The Fresh Perspective

Mental prep for hibernation.

As much as we might not want to admit to it quite yet, its inevitable that the colder days are coming. I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but we gotta face reality. The best way to go into this is to mentally prepare for the changing seasons. A little bit harder than heading into a heatwave, Winter has its strengths (even if weaknesses full on take the lead).

Warm Summer days and nights always make me feel as though I have to get outside and do something. Whether that’s going for a run, sitting on a patio, or catching up with a friend on a nice walk. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE being outside and love any sort of activity, but there is a part of me that is ready to mentally prep for the Winter months.

Winter evenings can be filled with all sorts of goodness. I myself am looking forward to prepping some heavier, warmer meals, like chili or even some sheppards pie for a change? I also have a vegan partner so I get to try all sorts of spins on these traditional meals. There’s a tasty vegan option for literally (…almost) ev-er-y-thing. If you need ideas, holla.

Along with some heavier meals, I also love a good documentary or show. When it’s too cold to go outside there is absolutely zero guilt to stay in all night, snack and layer up under umpteen blankets for the night. I mean, you gotta put on a tiny bit of winter cushion to fight that chill….right?

Ok, so along with the obvious eating and watching TV, I think going into a new season is a great time to get a fresh start on a few things. Whether that’s redecorating your living space, parting ways with some clutter, making a list of new goals, making a new savings plan, or plan your next vacation. At the top of my goal list, is to save for a house (or shack…depending on how savings go). So my Winter will be a cheap one, which can still be exciting. Outings don’t have to be expensive all the time, or just let yourself have a couple of treat days so you’re not heading straight toward the Winter blues.

Take these next few weeks to think about what types of hobbies you want to pick up this Fall/Winter season. Allow yourself days to rest and relax, and also don’t be afraid to get creative - DIY spa nights, card making nights with friends, prep a big meal you can freeze to save some for another day, journal, read, exercise (try the Nike Training App!). And most important of all, if you feel yourself getting into a Winter rut, talk to a friend! Talk, cry, laugh it out and move past it - snap back into appreciating the season and all that you have to be thankful for.

What sorts of things do you look forward to in the Winter? What do you dread, and how do you resolve it?

-that’s the fresh perspective…