Hello everyone! Right now it may seem like winter is never going to end. These gloomy and cold days can start to take a toll on your mental health. Waking up and having the sun shine through your window is much more uplifting than waking up and seeing a cloudy, gray sky. Unfortunately, lately, we have had many more of these gloomy, gray days than we have had bright and uplifting days. There are many good things about the winter, however winter weather can also have a negative impact on people. Consequently, many are more fond of the summertime. The goal of this article is to remind you that even during gloomy times, there are things to look forward to in the coming months.
- Beach Trips
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Oh, how I miss the beach! Who else is a sucker for the beach in the summer? Honestly, I would go everyday if I could. Yes, I’m a beach rat. There is just something about it that is so uplifting. There’s nothing better than planning the night before, packing a little picnic and making a fun road trip out for your journey to the beach.
- Hiking
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Hiking is an activity beloved by many. Winter hiking is fun and interesting in its own way. However, summer hiking can be executed a bit more out of the whim. If you’re taking a drive, more times than not you can find a hiking trail near you and get exploring. Personally, I keep a pair of hiking boots in my car because it is one of my favorite things to do in the summer. Whether you’re in Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton or a smaller area, there is always somewhere to explore! If you find this interesting, I also recommend downloading the app ‘AllTrails’. It can bring up hiking trails near you, let you know the difficulty, length and elevation. Others can also write reviews about the trail so you can get a glimpse into their experiences.
- Outfits
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This might seem like such a simple thing but it’s definitely something to appreciate! Getting all bundled up in the winter can feel like a chore with heavy socks, boots to lace up on top, layers of sweaters and a bulky winter coat while keeping hats and gloves handy. Look forward to being able to throw on a dress or a top and bottom, slipping on a pair of shoes and getting outside! Like I mentioned before, it is such a simple thing but I think it’s something that needs to be more appreciated. The warmer weather also gives the chance to showcase your outfit more. In the winter, our outfits are usually covered by our coats. Look forward to showing off those outfits that have been waiting in your closet all winter!
- Longer Days
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Remember sitting outside with a group of friends watching the sun set at around 9 pm? Yes? That will happen again! Keep holding on because we are slowly getting there. The length of our days can have a large impact on people’s mental health and well-being. Many people find themselves feeling more down and unhappy with the shortening of the days come the winter months. However, as of right now, the days are slowly getting longer and looking up to the coming summer months. By mid-April, the sunset will already be pushed to about 8 pm. Just remember, it will come and it will be so amazing!
- Gardening
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The month of March is also the start of the gardening season for many people out there! Gardening is therapeutic; plating something, caring for it and watching it grow is truly an experience. It’s humbling and you’ll feel so confident after growing something that looks amazing or even tastes amazing! Although here in Canada we can’t usually start planting anything until late March at the earliest, there’s things you can do to get a head start! You can start turning over your soil, if the ground is thawed enough! Some people plant seeds inside so they are already sprouted when planting them in the ground. These ones get a bit of a head start! If you are interested in starting a garden this summer, go for it! There are so many informational videos, articles and media accounts that can help get you started.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this article. I hope you now have something to look forward to this summer. Winter months can be hard. Just remember that there’s always someone you can reach out to for support. If you need a boost, try to visualize your own favourite summer activity. There are so many additional things to look forward to!