Christmas time has come and gone, but sadly the freezing winter weather has not. Let’s face it, plain and simple we are no longer “dreaming of a white Christmas,” but rather dreaming of a fruity drink in our hands on an island oasis. Many of you are probably thinking, “How on earth am I going to get through the last few winter months?” Well, lucky for you, I am a seasoned New Englander and over the years I have gained some tips and secrets to surviving the rest of winter. Now that we all live in Boston, we must accept that we are now all New Englanders and must face the downside of the four seasons together. So listen up, and help each other out, because we will get through these grey months ahead and soon feel the warm, yellow sun shining down on us once again.
1. Remember that every day you wake up, you’re one day closer to warmer weather.
First and foremost, as dreadful as the last few months of winter can be, know that each and every day you survive the blustering winds and freezing temps, you are one day closer to summer. Warm summer days may seem very far off right now, but those of you who have experienced a BC spring semester before know that the time flies by. Soon enough we will all be lying out on the quad outside of Stokes catching some much-needed rays and soaking up that vitamin D. We are now past Winter Solstice, which means longer days are headed our way. All of a sudden, it will be five o’clock and you’ll be saying “Hey, it’s still light out!” Everyone knows how good that feels. So hang in there BC because warmer weather is on the way… eventually.
2. Set the background on your laptop and iPhone to some place tropical.
So I admit that this tip may seem a little trivial, but if you choose to take this advice, you will soon realize that incorporating a little piece of paradise into your day will make you feel much better. Take a picture from last summer, or from a tropical vacation you went on, or even just google “paradise” and put this picture somewhere you will see it everyday. A phone background may be your best bet, because we all know how badly we need our social media on hand at all times. When you see this picture, let it take you someplace far away for a few minutes and slip into the relaxation of your own little piece of paradise. Even if it’s just in your Econ class for a second or two, you will be surprised how effective a tropical daydream vacation can be.
3. Make the most of the cold temps!
Go ice-skating! I mean hey, why not. If it’s going to be cold, you should take advantage of the cold New England tundra. If you’re really feeling adventurous and you know someone with a car on campus, take a trip to the beach. I mean it’s not going to be 80 degrees and sunny, but at least you’ll feel the sea breeze and smell the salty ocean. I recommend somewhere on the Cape. Cape Cod’s shores are absolutely beautiful, no matter what season. Another personal favorite of mine is York Beach, Maine. It’s only about an hour and 15 minute drive north of the city, and relatively easy to get to. At York you will be able to walk along the rocky Maine shore and check out Nubble Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world!
4. Turn on that country music.
Country music is our little piece of summer no matter what day it is. It could be a blizzard outside and if you turn on a little Kenney Chesney or Luke Bryan, know that you will be taken away to a warm summer day. For those of you not from the Boston area, I recommend tuning into Country 102.5 on the radio. This is a great station that offers a variety of country music, sure to brighten any gloomy and grey winter day. Personally, my favorite winter country song is “Sunny and 75” by Joe Nichols. So go to YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, or whatever you need to do, and find this song and crank it up. Let the lyrics take you away to some place Sunny and 75!
So girls, I wish you the best of luck with surviving the rest of the winter and I hope some of these tips help you overcome those post Christmas-time Winter Blues. Let’s face the rest of the cold months ahead together and pray that Mother Nature brings us an early Spring!
Photo Sources:
http://home.yourway.net/organizing-christmas-decorations-a-step-by-step-plan-vlog/
http://wall.alphacoders.com/big.php?i=85264
http://walshphotography.net/galleries/marine.html