I saw a tweet the other day that made me smile.
I loved all the snow and the sun and the smiling faces.
We’re going into this winter knowing it’s going to be hard. And I find regular falls challenging. See here and here and here. Oh, and here! It’s a bit of a theme on the blog and in my life. Lol
The reporting about winter in the time of COVID-19 is gloomy and hard to read.
See A Canadian coronavirus winter is looming — and it could ‘amplify loneliness’: “But winter is coming and, according to experts, so too is the accompanying seasonal woes. And this time, it will be “amplified” by the confines of the coronavirus, according to Roger McIntyre, a psychiatrist and professor at the University of Toronto. An epidemic of loneliness long preceded this pandemic. And just by the nature of winter, people are less likely to come in contact with others. It’s a realistic concern.”
Since March, Canadians have been told to stay apart to stop the spread of the virus. The ability to be outdoors has provided safer alternatives to exercise, recreation, commuting and dining, among other things. In the winter, those options will dwindle. Experts have warned the risk of transmission also increases indoors.”
So what’s my plan? Because it’s clear that I am going to need a plan. I’m trying to remind myself of all the things I like about winter. I’m fending off anticipatory sadness with thoughts of snow biking and winter camping.
So far my plan has four parts but the fourth is still a bit sketchy and needs the details filling in. There’s time.
First, more time outside, including winter riding.
Second, I’m bringing home my SAD lamp from my university office and I’m going to use it in my home office.
Third, I’m following Catherine’s advice and getting a small warming fireplace for my deck so I can visit with friends outside even during Canadian winter.
Fourth, I used to joke about Canadians who went south in the winter. The truth is though between riding in Florida, Arizona, and North Carolina for the past number of years (I’m not even going to check to see how many!) I’ve become one of those people. It’s only ever been for a week at a time but this year that won’t happen at all. I’ve already booked some time in a yurt for winter outdoor sports. And I’m still scheming about what else I might do.
Suggestions welcome!
How about you? Are you in a northern climate heading into what looks like a long, lonely winter? How do you plan to keep body and spirit moving?
As a US citizen who also lives somewhere with a long, cold winter, this has been on my mind lately.
One of my friends mentioned the possibility of forming a small “pod” so that we can spend time together indoors. I’m not sure about that yet – I’ll want to know how careful all of the participants are being and how prevalent coronavirus is in our area before agreeing to it – but I’d consider it as an option.
My S.O. has been thinking that this may be a good year to lean more heavily into snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. He’s been brainstorming ways to have hot chocolate readily available at the end of a session! (Maybe a well-insulated thermos in the car?)
Yes – a huge vote for snow biking! I started snow biking in 2016 and it really helps get through the Ottawa, ON winters. I’m not a big fan of snow but I’m a bike superfan.