“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” –Edith Sitwell
The winter season can be spent in a way that isn’t cold or harsh, but in fact, exciting, renewing, seasonal affective disorder/depression depleting and downright childish (in a good way.) It is a matter of perception and “choosing” to see things in a new, revised light that not only serves and benefits others, but in turn, transforms, renews, and feeds our soul so that we can live a meaningful, awakened life. Yes, might it also be added that it is the time and season for root vegetables, hats/gloves, snow pants, boots, hot chocolate, hot toddy’s, thermal wear, long johns, onsies, giving, family quality time, forgiveness, prosperity, and a constant dwelling in gratitude for all that we have. Wait a minute, can’t we partake in these activities ALL year round?? Yes, yes we can. But, I guess the winter months act as that friendly reminder to us along with sharing those unique scenic moments the beauty, curiosity, and intrigue a winter wonderland can bring.
But, during the winter months, enjoying the season can be rather challenging for some, but what about embracing a new winter activity to combat the challenge? Find out how to get more energy, become fulfilled with more joy and happiness along with LOVING the winter months! Seasonal Affective Disorder affects quite a number of people during certain seasons, including myself! A lack of sunshine and vitamin D can be a culprit. But, what if consistent involvement in winter activities, seeing the winter as a season of “renewal,” “fun,” and joy,” along with quality time spent with loved ones help COMBAT the seasonal blues and invoke more joy and satisfaction in our lives? Tony Robbins put it pretty well here, “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” Try something new, DO something new, get uncomfortable, and discover a joy and satisfaction you never knew. A surprise might be waiting for you. What am I referring to? Well, let’s find out here inside my top 5 Winter Sports/Activities I recommend everyone to try and EMBRACE during the winter months. All it takes is a little dedication, accepting and appreciating the activity as it is, and for Pete’s sake, have fun with it!
1. Sledding: Oh the joy of sledding—who DOESN’T find this fun and empowering? It reminds me when I was a little girl sledding down the hill with family members and friends without a care in the world! Bring out that childhood joy and GO sledding—snow pants, hats, mittens and all! Maybe bring a thermos filled with hot cocoa. It can be a great exercise (running up and down hills, running and jumping on sled, flying down the hill…not literally, with your hands clenched tight!) If you have children, this is one of the PERFECT opportunities to bond with your child and show him/her your childish, fun side! The key is? Embrace and enjoy the fun!
2. Ice Skating: Another great one! You might fall a few times, but get up, and try, try, again. Humiliation isn’t that bad. Before you know it, you will be gliding effortlessly, smiling endlessly, and boosting those endorphins!
3. Cross Country Skiing: One of the BEST full body workouts..probably…ever. All you need are the appropriate shoes/skis/poles. This isn’t the type of winter sport where you are flying/skiing down a hill conducting tricks…this is something you can do around your neighborhood, in your backyard, or through a forest preserve trail! All you need is enough snow! 🙂 This low impact winter activity helps you burn calories, build muscle, relieve stress, enhance social interactions or “solo” interactions and promotes a “therapuetic” vibe!
4. Snowboarding/Skiing: The picture below just about sums it up, but during the winter months, try out skiing or snowboarding! Get a lesson if you have never done this before. Make sure to get a one on one instructor that KNOWS what he/she is doing and see if it’s something that’s enjoyable. Don’t get discouraged during the first couple of try’s, keep going, don’t give up. The number of times one may fall down, or become fearful, that is the moment to get up and let fearlessness take over. A great cardio workout, core, back, and legs workout, along with a liberating and empowering feeling it brings. 
5. Do a Little Dance, Go Outside, Get Fresh Air and Sun (when it’s out) Yep! Get out there, get some fresh breaths and just breathe! Not only just breathe, but LOOK around you with a renewed curiosity and amazement. Reboot and regenerize, dance it up, and allow the sun to hit your face (when it’s out ;-)) for at least 15 minutes a day. Not only can you catch up on some Vitamin D absorption, but the morning is one of the best times to sun soak due to its invigorating feeling it can bring, along with understanding that it is a great way to start the day. Because of the lack of sunlight during most of the winter months, be sure to take a vitamin D3 supplement, along with magnesium, calcium, and zinc–along with a credible, effective, and bioavailable whole food vitamin supplement. So, a little recap–>Get outside in the winter months! Find your inner, free spirited child and get lost in wonder, intrigue, and pure childish joy. Sled, iceskate, ski, snowboard, stay active, embrace the snow, and find the fun in shoveling or having a snowball fight! If you feel discouraged about this, well then, that’s the time to be courageous about it and see the physical, mental, and emotional benefit it can bring, if you let it. Finally rid off those seasonal blues, and be content, happy, and excited about winter and “dwell in gratitude” for all that is good. Be aware that each season takes place for a specific reason, and instead of dreading the snow and winter months, enjoy them, embrace them, and seek the joy out in each moment.