The Seasons
Certain things don't seem to phase me like they used to, but is that because of my age? Have I seen more shocking things? Or is it because winter in Canada swallows you whole and spits you out. I'm still not sure, but it's really nice to see the sun.
I'm sure you've heard it a million times, but yes, winter in Canada is quite a beast. On top of it being pretty harsh, Niall and I just happened to fall in love with a small town that tends to recieve more snow then a lot of surrounding areas. At least we bought a snowblower this year so we were more prepared for driveway maintenance.
But here's the thing that they don't really tell you about Canadian winter that's just not the same in warmer countries. It can really take a toll on your mental health if you don't embrace its perks. Dont get me wrong, winter is not my favourite season, but 9 times out of ten people who hate winter, hate it because there's less things to do. And they're 100% right, you can't sit out on your backyard patio, or a restaurant patio, soaking in the sun and sipping your favourite drink after a long hard day of work. Nothing quite hits the same as when you feel a tan coming on, and the sun is just beginning to set but it's 8pm. Winter makes you work a lot harder. You have to shovel the driveway before leaving anywhere, you got to go to the gym instead of just stepping outside for a nice run or walk, and oh, yeah, the sun sets at like 5.
But I've realized over the last few years that simply waiting for the snow to melt doesn't do your mental health any help. You still have to try and make plans, whether it be with friends, or even something small to took forward to on the weekend. Post-christmas can be relaxing, but the contrast between planning a large get together versus several weeks of not seeing friends at all can be quite lonely. So how can you brace the weather while still feeling warm and comforted on the inside?
Here's a few things that I did this year that I found really helped, and when it came time to having a more low-key, stay at home weekend, it was much more appreciated rather than the same-old-same.
1. Skating and skiing
Ok so, these obviously take a bit of practice, but hear me out...
Skating is a really inexpensive sport to get into, especially if your feet have stopped growing. I've actually had the same pair of skates for probably ten years. But the ease of just going makes it a really ideal activity for a winter afternoon or evening. Whether you prefer to skate inside, which often offers a better environment for learning, or dress for it and get outside. It's easy to invite others if you want to skate as a group for an hour or two, or even just with your significant other. This year, we checked out the skating trail at Blue Mountain which was incredible, especially at night because they had decorative lights throughout the trees and it was quite sheltered from any wind.
Skiing has always been a big part of my life, and I'm really happy that I finally got back on the hill after the pause of the pandemic. Downhill skiing can indeed be pricy, but you can always ask around to see who might be able to lend you equipment to try, or check out second hand stores. If downhill isn't your thing and would rather stay a bit more in control, I highly recommend cross-country skiing. It's less expensive in the long run since many places offer trails without any cost to enter, and if they do ask for payment, it's usually much less then the cost of a downhill ski resort.
2. Take a little trip
This was a game-changer for us, we decided to extend the Family Day weekend (mid February) and go to Boston for a few days. We got asked a lot of questions as to why we chose Boston, but in short, we wanted a quick plane trip, somewhere we hadn't been together already, and at least Niall wanted a city trip rather than a beach. I know many people tend to go for beach vacations in the middle of winter to shake off the blues, but then you also have to deal with coming back to the cold, and it can also shock your immune system quite a bit. Additionally, a little trip can be less expensive then staying at a beach resort or an exotic destination, so it was perfect for what we wanted. It was warmer than home anyway, and encouraged us to walk around a lot! If you're curious about taking a weekend, or long weekend trip somewhere close, go to your cheap airline of choice and check out their destinations. I'm sure there's a few you've never been to before, and just the change of scenery can really help make winter a bit more bearable!
3. Check out local events
Ok so we were slightly spoiled this year because our town hosted Hockey Day in Canada which is a really big deal. But even smaller events are great to check out to support your local art and culture scene. Whether you catch a show at a local venue, or go to a trivia night at your nearby brewery, these small events can actually impact your regular schedule in such a positive way, and you can always extend the invitation to friends and family who may be interested in joining you. If you think they might be interested, but they live far, you could always offer to host them if you're capable of doing so, and turn it into bigger plans. The worst that they say is no, and if you still want to go to the event, do it! You can always let them know how it was and I'm sure they'll look forward to the next one, or follow up with alternative ways you can organize a get together.
These are definitely the more extroverted things on the list, and I know not everyone is as out-going as I am. There's little things you can do to bring simple joys to shake up your routines, like trying a new recipe or treating yourself to an at-home spa day. But I did find a significant difference after partaking in these activities versus staying at home. And like I mentioned, once you come back home after an afternoon of skating or listening to a local band, you can turn on the fireplace, wrap yourself in blankets and be a winter-hater because you deserved it!
Is it easy? No.
Balance isn't easy and you have to work to feel balanced with all the things that life can throw your way.
And just like the seasons, there's events that come and go, things we're used to, and things that are new. So juggling these activities, and how they make you feel is just like dealing with the seasons, which you've been doing all along.
🔁