How to Not Hate Winter in the Northeast

shoveling-out-car — welcome to my nightmare

So that is not really my car, but in a few hours my car will look like that, since we are supposed to get 15-30 inches of snow. So maybe I am complaining a little bit. Or maybe I’m bitter that my flight to Florida today has been rescheduled to tomorrow due to a severe winter storm hitting the Capital Region, but I hate winter. Now, more than ever. But since it looks like I am stuck here until I can afford to move somewhere warmer or until I win the lottery, here are a few things that can help you and I look past the piles of snow, ice, and subzero temps to bear with it for a few more months.

Find Indoor Forms of Fitness

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Taking yoga classes this winter has really allowed me to discover a new love of this practice. Going to a vinyasa class on a cold evening really gets my blood flowing. I really look forward to this type of exercise! If your gym offers fitness classes make sure to utilize them! Just make sure to check the schedule because sometimes classes get canceled due to inclimate weather.

Run Winter Races

I love running races, so why should I stop running them in the winter? On January 1st I ran a 3.5 mile race which was tons of fun. I also plan on running a marathon relay in the middle February. Most winter races offer day-of race registration, which I like to do since I can’t always trust the weather around here.

Stay Indoors

Sometimes I like nothing more than staying inside with a hot mug of tea and a good book to relax with. When the weather has me down, which is most of the time, time to myself to relax is all I need. And before I know it, the snow will be melting and the spring flowers will start to bloom!

Discover a New Winter Sport

I don’t ski. So, I found another winter sport that I enjoy! The last day I had a snow day I went snowshoeing around my backyard and the woods nearby. It was extremely peaceful and I actually got a pretty decent workout, since trekking through deep snow is difficult! I find the time alone with nature very invigorating. Snowshoes are relatively cheap at second-hand sports equipment stores. Or search garage sales, which is where I found my pair.

Go On Vacation

When all else fails, sometimes you just need to escape. Tomorrow I will be near a beach where it its predicted to be 72 degrees and sunny. And not a moment too soon.

9 Comments

Rosey Rebecca

February 2, 2011 at 9:05 am Reply

Love these tips! I’m snowed in as I type this. I tried to drive to work this morning and failed. Sorry your flight got delayed.
Rosey Rebecca recently posted..The Accent Vlog

Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life

February 2, 2011 at 9:07 am Reply

BRING ME WITH YOU!!!
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Alicia

February 2, 2011 at 9:27 am Reply

Have SO much fun!! Bring the sun back with you!! 🙂
Alicia recently posted..Sheer Bliss

Liz @ IHeartVegetables

February 2, 2011 at 10:16 am Reply

Those are SUCH good tips! Even though I’m in VA now (I’m from OH) I still get cranky when the temperatures drop!
Liz @ IHeartVegetables recently posted..Chickpeas- “The New Chicken”

Mardi

February 2, 2011 at 10:43 am Reply

My winter sport is SHOVELING !!! lol

Katie H.

February 2, 2011 at 12:16 pm Reply

Aw, I’m sorry your trip got delayed!

Speaking of races- I ran with Melissa the other night and she said you wanted the 5.7 mile loop. Is that set in stone? LOL. If so I need to get my game on and up my mileage!!!! 😀
Katie H. recently posted..A Reunion

Jen

February 2, 2011 at 12:56 pm Reply

it depends on my how my hip is feeling by then. I’ve only ran twice since I started running again, but I plan on running more while I’m in Florida so I will find out soon how I will feel! 🙂 Is the other loop 9 miles? I may be able to do that..but I’m not sure….