This past weekend, my daughter and I did not leave the house – at all. Though relaxing, it seemed like such a waste of two days! As a family, we don’t do a whole lot, nor do we socialize often – especially in the Winter. Gathered more so for my own motivation than anything, here are a few methods of surviving the winter season – and thriving.

Take on a Winter Sport

Despite the endless snowfalls, frigid temperatures and howling winds – one can still get outside and enjoy what Winter has to offer. Instead of hibernating inside, try your hand at a Winter sport! If you’re already athletically inclined, a cold weather rec activity like skiing, snowboarding, or hockey may suit you perfectly. However, if a slower pace is what interests you, than perhaps Winter hiking or snowshoeing may be more your speed.

If you are trying a new pastime or aren’t sure what you’re gonna like, try borrowing a friends equipment or buying used gear. Getting into a new sport can be costly, so adopt a kind of try-before-you-buy approach to be sure you love it.

Simply Get Outdoors

Even though it may be freezing outside and you have to spend about fifteen minutes getting bundled up in order to not freeze to death – getting outside during the Winter season can be extremely beneficial to your health and well-being.

• Fresh outdoor *albeit frigid* air gives our body a much needed break from stale, and often polluted, indoor air. Filling our lungs with fresh air has many health benefits.
• We get a healthy dose of vitamin D from the warm sun which can lift our mood from mundane to magical.
• The amount of physical activity we all get generally decreases in the Winter season. So every time you go for a Winter hike, build a fort with the kiddos, or just take a stroll to the corner store, you’re increasing your exercise minutes and lowering potential health risks.
• When you’re outdoors on a cold and blustery day, your body works hard to keep warm, which in turn boosts your metabolism. Go ahead and indulge in your favourite cold weather comfort foods!
• Reduce stress while improving your mood and even log a better night’s sleep! After a stressful day at the office, getting outside and enjoying nature is a great way to clear your head. After a couple hours in the refreshing air you’ll sleep like a baby!
• Become a shining example for your family and friends! Arrange an outdoor playdate with some friends or meet up to go tubing with another family.

Embrace Winter Produce

Generally, we all change our diet and eating habits in the Winter. With fresh salad greens and some summer-like produce not readily available – or at a premium price – adjusting to the foods Winter has to offer can be a welcome change.

Fruits, like clementines, grapefruit, and apples, and vegetables, like squash, beets, onions, cauliflower, and parsnip give us an opportunity to continue to eat locally grown produce and maintain a healthy diet.

Adjust Your Beauty Routine

One of the most often overlooked side effects of the Winter season is the negative reaction our hair and skin endure. Split ends, a flaky scalp, dry and chapped hands and lips, and tight itchy skin are all caused by the enduring cold temperatures, dry indoor air, and harsh winds.

Try daily dry-brushing to battle dry skin and boost circulation, up your moisturizing game, add a humidifier to the most often used rooms in your home, and use a hydrating hair mask once a week. Don’t forget to drink lots of water (hydrating both the inside and the outside) and get a good night’s sleep!

Adapt Your Schedule to Get the Most Out of the Short Daylight Hours

With the days being so incredibly short in the Winter, one needs to get the most out of the little daylight *and sunlight* we may have. Consider rising a little earlier in the morning, get outside for a short walk during your lunch hour, and resist the inclination to hibernate during the day. Get outside and slay the day!

Get Your Fill of Nourishing Comfort Food

The last thing you want to eat in the dead of Winter is a leafy salad or fruit plate! However, comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy and over-filling. Load up on Winter vegetables *see above* and swap out that bulky pasta and bread for more healthy grains and proteins.

20 Easy Weeknight Dinner Ideas

Save a little room for some freshly baked dessert though! Baking in the Winter season is so comforting and uplifting. Comfort food can be enjoyed in a more healthy way, but a little apple pie never killed anyone!

Have Fun

Finding something that fills you with utter joy – not matter if it’s indoors or out – is what will undoubtedly help you with surviving the Winter season and maybe even looking forward to the next Winter that much more. But not too soon!