How To Thrive During Dark And Cold Winter Months

Winter might seem like a dull or dreary time of the year, but it can be wonderful. All it takes is the right mindset according to Kari Leibowitz.

CNBC Make It says that Kari Leibowitz, a psychologist and Stanford-trained expert when it comes to improving mental health by shifting how you think, has three different ways to really embrace and start loving winter.

Once daylight savings time ends, most of us tend to immediately prepare for the transition between seasons with negative thoughts about the darker, colder days to come. Changing your mindset from the start of this season can make a big difference. Immediately assuming that winter will be a bad thing can lead to confirmation bias, Leibowitz describes confirmation bias as  “our tendency to look for and process information that supports our beliefs and mindsets.”

“When the very thought of winter conjures only pessimism, this isn’t just reflecting what winter can be like,” Leibowitz writes in her book “How to Winter”. “It increases the chance that our winter will be gloomy.”

You can actually flip this confirmation bias around by thinking that winter will be a wonderful time and planning fun winter themed events. Prepping you home for the winter can also help to make the season much more enjoyable. You can do this by pulling out your warm clothing and blankets, stocking up on warm winter drinks like hot chocolate, and placing winter scented candles around the house. 

Now that you're much more excited about winter you can make it into a special time. Leibowits says that you should play into the darkness that winter creates by using things like twinkly lights or small cozy lamps instead of your big light to bring a warm relaxing atmosphere. 

She also says that winter is a good time to engage in “low-arousal-positive activities.” These are activities that are meant to make you feel at ease and relaxed. Some examples include: painting, doing puzzles, meditation, crocheting, reading, taking warm baths, and going on slow walks. Creating these types of rituals during the winter season can make it something that you look forward to each year.

Although it's cold outside, there are ways that you can prepare and face it. If you have the right winter gear, being outdoors in the winter can be enjoyable. “People who thrive during the season invariably find ways to spend time outdoors,” Leibowitz wrote. “Whether skiing, swimming, hiking, or just walking their dog around the neighborhood, being outside is a meaningful part of their winter lives.”

Before you go outside, make sure to dress warmly, layer clothes and wear waterproof shoes (and a waterproof jacket if necessary). Once you're dressed properly then you can head outside and enjoy the winter weather and scenery.