Savvy Tips: 6 ways to beat the winter blues

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Winter can be a brutal beast.

So how do you get through the long winter months?

1. Embrace the weather

Ok it’s freezing and there has been snow out there for more days than you can count. But it’s also the only time you can wear your thickest sweater and crank up the heat while munching on a favorite snack.  I love watching fresh snow fall and looking at the different shapes of snowflakes as they catch on my gloves.  It’s of course the only time of year when you can go skiing/snowboarding/sledding with real snow on the ground (I miss skiing, it has been too long!)

2. Wear what you want regardless of the weather

I’ve never been brave enough to become a member of the polar bear club (i.e. rushing into freezing water in my bikini!)  But I do remember throwing my coat to the side and going out for a night on the town with only a tank top and jeans (coat checks were so annoying and I was much more willing to freeze back then!)  If you can handle it and want to wear it, just do it.

3. Sip on something comforting from a cool mug

What is your favorite cold weather drink?  I definitely go for a really nice, rich hot chocolate.  I of course loved Swiss Miss as a child, but any chocolate melted in warm milk with a generous topping of mini marshmallows is great!  I also adore chamomiles teas which are a favorite, soothing drink for winter.  It is extra fun when you can sip a warm drink from a fun mug.  I saw these while browsing through Shopbop (use code BIGEVENT15 to get up to 25% off EVERYTHING, except Stuart Weitzman) and thought they were just adorable!  Seriously, seeing these cute mugs inspired this post and had me think about what items could get me out of a winter funk.

Jonathan Adler Utopia Cat Mug, Shopbop, $32

Peter Ibruegger Michael Thomas Mug, Shopbop, $25

If you’d rather go out, catch up with a few friends for a few drinks and commiserate together (if they serve mulled wine – bonus!)

4. Hit the elliptical machine/spinning class

It’s a bummer being stuck inside.  But sitting around the whole time will only make you more bummed out.  Why not get those endorphins going, bring your seratonin levels up, and go for a nice stroll on the elliptical machine?  I still haven’t tried Soulcycle, but hear it can be quite addictive.  I also like lifting free weights to some catchy pop tunes (Ke$ha is on the playlist, gym music has to be super catchy and a little ridiculous)

5. Catch up on a few flicks

Ok it’s cold and dark outside.  What can you do?  Well winter is basically one very long plane ride – it may be impossible to go outside, but at least you can watch a few movies you hadn’t seen previously.  This year’s Oscar nominees are a good place to start!

6. Escape or plan an escape

I finally got a good friend from NYC to visit SE Asia a few weeks ago and she was thrilled.  She wasn’t prepared for the heat in Bangkok, but loved exploring the sites in the busy city, eating lots of authentic Thai curries, and shopping her heart out (she saw cork bags similar to ones she was going to buy at the Brooklyn Flea and was super happy to get them at a third of the price!)  This list of 52 places to visit in 2015 is a great start. I’m hoping to get to Danang, Vietnam this year as featured on the list and am thinking about the serene beaches already!

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