YES, IT’S POSSIBLE
While we had some very long-lasting warm weather this year, winter in Wisconsin always rolls around. And when it does, it’s here to stay. It can be hard not to let the initial joy of first snowfalls and Christmas music fade into the lethargy of limited daylight and subzero temperatures (especially when the dreaded months of January and February roll around). But there are a number of ways to make the most of winter. And even if it never becomes your favorite season, you might as well learn to love something that takes up so much of the year.
Tip #1: Find a winter sport!
Whether it’s ice skating, skiing, snow tubing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or even ice climbing, there are many ways to make braving the elements fun. It can be tempting to spend all of winter avoiding the cold, but never stepping foot outside can contribute to the feelings of claustrophobia and depression that sometimes characterize the season.
Whenever I meet someone who truly loves winter, it’s usually because they love one of these sports. Associating something fun like this with the winter season provides something to look forward to each time frost starts creeping into the air.
You definitely don’t have to be a professional to reap the benefits of these activities, and there are many accessible ways to get involved here at UW-Madison. Each year, a section of Lake Mendota is cleared off for ice skating, and rentals are available at a low cost from Hoofers (at Memorial Union). Or, keep your eyes peeled for ice climbing info sessions (also by Hoofers)!
Tip #2: Drink so. Much. Tea.
OK – tea, coffee, hot chocolate, oatmeal, even soup! The specifics are up to preference; just make sure to have something hot, have it often and prepare it slowly and mindfully.
One of the hardest parts of winter is getting up each morning out of my warm, cozy bed and facing the cold that awaits beyond my covers. But knowing that I’ll start my day with a cup of tea makes the whole process softer. I clamber out of bed excited to wrap my hands around the steady warmth of a mug, breathe in soft wisps of steam and fill my stomach with gentle, emanating heat. And the process itself – boiling the water, steeping the tea, choosing a mug – becomes a steadying, enjoyable ritual. Winter can serve as the perfect invitation to slow down and romanticize the little things.
Tip #3: Pick up a book
The winter landscape can start to become a bit monotonous after one or two months. Or, you know, three or four. Or five. But none of that has to matter if you’re busy riding dragons in a fantastical kingdom, or tanning on a beach in SoCal. Reading allows us to step into someone else’s world, providing a much-needed escape. With immersive imagery and captivating plotlines, these stories can make us forget where we really are. And, when you do look up from the pages, there’s nothing cozier than watching snow fall through the window while you’re inside – safe, warm and curled up with a good book.
Winter has quite the reputation in Madison, but it shouldn’t feel like a death sentence. Embracing the season can help us enjoy each day just a little more and learn to appreciate the unique beauty of these months. Hopefully, these little tips offer a place to start. Final reminder: We’re all in this together! Reach out to a classmate, power through the wind chill to grab coffee with a friend or call your mom from the nest of your bed. Much love, and I wish you the best of winters this year!