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4 ways to make winter enjoyable despite social distancing

25th November 2020 Print

As colder weather sets in and new COVID-19 infection rates surge, setting new daily records in the United States, people have started thinking about how they plan to get through the winter. During the summer and early fall, it was easy to gather with friends and family outside, and restaurants overtook the sidewalks and streets to serve meals, people went on picnics, and friends enjoyed the open air. Cold weather presents a renewed challenge, however, as we continue to reckon with the importance of ventilation to infection prevention - and it’s raised the question: how will we stay connected and protect our mental health through the winter months? 

While this winter will surely be challenging, there are several important things to remember. First, we’re all in this together. We need to be physically separated to stop infections, but we can stay connected. And second, there are still plenty of fun, safe activities that you, your family, and your friends can enjoy together. As temperatures continue to drop, consider these four perfect winter activities, and brainstorm your own, and you’ll be feeling more excited and hopeful in no time.

Keep Moving

Exercise is great for your mental health, and holiday foods combined with the tendency toward emotional eating many are experiencing due to COVID can easily lead to weight gain. If you aren’t easily motivated to keep moving, especially when it’s cold, you may find investing in a fitness tracker to be helpful. Not only do trackers offer prompts to encourage you to move, but they essentially “gamify” exercise, encouraging you to compete with yourself by walking further or burning more calories.

Cuddle Up 

Drinking hot chocolate with your family around the fireplace is a winter tradition, and there’s no reason not to continue it this year, even if only your immediate household can be involved. Not feeling festive enough yet? Make those cozy evenings extra cheerful by starting new traditions like wearing matching pajamas, stringing popcorn garlands for the Christmas tree, or making cards together. 

As for those families that don’t have a fireplace, don’t despair just yet, because not every fireplace requires redesigning your home. Rather, this could be the perfect year to invest in a fireplace, be it gas or electric, to warm up those winter evenings. These systems are designed to vent without a chimney and are even suitable for apartments.

Try A New Sport

Most people have a chance to try sports like basketball and soccer during their childhoods, but fewer participate in winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing. Consider this the year to give them a try. In particular, activities like cross country skiing are ideal for social distancing and can be done almost anywhere. On the other hand, it’s likely best to avoid skating rinks and downhill skiing where you would need to stand in lines near others or ride the shared lifts.

Spread The Joy

It’s actually scientifically proven that one of the best ways to improve your own mood is to do something kind for others. Spread the joy this year with impromptu meal or cookie drop offs, which are widely considered safe since COVID is unlikely to be transmitted via packaging or foods - so, while you may not be able to share holiday meals face-to-face, you can still make sure to share a slice of grandma’s favorite pie. Or, if distance is a barrier to enjoying favorite recipes with those you love, consider collaborating on a family cookbook this year or hosting a bake-along with the family’s star chef.

These activities are just some of many you can safely enjoy this winter, and while this holiday season will look different from those of years past, it needn’t be any less special. Instead, consider this year an opportunity to create new traditions, learn new skills, and grow individually and as a family. Though the table will be less crowded, there can be just as much cheer.