By Rosalind Jaffe
There are two types of northern Michiganders: those who love Michigan winter and those who don’t. The first group gleefully skis, ice-fishes, snowshoes and hikes their way through our lengthy winter. Those in the second camp don’t necessarily hate winter; their attitude switches between ambivalence, dread and acceptance. For those who focus on gray skies, strenuous shoveling and penguin walks, here are some tips on staying sane for the next few months.
- “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” So true. Seriously committing to long underwear increases happiness. Amass a large choice of hats and gloves in various colors to cheer you up. Even indoors, think fuzzy, soft, furry, enveloping. Don’t be embarrassed to overdress. You’ll be unfashionable, but you will be warm.
- Absorb as much light as possible. Get outside daily and take a moment to observe the weather and scenery; don’t doggedly march between vehicle and door with head down. Open curtains wide during the day. At night, close the house for maximum snugness, light candles and indoor party lights, use the fireplace and plug in that lava lamp. Reserve a few candles for the March power outages.
- Indulge in seasonal activities. Avoid selected hobbies and games the rest of the year, and in winter’s depths go whole hog over jigsaw puzzles, board games, crafts and indoor projects. Deep dive into daily activities. Attack that huge novel you’ve owned for years. Cook the intimidating yet intriguing recipe. Practice that tech trick everyone but you knows how to do. Accomplish something during your hibernation, even if it’s only memorizing the Scrabble list of two-letter words.
- At its best, winter glistens with ice and crystals, and you should too. Display shiny things throughout your house — glass, silver and metal — so your home shimmers on a sunny day. Wear velvet, sequins and colorful clothes, big belt buckles, jewelry and baubles. Accessorize and experiment with bling. Keep that swinging holiday style until spring returns.
- Let comfort be your byword. Every chair, sofa and bed is a potential nest for pillows and throws. Condition your hair, apply a face mask, soak your feet in Epsom salts, get a massage, trim your beard. Create a home spa day. Make spiced tea, hot chocolate or warm adult beverages. Moisturize as if you live in the desert.
- On rare occasions, relish the cold. Go outdoors severely under-dressed for 10 seconds. You will feel terrifically tough without committing yourself to any real time outdoors. Hang out at igloos at local restaurants. Sit by your coldest window with a soft blanket fresh from the dryer. Agree to sit at a fire pit but have an excuse to leave early, as they are never truly warm enough.
- Reach out to loved ones, be kind to your neighbors and help each other survive, perhaps even thrive, in northern Michigan’s winter.
Rosalind Jaffe is a retired bookseller and banker. A northern Michigander, she leaves her winter camp to the reader’s imagination.
Read more about the winter blues HERE.
