Growing up in Iowa, I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with the four seasons. The legendary White Christmas brings a certain sense of magic to the holiday season, however the past few years have been brown and cool. The gloomy drizzle hasn’t brought that wonder for which I’ve been searching. And, if we are lucky enough to experience the fabled, snowy holiday, by March, the once whimsical silver landscape loses its luster.

This year, I am drawn to find a better way to face the cold, dark months ahead. I created this list for days I can’t seem to find much joy in anything. Though winter (for me, at least) will always have days of cheer contrasted by blue days, perhaps these activities and reminders can sprinkle some life into the dormant season.

1. Visit A Botanical Center

How many years did it take me to visit the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden after moving here?

If you answered ten, you’re close. It took me a whopping NINE years to visit this beautiful oasis. The Botanical Garden offers a plethora of education about different types of plants. While visiting, I imagined the parts of the world where zany sprigs of vibrant peridot and fuchsia blooms decorate the earth.

My skin and hair rejoiced with the abundant moisture. Winter was an ideal time to visit as the Botanical Garden was almost TOO hot when we visited in the summer! If you’re in the Des Moines area, check out the Des Moines Botanical Garden’s events at https://dmbotanicalgarden.com.

2. Take A Winter Stroll

I despise being cold. So I relate to the feeling of complete rejection to this idea. However, I don’t mean a full on walk. Nor do I condone stepping foot outside into sub-zero temperatures. I’ve enjoyed two types of winter strolls.

The first option is to stay inside. I purchased a walking pad similar to this one https://a.co/d/bYi6CCo last year during a blizzard. Products like this are improving if you’d prefer different speeds or features. I typically hate dreadmills, but something about these lightweight walking pads feels different. You can put them under a standing desk or pass the time watching a movie or show. Movement during the winter months is extremely powerful for wellbeing.

Option two, and surprisingly my favorite option, is to bundle up and take a winter walk. I put this activity to the test yesterday when I fell into a very down, distressed mood. Within five minutes of my stroll, I was reminded of the beauty of winter. I was enchanted by the varying shades of blue and white, fresh air, and ambient quiet. A small group of swans even flew overhead, bringing a big smile to my face. I left the house in a melancholy mood and came back with the energy to cook a flavorful dinner and enjoy the evening.

3. Wear Something Extravagant (Anywhere!)

My winter uniform historically consisted of an old pair of grey, Nike sweatpants and an oversized band t-shirt. However, when a friend of mine initiated Fashion Fridays at my workplace last winter, a day for us to wear colorful, quirky, luxe items of our choosing, a sense of excitement crept in while picking my outfits on Thursday nights. A colorful pair of tights, bright red lipstick, maybe even a sexy undergarment will do the trick! This year, my favorite piece has been an emerald green fur coat.

Thrift stores are a treasure trove for signature pieces. Winter is a great time to sift through the racks. My current favorite online vintage shop is Fever Dream Vintage https://www.etsy.com/shop/feverdreamvntg for quality items from the 1990s.

4. Cozy Up In A Jazz Club

Something about the brightness of a horn section, rich singing voice, and heavy strum of a stand-up bass makes jazz clubs one of my favorite settings during the winter months. Typically, jazz clubs have a darkened, speakeasy vibe, coupled with an intimate atmosphere making these hideaways ideal. I love supporting this type of establishment because there is so much talent in these little venues. If you live in/are passing through Des Moines, I highly recommend an evening at Noce https://www.nocedsm.com followed up by an impromptu music ensemble and a glass of wine at The Cave https://www.thecavedsm.com.

5. Embrace The Slow Down

This is easier said than done in a society that sees laziness and relaxation as synonymous. Give yourself permission to enjoy moments of contentment, to fill your cup (perhaps with a cappuccino, flavorful new tea, or a cheap wine from Aldi) before spring comes and you’re forced to fill your calendar.

Meditation, reading, and yoga are three of my favorite ways to hit the breaks. Setting an alarm is an essential tool for me to dive into any restorative activity, so set your phone timer for twenty minutes and lose yourself in relaxing meditation music, dive into a book you’ve been meaning to read, or get into child’s pose and see where your body takes you. Much like a winter walk outside, beginning is the hardest part.

I sincerely hope that these ideas help to elevate you from a winter slump or two. If anything, please know that you are not alone, that there are brighter days ahead. There is joy to be found- it just takes a little more time to be realized! I also want to remind you that YOU are the light in many people’s winter darkness. I wish you all the best in this restorative season.