Are you tired of winter? Are you tired of (pandemic-necessary) limited social contact? I most certainly am!
February is when I get tired of boots, big coats, dirty snow, and frigid weather. While I have to admit, this Chicago winter hasn’t been too bad – we just had our first big snowstorm last weekend. But pandemic fatigue makes February 2021 feel more grey and heavy. I can’t yet see the light at the end of the cold weather or pandemic tunnel.
Here are some of the ways I am (trying) to fight the February/pandemic doldrums.
Get Outside
There is a ton of research and reporting on the benefits of getting outside, even in the winter. And you don’t have ski or play ice hockey to get outside. And from what I have read, only 20 minutes can make a difference. That is walk around my neighborhood and half a podcast.
A friend and I agreed to meet once a week to walk – even through the winter and put the date & time on our calendars to make it official. We have learned how to bundle up regardless of the weather. I even bought traction cleats so I could walk on the snow-packed trails in our local forest preserve (I am very terrified of falling and injuring myself!). Not only do I get outside but I get quality time with one of my besties!
My favorite outdoor activity is paddle tennis. I drill once a week and play in a weekly match. Since the courts are heated to melt snow and ice, we play in any weather. In past years, we have played in single digit temperatures. It is amazing how warm you get and the layers you shed. Our team is new and getting better each week. Many of us say that it is the one activity that is keeping us sane this winter. We get outside, move our bodies and socialize.
So find a buddy and make a regular walking date (or running). And team sports aren’t the only option. If you have snow – rent some snowshoes or cross country skis. I noticed that a group of people set up pickle ball courts in a nearby church parking lot. Share any other ideas in the comments.
Plan Something You Look Forward To Doing
Usually, I have some type of spring break trip scheduled for February or March. A respite from the doldrums. Sunshine and warm weather to soothe my soul. A change of routine. Its not always a beach vacation (but oh, that sounds so good right now). Two years ago, we went the San Francisco. I love planning trips and traveling. For me, a big part of the experience is researching destinations and planning activities.
It’s hard to plan these days. I doubt I will be vaccinated for Covid-19 until early/late spring. So I am taking two different tactics: plan for the fall and plan small things every few weeks. We are planning a trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons for September. Tickets and hotels booked, car rented. That seems like a ‘safe’ option since we will be hiking & siteseeing all week.
In the meantime, I signed up for a webinar on houseplants through the Chicago Botanical Gardens. I have a list of local trails to hike in preparation for our September trip to do this spring & summer. There are a lot of programs through libraries, too. And a ton of online webinars for just about any interest you have.
Try Something New!
I’ve never been a big ‘hobby’ person. I’m not crafty and until recently spent most of my time managing kids and volunteer responsibilities. When people would ask me what my hobbies were, I would sheepishly reply “reading?” Which doesn’t really feel like a hobby. But a hobby doesn’t have to be a craft. It could be photography, bird-watching, or learning bridge (which you can do online, apparently).
A few years ago, my daughter and I took a quilting class. Quilting fits my logical brain. And once I found kits, it took away the stress of picking out patterns – someone who has an eye for color and design picks everything out FOR you. Genius. So I am working on my quilting skills.
My latest quilt
So, if you need some ideas on beating the February/pandemic doldrums, give one these a try: get outside, plan something or try something new. And I am always looking for good ideas, so how are you beating your winter doldrums this year? Share your ideas in the comments!
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