How to Mentally Prepare for Winter
How do you mentally prepare for winter? Where I live, it can almost seem as though we do not have a fall before winter hits. Sure, there might be a few weeks when the weather cools down and the leaves change color. But the temperature might freeze too fast for your mind and body to react properly. Here are some ways to mentally prepare for winter before it starts.
Prepare for Winter with These Tips
Take Advantage of an Indian Summer
Most years, we have what is called an Indian summer. The National Weather Service describes this as “a period of abnormally warm weather followed by the killing freeze of autumn.”1 If you hate the freezing cold, it could be a relief to know that it might warm up briefly.
Remember an Indian Summer Will End
Although an Indian summer can be really nice, it can be just as dreadful when freezing cold weather abruptly starts. Something that can make this sudden change easier is to take measures before it starts. Some of these measures include the following:
- Put away most of your summer clothes.
- Buy and wear warmer clothes that you actually like.
- Make a list of things that have helped you survive the weather change in past years. Some examples might include hot chocolate or tea, vitamin D supplements, warm blankets, light therapy, or Netflix.
- Check the Weather Channel once or twice per week.
- Enjoy time outside when the weather is tolerable.
- Talk to loved ones or a doctor if the change in weather negatively affects your mood and ability to function.
Avoid These Things If You Struggle with Depression
Having major depressive disorder (MDD) can be hard enough. The cold weather and shorter days only make it worse. Thankfully, avoiding some things can improve depression. Some of these things include the following:
- Avoid spending too much time in freezing cold weather.
- Avoid oversleeping.
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol.
- Avoid eating too much sugar.
Some of the aforementioned lists of things to do and avoid might seem obvious or easier said than done. But they are not always things we think about when we prepare for winter weather.
To learn more about my insights on how to mentally prepare for the winter, watch my video below.
Source
- National Weather Service, “What Is ‘Indian Summer’?” National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Accessed October 12, 2019.
APA Reference
Lueck, M.
(2019, October 15). How to Mentally Prepare for Winter, HealthyPlace. Retrieved
on 2024, November 5 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/toughtimes/2019/10/how-to-mentally-prepare-for-winter
Author: Martha Lueck
Helpful but because of where we live it's hard. I'm up all year at 5:30 with our dog, no problem, but to open the door to let him out, and it's dark wow. Our summer is so short and this one was rain, rain and grey skies. Now I feel like going to bed at 8:00 and yes it's dark so what gives. Other than moving. Not possible. I would like to hear from other people in the same, not sure what word to use, geographical area to see what they do. If possible. Thank you for your reading material, I enjoy.
Many people deal with a bit of seasonal depression (even if they may not give it this label). It can be so helpful for us to do an extra bit of self-check in to recognize certain patterns and behaviors, like oversleeping or overindulging, that can exacerbate the feelings. I love your suggestions to mentally, and physically, prepare for the upcoming changing in season. I think it's also helpful to try and find the things we can enjoy and look forward to!