Dreaming of Warmer Weather: How I Beat the Winter Blues

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Winter is a really hard time for me, because I get very down in the dumps when I have to go a long time without seeing the sun. Here in Michigan, we can go weeks without seeing the sun and instead of blue skies and fluffy clouds, we have the blindingly white, icy landscape all around us to look forward to for months on end. Don’t get me wrong, I love Michigan and I’m happy to live where I do (for now), but please let me vent for a hot sec. It’s SO boring to see such dull colors like brown and white for such a long period of time, when what I really want to see is verdant trees covered in lush green leaves, fields and ditches full of wildflowers blooming in a rainbow of colors, and the beautiful water of our many lakes splashing playfully against the warm, sandy shore. Even the way I’m forced to dress in uncomfortable, bulky layers is getting old, despite having a plethora of cute sweaters to keep me warm when I’m inside. I can’t even go for a walk or be outside for very long without risking frost bite on exposed skin. I just want to slap on a pretty Lilly Pulitzer sun dress, a cute hat, sandals, and walk downtown or head to the beach and feel the sun on my skin again. Ugh, thanks for reading all of that, haha.

To help get me out of my slump, I’m sharing my favorite warm weather photos including lush vegetation, vividly colored flowers, and breathtaking lake views. I know spring will be here soon, but sometimes it’s very challenging to see the sun on the horizon, so to speak. I hope these photos cheer you up the way they cheer me up, and that they help you hold out for spring just a little bit longer. A few other things I’ve found help to cheer me up when the sun is hiding from me is taking a warm shower and pamper myself by painting my nails, moisturizing really thoroughly to defeat dry, winter skin (I’m talking slathering coconut oil head to toe, cuticle oil, hair mask – the works!), doing a face mask (I love making my own by mashing a quarter of an avocado with a tablespoon of coconut oil and some lemon juice), and drinking hot herbal tea. I also find that oddly enough, watching other people’s travel vlogs (I love Aimee Song’s travel vlogs!) or travel documentaries helps to remind me that the sun will come out again someday, and that the world is a beautiful place. Planet Earth II, Blue Planet, old Steve Irwin Documentaries, and An Idiot Abroad (if you’re looking for some laughs) are some of my favorites. Netflix has some really great titles in their Nature & Science and Docuseries sections that are worth checking out. I’ve also found that making a colorful smoothie or freshly juiced organic fruit juice helps to pep me up, plus they’re a great way to bolster the immune system!

If you want to get out of the house (assuming you’re not snowed in like we were for 3 days straight at our cabin up north), check out this list of 50 of the Best Locally Owned Restaurants in Michigan and try something new with some friends, or on your own. A few other things that help me to feel better is having a clean room, eating a huge salad, visiting an art gallery, painting, soaking in a hot bath or working out vigorously. Swimming especially makes me feel happier in the winter. Even a quick dip in a hot tub does wonders for my mood. What helps cheer you up when you’re suffering from the winter blues?

For some people, winter time is much harder for them than it is for others, and they can become depressed or develop Seasonal Depression. If you or a loved one is feeling abnormally sad, tired, or withdrawn consider reaching out to a loved one or seeking professional help. You deserve to be happy! You can view free and low-cost depression resources in your area here.

If you are interested in seeing more of my photography work from around the world, please visit my portfolio by clicking here.