept of hygge about which there's still a ton of stuff on the internet from when it was a big trend a couple years ago. There are other similar concepts, but being Danish, hygge seems to really emphasize warming responses to chilly weather.
posted by kevinbelt at 11:28 AM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
Are there any sports or hobbies you enjoy or could cultivate that are best enjoyed outside in the winter? There's a walk I like to do in a wooded spot, and in the winter, I can see for so far. Even in a city, there might be views that open up in the winter that now would be blocked by leaves.
And, yes, having the right clothing and layers, including a good winter coat, can make a world of difference. My hands and feet get cold easily, so I make sure to get really good gloves and socks.
Also, getting outside during the day when it's light out makes a huge difference.
posted by bluedaisy at 12:00 PM on October 5, 2020
And, yes, having the right clothing and layers, including a good winter coat, can make a world of difference. My hands and feet get cold easily, so I make sure to get really good gloves and socks.
Also, getting outside during the day when it's light out makes a huge difference.
posted by bluedaisy at 12:00 PM on October 5, 2020
A few things were game changers for me, most already mentioned.
- mattress pad warmer - this allows you to keep heat lower at night and bed is still snuggly
- flannel sheets - help keep bed less cold
- humidifier - better for air quality when you have heat on, one for "whole house" and one for your bedroom
- light therapy - use as directed, really helps
- Vitamin D - see above
- keep moving - find some exercise that works for you, whatever it is
- socks - always change socks when yours are damp, this can be if you've been outside but also just if you've been wearing shoes inside and your feet sweat. In general any time you are sweaty, change clothes. I have a pair of these for my indoor socks wear (I do not wear shoes inside, helps a LOT with floor dirt) they are worth the money.
- shoes, think about wearing indoor footwear that keeps you warm, see socks above but those down booties are also pretty great
Also watch out for interacting with hot water. It took me a while to figure out that I was giving myself chillblains going from outdoor hiking to indoor showering which gave me itchy irritated toes.
posted by jessamyn at 12:35 PM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
- mattress pad warmer - this allows you to keep heat lower at night and bed is still snuggly
- flannel sheets - help keep bed less cold
- humidifier - better for air quality when you have heat on, one for "whole house" and one for your bedroom
- light therapy - use as directed, really helps
- Vitamin D - see above
- keep moving - find some exercise that works for you, whatever it is
- socks - always change socks when yours are damp, this can be if you've been outside but also just if you've been wearing shoes inside and your feet sweat. In general any time you are sweaty, change clothes. I have a pair of these for my indoor socks wear (I do not wear shoes inside, helps a LOT with floor dirt) they are worth the money.
- shoes, think about wearing indoor footwear that keeps you warm, see socks above but those down booties are also pretty great
Also watch out for interacting with hot water. It took me a while to figure out that I was giving myself chillblains going from outdoor hiking to indoor showering which gave me itchy irritated toes.
posted by jessamyn at 12:35 PM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
I live somewhere with a very cold, long winter, and I've always hated it. Some things that have helped a lot:
-dressing warm. No, warmer! Minimize exposed skin and get a long coat and hood to block wind. Buy better boots/socks and mittens if your hands and feet are cold. And use layers that come off easily indoors, if you're commuting.
-increasing the coziness level indoors
-picking a winter-specific outdoor activity to look forward to, and trying to go do it even if it's cold (for me this is outdoor skating)
-getting a dog who visibly loves the cold and snow (clearly not a universal solution, but this made last winter so much better)
posted by randomnity at 12:58 PM on October 5, 2020
-dressing warm. No, warmer! Minimize exposed skin and get a long coat and hood to block wind. Buy better boots/socks and mittens if your hands and feet are cold. And use layers that come off easily indoors, if you're commuting.
-increasing the coziness level indoors
-picking a winter-specific outdoor activity to look forward to, and trying to go do it even if it's cold (for me this is outdoor skating)
-getting a dog who visibly loves the cold and snow (clearly not a universal solution, but this made last winter so much better)
posted by randomnity at 12:58 PM on October 5, 2020
I try to find outdoor activities that you can only do during winter. In my area that's mushroom hunting. I look forward to cold, rainy days because I know that means it's time to go for a long hike and look for chanterelles.
posted by bradbane at 1:04 PM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by bradbane at 1:04 PM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
There was a similar question recently in which I recommended an electric fireplace heater. I got a tv stand with one and have already started using it and I love it so much!! It is a little cheesy but the cozy factor is real. I also highly recommended using a heated mattress pad and setting up twinkly lights and candles.
posted by zoetrope at 2:01 PM on October 5, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by zoetrope at 2:01 PM on October 5, 2020 [3 favorites]
Oh, and occasionally having a "fuck it, it's summer" day in the middle of winter, where you crank up the heat super high, make margaritas and tacos, and put on shorts and a tank top, is highly beneficial.
posted by zoetrope at 2:06 PM on October 5, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by zoetrope at 2:06 PM on October 5, 2020 [9 favorites]
Response by poster: (Argh, somehow I missed the other question; thanks for pointing that out and for your other suggestions, zoetrope!)
posted by ferret branca at 2:16 PM on October 5, 2020
posted by ferret branca at 2:16 PM on October 5, 2020
I know this is invoked a lot but I got a lot from learning about hygge. Things that happen when the days get shorter--electric votives come out, Christmas lights border the rooms, furniture is moved around into Winter Positions. Blankets get changed.
We light in to that electric bill and we fire up the fireplace. I know there are environmental issues, but we really pay back our karmic debt in concrete ways and try to compensate several degrees further than our sins. So: no dark rooms. At least one gentle light in every single room after sundown. No dark hallways. A couple of fires a week. Real candles where they aren't endangering pets or anything else, for that matter. Many lights and fake and real candles that come out only for this occasion, so it's like decorating for Christmas, except decorating for a season.
Otherwise, the decreasing amount of light only removes things.
So all of the physical cues combined really help with 'this is a season of warm glow of togetherness where we can appreciate our warmth, safety, and togetherness' as opposed to 'this is a season where blue light beckons to the abyss and awaits us.'
posted by A Terrible Llama at 2:54 PM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
We light in to that electric bill and we fire up the fireplace. I know there are environmental issues, but we really pay back our karmic debt in concrete ways and try to compensate several degrees further than our sins. So: no dark rooms. At least one gentle light in every single room after sundown. No dark hallways. A couple of fires a week. Real candles where they aren't endangering pets or anything else, for that matter. Many lights and fake and real candles that come out only for this occasion, so it's like decorating for Christmas, except decorating for a season.
Otherwise, the decreasing amount of light only removes things.
So all of the physical cues combined really help with 'this is a season of warm glow of togetherness where we can appreciate our warmth, safety, and togetherness' as opposed to 'this is a season where blue light beckons to the abyss and awaits us.'
posted by A Terrible Llama at 2:54 PM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
If you can, try to get out during your lunch break. Vitamin D is good, but in my experience a half hour of real light is better. Obviously you need to dress for the occasion, but if you can, having your lunch outdoors will help a lot. Get someone to go with you, make it a project. If you can go somewhere with a bit of nature, that's even better. Look at how things change over time. The chestnut trees here have already turned brown and shed their fruits, while the oaks and beeches are still pretending it's summer. In a few weeks everything will be in brilliant colors. Then the trees will be black and graphic and the light grey. It's like being in a painting every day.
I'm lucky enough to have a dog, so I have to get outdoors every single day of the year, at least twice. I sometimes feel he has saved my life. Even when I walk him in the dark, I see beautiful things I didn't notice before, the screen on my phone is a picture of fallen leaves at night. You don't need a dog to see this, just a determination to get out and the clothes to make that comfortable.
Indoors, I always look forward to winter cooking, like many above. I love how the fragrances of a stew fill the kitchen. And sitting with a huge cup of tea in the morning is a different joy in December form in June. The long evenings are great for reading novels and watching movies. There is one thing I used to love that I can't do because of the dog: lying in the sofa with my huge double eiderdown and reading, a cup of herbal tea nearby. He wants to join me and spread his hairs on my sheets, and he always pushes over the tea when he wags his tail, so that is out, but you can do it.
posted by mumimor at 3:01 PM on October 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
I'm lucky enough to have a dog, so I have to get outdoors every single day of the year, at least twice. I sometimes feel he has saved my life. Even when I walk him in the dark, I see beautiful things I didn't notice before, the screen on my phone is a picture of fallen leaves at night. You don't need a dog to see this, just a determination to get out and the clothes to make that comfortable.
Indoors, I always look forward to winter cooking, like many above. I love how the fragrances of a stew fill the kitchen. And sitting with a huge cup of tea in the morning is a different joy in December form in June. The long evenings are great for reading novels and watching movies. There is one thing I used to love that I can't do because of the dog: lying in the sofa with my huge double eiderdown and reading, a cup of herbal tea nearby. He wants to join me and spread his hairs on my sheets, and he always pushes over the tea when he wags his tail, so that is out, but you can do it.
posted by mumimor at 3:01 PM on October 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
Oh! One other thing -- growing herbs -- cilantro, basil, thai basil -- make the indoor times feel more special. You need a cool florescent (3500k) and a warm florescent (6000+K) for life to be easy but you can pop them into any shop light at all.
Having something growing and fresh is comforting.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 3:45 PM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
Having something growing and fresh is comforting.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 3:45 PM on October 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
Merino wool! Merino wool! It's soft and warm and low-maintenance.
Buy a week's worth of merino wool socks from Darn Tough or SmartWool. ThYour feet will be grateful, and within a month you will consider the cost a got-dam bargain.
Wear mid-weight merino wool "base layer" pullovers (from, e.g., LLBean) whenever you can. My favorites have slightly long sleeves with thumb-holes.
Aside from the merino wool, cook things that warm your house and them your tummy. Get outside for fresh air, then come back in and warm up your insides. Repeat. :7)
posted by wenestvedt at 3:55 PM on October 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
Buy a week's worth of merino wool socks from Darn Tough or SmartWool. ThYour feet will be grateful, and within a month you will consider the cost a got-dam bargain.
Wear mid-weight merino wool "base layer" pullovers (from, e.g., LLBean) whenever you can. My favorites have slightly long sleeves with thumb-holes.
Aside from the merino wool, cook things that warm your house and them your tummy. Get outside for fresh air, then come back in and warm up your insides. Repeat. :7)
posted by wenestvedt at 3:55 PM on October 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
I gave up on SmartWool socks – dunno if my feet are particularly bony, but I always wound up wearing the soles thin within a year or so.
At this point, my go-to warm cozy socks are Bombas. They're extremely comfortable, plus for every pair purchased they donate a pair to services for unhoused people.
posted by Lexica at 4:21 PM on October 5, 2020 [3 favorites]
At this point, my go-to warm cozy socks are Bombas. They're extremely comfortable, plus for every pair purchased they donate a pair to services for unhoused people.
posted by Lexica at 4:21 PM on October 5, 2020 [3 favorites]
Response by poster: Lexica, I am wearing Bombas right now!
posted by ferret branca at 4:36 PM on October 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by ferret branca at 4:36 PM on October 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
I have a cheap, novelty LED light that sort of appears to flicker. Without a real fireplace, I miss the warmth and crackle and light; when this little light is off in my peripheral vision I can believe in it juuuust enough. I paid like nine bucks on Amazon; this item is similar: https://www.amazon.com/Effect-Rechargeable-Waterproof-Flickering-Lantern/dp/B07V34728C
posted by wenestvedt at 7:17 PM on October 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by wenestvedt at 7:17 PM on October 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
This is totally wacky but does work. There's a lot of advice to keep warm, long johns etc. Those are good. But the other thing you can do is go the other way. Go out and get cold (not frostbite level of course). Do some cold exercise. Wim Hof will tell you that it does some pretty neat things to your physiology. Do some cold showers, yeah! You will def get a mood pickup. You'll also develop some mild superpowers - the ability to tolerate cold that others find uncomfortable. A literal cold weather embrace is the best!
posted by storybored at 10:12 PM on October 6, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by storybored at 10:12 PM on October 6, 2020 [3 favorites]
Nthing extra lighting...for me, I picked up just a basic led grow light bulb that gives off a pinky-purply white light...I have it in a basic fixture (basically a naked bulb) in the middle of the apartment. Around 5/sundown/depression time, I turn it on and feel much better. Usually around 8 I look around and say "the light looks weird" and switch it off and turn on normal lights. It has done wonders for my mental health...I think. Side note: OMG everything sucks so much right now.
posted by sexyrobot at 8:14 PM on October 9, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by sexyrobot at 8:14 PM on October 9, 2020 [2 favorites]
If you have to be outdoors and need to use your hands in a way that makes mittens impractical, know that I use knitted fingerless mitts over my gloves. They make a huge difference. I also wear a neckwarmer, beanie, and a shawl that I wrap around my head and neck.
Bonus points, knitting some quantity of these things each winter gives me a bit of something to do.
(Small downside, these things must be stored. I handwash all mine, which many folks consider a downside as well.)
Fireplace videos on the tv or computer screen
Setting a timer/alarm for a daily reading date with yourself. Magazine, newspaper, kindle, graphic novels, comic books, cook books. Even just for ten minutes.
Baths. Bubbles not required, but I just get a bottle of Honest brand almond scented bubble bath because I found bubble bath irritating to my nether regions and quit using it a long time ago. So far, this stuff works for me. I read or listen to soft music in the tub, and then I use a small brush to exfoliate my feet (mine comes from Flying Tiger and is sold as a nail brush)
posted by bilabial at 11:23 AM on October 12, 2020 [2 favorites]
Bonus points, knitting some quantity of these things each winter gives me a bit of something to do.
(Small downside, these things must be stored. I handwash all mine, which many folks consider a downside as well.)
Fireplace videos on the tv or computer screen
Setting a timer/alarm for a daily reading date with yourself. Magazine, newspaper, kindle, graphic novels, comic books, cook books. Even just for ten minutes.
Baths. Bubbles not required, but I just get a bottle of Honest brand almond scented bubble bath because I found bubble bath irritating to my nether regions and quit using it a long time ago. So far, this stuff works for me. I read or listen to soft music in the tub, and then I use a small brush to exfoliate my feet (mine comes from Flying Tiger and is sold as a nail brush)
posted by bilabial at 11:23 AM on October 12, 2020 [2 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 8:34 AM on October 5, 2020 [10 favorites]