Beating the Winter Blahs
If your family is anything like ours, we don’t really enjoy the cold weather. We’re not the winter-sporty type of family and we tend to hibernate indoors. Add in some extreme weather, school closures, difficult driving conditions, and cancelled vacation plans (again!), and it’s no wonder why so many of us get the winter blahs.
It’s very tempting to cozy up with a thick blanket and glue yourself to a screen. But we need to make a conscious effort to stay active and get those serotonin levels up – especially with the kids around. Here are some ideas (and basically my to-do list) to help battle the winter blahs.
Get some air! Bundle up and go for a walk – even if it’s just a short one. We like to hike through the local woods as the trees help block out those crisp gusts of winds. To keep the kids busy, plan a winter scavenger hunt.
Make some plans. If a warm getaway isn’t on the horizon, plan a big-city weekend full of indoor family friendly activities: museums, trampoline parks, escape rooms, restaurants, and theatre! Summer camp registration usually opens this time of year too. Get on the early-bird bus and plan a summer to look forward to.
Cooking or baking. Search for a new recipe and plan something delicious together. Make it a big deal with special table settings or deliver tasty treats to a neighbour. Cooking together and spreading good cheer is scrumptious for the soul.
Think brighter. Take full advantage of the sunny winter days. Open up the curtains, sit closer to the windows and get your much needed dose of sunshine.
Get moving. Set up a family workout routine, follow a yoga video, or have regular dance parties. A family favourite site for us is GoNoodle!
Games and crafts. Fill up an afternoon with card games, board games, colouring, or activity books. Look up some neat craft ideas, get materials, and fill your table with a mountain of craft chaos!
Connect with others. As tempting and convenient as video calls are, we’re trying to fill time here! Write some notes together, teach kids how to mail a letter with a stamp, and take a short walk over to the mailbox. Or better yet, invite some close family over for a Family Day feast and try some of your new recipes!
Our children’s mental health depends primarily on us and our outlook on those blah-inducing times. As challenging as it may be, it’s up to us to set the example, initiate the effort, and keep the positive outlook. And when it feels intense and you can tell it’s more than just the winter blahs, please make a point to reach out for some help.
Frank Emanuele is a proud father of two boys, a special education teacher, and a director of Dad Club London.
