Winter Survival Tips
by Cy
PurityandVerve.com
“Deep in the ground of the human soul
Of victory assured
The Spirit-Sun is living.
All through the winter of the inner life
The faithful heart divines it.”
~Rudolf Steiner
Introduction
I fully recognize that as a human, I am meant to dwell in a fruit-abundant, warm and tropical setting. But alas, my life is configured in such a way that I presently reside in the humid continental northeastern United States. I live in the land of extremes. We get cold, moderately snowy winters and hot, humid summers. The kinds of temperate days most consider pleasant are limited. I enjoy the later part of spring when things warm, the beauty of summer, and the colors of fall. Winter, particularly the span between new year and mid-spring challenges me. This 3-4 month period of the year impacts my mind, body and spirit. There are some positive effects, but mostly it elicits a longing for brighter days. I’ve lived in these parts for many years, so despite the qualities of winter I don’t favor, I’ve developed a comprehensive toolkit of winter survival strategies, some of which I’ll share here.
Whether we are living outside of our ideal climate zone or not, winter is a distinct component within the cycle of nature. It becomes more subtle as we approach the equator, and increasingly brusque, the farther north or south we travel. But it exists universally. I’ve experienced the subtleties of winter in the tropics and temperate climates. Though far less dramatic, leaves drop off of some trees, fruits come in and go out of season. The light is cool and limited and has the quality of being farther away.
I’ve witnessed the relative (to me) extremes of frigidity through travels to Canada in the heart of winter. I’ve pushed my ability to tolerate cold quite a bit and studied people taking joy in winter and all its offerings. Over the years I’ve immersed myself in the season and reconciled, in part, my dislike of the cold and dearth of light. While winter will never be my favorite season, I’ve found purpose and joy in it.
What follows are ten strategies I’ve adapted over the years to cope with and reframe winter into a more pleasant experience.
1. Cultivate the Light Within
Winter wasn’t created to torture us. It is a cyclical component of our existence as a part of nature. I regard winter as a time to reflect, clarify and nurture. The light outdoors is lessened, and so our challenge is to turn to internal sources and tend our inner light.
Challenging climates push humans farther and provide opportunities to develop strength and resilience. Places like the Northeast are honest spaces where the weather subjects us to a broad range of tones and moods. It appears as an outright incantation at times. I can counter a desperately bleak winter day with perfect spring warmth and bloom, carefree summer or, my favorite of all, golden autumn. All seasons have purpose and impart themselves into our psyche in different ways. To forsake winter is to forgo a part of ourselves. Honoring the illumination inside of us may be the resolution to the mysterious season of winter.
2. Get Outdoors
Daily contact with the outdoors is essential. Humans need to breathe fresh air. Our eyes require unfiltered, full spectrum light. The alkalinity of the cold is good for us as well. With the exception of dangerous conditions, I make it a point to get outside as much as possible in winter. This could take the form of walking, hiking, biking, sledding, ice skating, cleaning up the yard or gardening. My daughter is a snow fanatic so even if I don’t feel like going out, I go anyway so she can enjoy it!
During winter, I also enjoy visiting gardens, nature spaces, forests and arboretums. There is a whole world of evergreens, winter-specific fruits and flowers revealed that is completely hidden in the summer.
3. Find Indoor Delights
The counterpoint to getting outdoors is cultivating a beautiful interior life. People find many ways of doing this, intuitively, whether through arts and decor, food preparation or quality time with loved ones. There are so many wonderful things we can integrate into our winter rhythms.
Winter is a clarifying time for me. I like to use the season to organize what I have and donate or repurpose what I don’t need. I also enjoy using my hands for things like crocheting, sketching, gardening and preparing more intricate meals.
4. Go North (or South)
In winters past, I made a decision to strategically travel north to expose myself to a more frigid region in order to develop my cold tolerance. The farthest north I’ve been in the heart of winter is Quebec City. Beyond almost freezing my boots off, I got a glimpse of a culture that, out of necessity, embraces winter. I encountered everything from adorable children in mega-insulated snowsuits, ice boat racing through the St. Lawrence river, cross country skiing, ice skating, dancing outside in single digit temperatures, DJ and all, maple sugaring to the annually constructed ice hotel. I’m not cold tolerant enough to take part in all of these activities but the joy I saw the Quebecois experience in the cold helped shape my consciousness around the concept of winter. I understood that my winter displeasure was only one way of being and that there are other outlooks.
5. Fruits, Herbs and Seasonal Tonics
The bounty of the earth is more subdued in winter. Still, miraculous plants come into season at this time of year. Citrus, pomegranates, cranberries, dates and kiwi replenish us. I connect with the plant world in ways specific winter, seeking out warming and healing herbs. Cinnamon, ginger and turmeric are three herbs that I find helpful in the colder season and there are many others that can bring benefit to this time of year.
6. Stay Active
Keeping the body moving is essential year round. Whether outdoors, indoors or both, it’s important to engage in regular a movement practice. This keeps our body aligned, and brings needed warmth into the system.
If you trust what feels good to you, there is no wrong way to move your body. In winter, I enjoy hiking and outdoor walks as well as studio-based classes and indoor workouts. It’s also a good time to push past our comfort zones and try something new!
7. Human Connection
Most people who experience cold winters spend more time indoors. This is a wonderful opportunity to develop new ways of connecting with our families and friends. As much as I adore the warmth, I treasure the experiences I’ve had by way of the cold. Warmer climates are wonderful and natural but, for me, don’t carry this same kind of social intimacy. I appreciate the beauty of the indoors for the opportunity for intimacy it offers, with ourselves and others.
8. Dress Appropriately
Our experience with the coldness of winter is the outcome of how we prepare for it. Warming clothes from under layers and coats to hats and thermal socks have come a long way. Take advantage and dress yourself for the amount of warmth you require. Technical brands often share the temperature range their products are designed for, which is a tremendous help.
9. Bring In More Light
In some cases, inviting in more light can be as simple as cleaning the windows or changing window treatments. If you live someplace with polar nights, light therapy may be in order. Also keep in mind that light has reflective qualities and more light can be drawn in by choosing specific wall colors or treatments, flooring, and other decorative elements. There are countless creative strategies for maximizing limited light.
10. Gratitude
I try to stay focused on the things I have to be grateful for. Having shelter, warmth, food, and clothing are things that should never be taken for granted, even less so in winter. Thankfulness contributes to general positivity and an inner warmth or light.
Conclusion
Winter has its hardships as well as its delights. For those who experience cold winters, remember the season is part of a beautiful, cyclical rhythm that brings fullness into our lives. Whether I remain in a location that features a true winter or not, I will always embrace and appreciate this time of year for its beauty and gifts.