When we moved to Indy from Alabama in 2022, the locals warned us about winters here. We were optimistic because we love snow and wanted to experience the Midwest seasons in all their glory. And it was magical—my husband and I stood up in the middle of a November lunch date to video the snowflakes falling outside (while everyone around us continued with business as usual). But then, the holidays came and went, and there were endless days of gray skies with not a snowflake in sight. This led to me lying on the hard floor, crying in front of our fireplace alone one day. I was working from home, and we were going through a hard season work-wise, as well as adjusting to life in a new place where we knew very few people, and that January day felt so gray and just plain sad. Thankfully, my husband called to check in on his lunch break and could stop by just to hug me, and I got through that dreary day. As we head into our third winter here, I feel more adequately prepared for what lies ahead, and I’m going in with a plan. Over the last few months, I’ve been working on a running list of things that bring me joy that I can turn to on those inevitable gloomy gray days.
Cozify my space.
I teach from home, so I spend most of my waking hours in my home office. I keep a favorite blanket in my desk chair and rotate out a seasonal candle on my desk. I love having a hot drink in my hands, and I plan to up my beverage game this winter. I added a mini-Keurig right by my desk, and I’ve stocked up on various hot teas, my favorite hot cocoa mix (along with all the delicious toppings), and coffees galore. Homemade whipped cream is one of my favorite easy splurges. I’m keeping some of these cute frozen whipped cream cut-outs in my freezer, ready to top my beverage of choice! I also hope to occasionally work from different locations (coffee shops, libraries, etc.) to mix things up a bit. Playing happy, cozy music in the background can also be a great mood booster. I love this quote from my most recent read— “You can’t choose the plot, but you can choose the soundtrack.” That may be my new motto, and I’m choosing to fill my life with the soundtrack that brings me joy and comfort this winter.
Choose light-hearted entertainment.
I’m an emotional person and a big fan of embracing our emotions and letting ourselves feel them. I see the value in leaning into seasons and the accompanying feelings, which can sometimes mean fully feeling the darkness of winter and letting yourself be sad on gloomy days. But I have enough of that without any additional sources of heaviness in the winter, so I plan to read only happy, light-hearted books (other than book club picks) this winter. I see lots of rom-com books and movies, along with some of my favorite comfort shows, in my future on those dreary days and nights.
Plan things to look forward to.
As an introvert, it’s especially tempting for me to hibernate at home during the winter months, but I feel so much better when I get out of the house and get around other people who bring me joy. Having things on the calendar that I’m excited about helps me get through the ho-hum days when every day feels monotonous. I’m planning to have at least one thing on the calendar every week that I’m excited about. One of my favorite things about living in Indy is there is always something fun to do, no matter the time of year. On deck for this winter, I’ve got Pacers games, ice skating, a wine night with friends in a cozy igloo, dates with my hubby, and a little weekend getaway if all works out. There are plenty of great, inexpensive, and even free options as well. Plan a cozy PJ movie night or game night with friends, complete with popcorn and hot cocoa. Have a candle-lit dinner date at home. Get extra cuddles in with your kiddos, and boost everyone’s oxytocin. Go to the library and check out some cozy books or movies (see #2). And of course, I look forward to Indianapolis Moms Book Club every month. I first attended in February of 2023, and it was exactly what my heart needed during the “longest, shortest month of the year.” If you need more ideas of fun things to do, check out this Indianapolis Winter Bucket List.
Move my body.
It’s so easy for me to fall into a rut of being completely sedentary after sitting in front of a computer for 8+ hours a day. I’m exhausted at the end of the day, and then there’s dinner to make and a family to care for. The last thing I want to do is exercise, but I feel so much better when I do. Pilates and yoga are my favorites, and they energize me. I signed up for yoga classes before those dreary days hit; making the commitment to myself ahead of time helps me actually show up and follow through. I’m also keeping free weights by my desk and doing one set every time I have a quick break throughout the workday. Winter walks are another favorite of mine; I actually prefer walking when it’s colder outside. I just bundle up and walk for a shorter period of time. There’s something so refreshing about getting out in the brisk air when everything feels quiet and still outside.
Take care of my mental health.
I’ve been on an antidepressant primarily for anxiety for a few years, and it has been a game-changer. So many people feel down in the winter months. If you find yourself feeling really gloomy, talk to your doctor. Vitamin D is another significant factor with the winter blues. Even before moving to the Midwest, I had extremely low Vitamin D, so this is a must for me. I’m also trying out a happy light this winter. I’m a huge proponent of counseling. It can be so therapeutic to have someone to process all the feels with during these dreary months. Connecting with others is so good for our mental health as well. Check in with friends often via phone, text, or video chat. Some of my fellow Indy Mom friends and I have an ongoing conversation via Marco Polo that brings me so much joy.
