As a Hoosier, this time of year is hard. It’s cold, dreary, and the sun rarely shines. I would give anything to be able to walk outside to the ocean air and warm sunshine. I’m sure I’m not alone in this.
Don’t get me wrong…winter months are enjoyable when we celebrate the holidays. But as soon as the New Year begins, I am ready for the cold to end. Unfortunately, my area will be dealing with rain, slush, snow, and cloudy skies for possibly another 2-3 months. I can quickly spiral down a depressing path if I dwell on it too long. We aren’t moving to the south any time soon so I’ve adapted. Over the years, I started a mental list of things to do to get me through these tough winter months.
Ideas to Change it Up
- Get out of the house! This might be easier for some than others. Plan a time every week or every other week to go and do something different. Don’t make it too complex. For example, if you grocery shop at Wal-Mart, switch it up and shop at Meijer or Kroger. Look at the different items they sell. Wander the store and “window shop”. Make the outing an experience that you wouldn’t typically have.
- Sometimes weather prevents outings. If that’s the case, have a plan to do something different indoors. Rearrange your furniture. Paint a room that needs an update. Draft a renovation to-do list for your house.
- Take advantage of these months to declutter and deep clean. This likely is not something that can be done in a day. Pick a room that needs your attention and dedicate your weekend to tackling it. Set up trash, recycle/donate, and sell boxes to assist you with your project. Start at one side of the room and work your way over to the other. Once you have the clutter removed, it’s time to clean. Wipe down walls, clean cobwebs off of ceilings, wipe down baseboards, vacuum in and under furniture. Make a list of any organizational tools that you need to complete your room transformation.
- Establish an official family night every week. Use that night to do something fun with only your immediate family members. You could go to a movie at the theater, go see a local play, have a dance party, go to a museum, play games, complete a puzzle, a craft, go to a store, indoor rock climbing, roller skating, ice skating, snow tubing, skiing, or something you’ve never tried. I often will Google things to do near me this weekend. Enable your location finder and you’ll see a nice list of things to do in your area.
- Invest in a membership to an attraction that your family enjoys. Use it over these winter months! Check for places like a children’s museum, zoo, bowling league, indoor golfing, swimming, YMCA, other fitness locations, or library. These are just a few places to get you started.
- Go visit family and friends that you don’t get to see very often. Be intentional to spend time with those people that you love (put the phones and other devices away). Time is one thing that we will never get back! Make every moment count. The memories you make with those loved ones will be cherished more than anything.
- Start a hobby. Invest in that thing you’ve always wanted to try but never could find the time. This is not something that needs to cost a lot of money. YouTube has a tutorial video on almost anything! Teach yourself how to do a renovation. Try yoga! Become an artist. Write a book. The options are endless here!
- Begin a Bible study. Our church offers small groups and our neighborhood hosts gatherings weekly. This is a great way to meet people in your community and support them through life. Friendships form as your faith develops. If that is not your style, begin an online Bible study. The free YouVersion app has numerous plans that you can join and offers the option to invite your friends. Gather your best friends to complete a plan together and discuss it. Where did you hear God speaking? Even if you cannot meet in person, you can group text or video chat to discuss! Dive deep!
The list doesn’t end here. Be creative and think of some unique ways that you can try something new, finish a project, play, and spend time with family. If you’re fortunate enough to live on a southern beach, please take an extra walk in the warmth for me. Share your suggestions on how you beat the winter blues! I’m always looking for something new to try.
