How do you shake off the winter gloom?
The sun will come out (literally and figuratively). Eventually.
Comment's been drawn, and the person emailed!
It's January. The holidays are over. Spring is a solid 2-3 months away. It's just... so... gray.
We're setting this up as an Ask AOA question, but it's from the Editors -- who both agreed today they could use some new ways to shake off January blah. So...
How do you shake off the winter gloom?
Maybe you have some suggestions -- things you do around this time of year, maybe local places or activities that help cheer you up. Suggestions are appreciated.
And because one of the things that cheers us up is giving stuff away, we'll give one person who offers a suggestion a $25 gift card to Crisan in Albany. We'll just a draw a person at random from the suggestions.
Important: To be in the pool for the gift card, you have to submit your suggestion by noon on Thursday, January 16. Please use an email address that you check regularly so that we can contact you. The commenter drawn at random will be contacted by noon on Friday, and must respond by noon on the following Monday, January 20.
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Comments
Bake bread, knit -- cozy things I don't do in the warmer months.
... said chrisck on Jan 14, 2014 at 1:53 PM | link
gym/exercise every morning before work, so at least i get to know that the sun exists and is not some abstraction that only comes out when i am in an office. also, skiing.
... said TrojanMorse on Jan 14, 2014 at 1:59 PM | link
I was going to say "by eating my feelings in Crisan baked goods" but that's a bit brown-nosey.
I like to train for summer fitness goals (Adirondack hikes, etc) and have all my friends over for potluck dinners or get a giant pizza from Pop's in Cohoes.
... said Laura C on Jan 14, 2014 at 2:01 PM | link
Stay active. Keep biking. Walk to coffee shops. Go hiking, or snowshoeing if there's snow. Keep moving. At all costs.
Also: try new things. New restaurants, new drinks, art museums, anything new that keeps your mind from turning gray.
... said ethan on Jan 14, 2014 at 2:03 PM | link
I'm no athlete, but nothing beats swimming in a big indoor pool in the winter. Its great to strip off (most) of your clothes and glide through the water. Ahh
... said Mary on Jan 14, 2014 at 2:06 PM | link
Take up a winter hobby..whatever your taste is. I'm an outdoors person so I snowshoe, snowmobile, ice fish, etc. The key for me is staying active, if it's cold outside-just dress appropriately and enjoy the winter, every season has its own beauty!
... said Shawn on Jan 14, 2014 at 2:15 PM | link
I give in to the darkness and immerse myself in movies. Pure escapism.
... said Jennifer on Jan 14, 2014 at 2:19 PM | link
Daylight=walking Capital Hills with the pups. A winter weekend favorite!
After dark, which is all too often in winter=scoping out new restaurants as well as a pretty hefty amount of Netflix, not going to lie.
... said Kayla on Jan 14, 2014 at 2:19 PM | link
Plan a vacation for mid-Feb. so you have something to look forward to.
Buy fresh flowers every week.
Give yourself a break from eating locally grown foods and buy lots of exotic fruits from Hannaford (kiwis! pineapple!)
... said Liz on Jan 14, 2014 at 2:20 PM | link
Capital District Community Gardens' Garden Bowl ! @ Uncle Sam Lanes on
January 25. Bowl your winter blues away!
http://www.cdcg.org/upcoming-events/garden-bowl/
... said Lauren Alpert on Jan 14, 2014 at 2:21 PM | link
I like to spend time in the orchid 'hothouse' of Faddegon's. The simulated tropical feel lifts my spirits.
... said Susan on Jan 14, 2014 at 2:24 PM | link
Go rock climbing and bouldering at The Edge in Halfmoon or Albany Indoor Rock Gym in Albany. It's a fun way to stay in shape over the winter. Then get outside and go climb the ADK's or Catskills in the Spring.
... said Johnny on Jan 14, 2014 at 2:24 PM | link
I love snowshoeing, but the rain has eliminated my hobby until the next storm.
... said Kathleen Lisson on Jan 14, 2014 at 2:27 PM | link
Stay active! Tonight: Indoor climbing, Tomorrow: Night skiing,Thursday: Drink wine and make art.
I also heard that orange is the smell that beats the winter blues, so put some orange peels on your woodstove or diffuse some essential oil. It's a great smell, and it does make me happier!
... said Laura M on Jan 14, 2014 at 2:28 PM | link
I also find that exercise helps me. The last thing I want in the winter is to feel gross and like my clothes don't fit. I also try, whenever possible, to get outside and, as my mom used to say, "make friends with the enemy." Skiing even just one or two of the weekends makes me appreciate this time of year. Finally, on really cold nights or weekends, or when there is a big storm coming, I try and take advantage of the fact that I get to lock myself up inside. Movies, popcorn, cookies, all day pajama-fests.... In sunny, warm weather I'd feel terrible about staying indoors all day so when it's not so sunny and warm it's nice to have an excuse. :)
... said Val on Jan 14, 2014 at 2:31 PM | link
Plan a weekend away from home. Even a day trip works if the weather cooperates.
Get out of the house with some of the following:
airrockgym.com
fastraxraceway.com
bowling
museums
Wolf's 111 or Dave & Buster's
Borrow your significant others make-up light and soak up some artificial rays... or purchase a light therapy box.
... said Jeff M on Jan 14, 2014 at 2:33 PM | link
Gym, going to movies, walks outside, tubing or ice skating. Getting dinner/drinks out with friends or having gatherings at someone's home are good ways to get out of a funk. Weekend getaways are fun even if you don't go far.
... said KristinS on Jan 14, 2014 at 2:36 PM | link
Embrace it! Make warm soups, look at what's on Netflix. Every once in a while, take a break and get some fresh air!
... said Sarah on Jan 14, 2014 at 2:42 PM | link
I take walks and plan summer events. Imagining warmer weather and planning great trips makes me happy.
... said Tess on Jan 14, 2014 at 2:43 PM | link
I tend to drink more hard liquor.
... said ace on Jan 14, 2014 at 2:53 PM | link
Try a new cuisine. One winter I wanted to learn how to make chinese food, so did some research, bought some sauces and made beef and broccoli from scratch. That led to char siu bao and shrimp toasts. I tend to try to cook the winter away.
... said Sarah on Jan 14, 2014 at 2:54 PM | link
Spend time learning how to cook! While I'm cooped up inside I figure I'd better make good use of my time! (plus is helps me take my mind off how crappy it is outside)
... said Laura on Jan 14, 2014 at 3:04 PM | link
Take a walk at the Capital Hills golf course. Seeing all the dogs running free and kids sledding always makes me happy.
... said Shawn on Jan 14, 2014 at 3:10 PM | link
I like to stay up late and get up really early, continually get coffee on the go, and frequent thrift shops and the Silver Fox.
... said Jared on Jan 14, 2014 at 3:14 PM | link
I like to visit new restaurants. I also make make a point to visit some breweries in the winter. Nothing like beating the cold with a delicious pint of beer.
... said Brendan on Jan 14, 2014 at 3:17 PM | link
Daytime: Get out of the house - take a day trip, do anything outside.
Evening: Eat out, then watch a movie out or television at home.
... said Bob on Jan 14, 2014 at 3:17 PM | link
Heat my detached garage up to about 60, grab the dog, and head out to the garage for a nice cigar, a refreshing beverage, and to stare at my motorcycle longingly for about an hour....
... said Ron on Jan 14, 2014 at 3:47 PM | link
Spend time cooking lots of soups and chili.
Enjoy my morning coffee ritual even more than usual.
Nap often and without feeling badly about it.
... said xina on Jan 14, 2014 at 3:57 PM | link
Walk in the Skidmore woods when it's sunny; exercise at least a little bit 6 days a week; cook; do puzzles and play chess with Addie
... said AddiesDad on Jan 14, 2014 at 4:04 PM | link
Root on the Siena basketball team at the Times Union Center (during a home game, of course. Not just randomly throughout the winter).
... said Beeswax, Not Yours INC. on Jan 14, 2014 at 4:07 PM | link
I do my best to will warm weather to arrive by cooking my favorite summer dishes, even when it's freezing outside. I also I wear bright spring colors, rather than the greys, browns, and blacks that everyone gravitates to in winter. Who says yellow and lavender aren't year-round colors?!
... said Nicole on Jan 14, 2014 at 4:22 PM | link
Buy yourself a lamp (or light bulb) to fight the winter blues. Random choices: NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp (yes, it has therapy in it), Philips Light therapy, etc.
... said -S on Jan 14, 2014 at 4:23 PM | link
by watching trash TV marathons on bravo, sadly enough!
... said bee on Jan 14, 2014 at 4:39 PM | link
By participating in an as many random internet contests as I can. Is a random winner really chosen?
... said james on Jan 14, 2014 at 4:54 PM | link
Drink warm cider or tea, burn candles, and smnyuggle under a cozy blanket in front of the fire.
... said amber on Jan 14, 2014 at 4:56 PM | link
I am by no means advocating a seasonal form of alcoholism, but I find winter to be the perfect time to try new brews up and down the state. Develop your palate and explore new tastes!
... said Matt on Jan 14, 2014 at 4:59 PM | link
bowling, snow shoeing, hiking, sledding, and reading by a fire. Of course not all at once
... said Marshall on Jan 14, 2014 at 6:44 PM | link
I'm catching up on all those books that came out during the warm months.
... said capgirl on Jan 14, 2014 at 7:03 PM | link
Go snowshoeing at Five Rivers or Peebles Island... Watch Syracuse basketball under a blanket on the couch....Watch House Hunters International in Hawaii...or plan a tropical vacation!
... said JRo on Jan 14, 2014 at 7:40 PM | link
Holy crap, everybody sure is active and fit. I was just going to say, "Try to enjoy when the sun is actually shining as you are driving in the car". Simple and obvious, but it does it a little for me.
... said Cindy on Jan 14, 2014 at 7:57 PM | link
Winter birding!
... said Naomi on Jan 14, 2014 at 7:59 PM | link
Put sweaters on my cats!
... said George on Jan 14, 2014 at 9:02 PM | link
Bundle up and grab a few friends and get a nice hot drink from the daily grind. Head to the ESP to skate (especially on a friday, free rentals!). Go home and make a hot stew with all the hearty vegetables from one of our many local farmers markets.
There are countless activities here in the Capital Region and surrounding areas. Winter doesn't have to be awful...it can be OK if you keep going and make an effort to have fun.
... said Julie on Jan 14, 2014 at 9:59 PM | link
I try to keep the Christmas spirit going all year long.
Give scratch offs to adults who look like they could use a smile, and lots of cash! If they are amiable ask if their children would like stickers.
Listen to WABY 1160, and dance to their wonderful music!
Cook up new,and exciting meals from scratch.
Mall walk, and people watch!
Talk to radio hosts & and request all the songs i want !
Write my family's dysfunctional history on the groups to embarress my family.
THAT"LL TEACH 'EM!!!!!!!
WIN CONTESTS!
... said mg on Jan 14, 2014 at 11:59 PM | link
I just complain a lot. It seems to help me. I'm not sure how it affects my friends though.
... said E. on Jan 15, 2014 at 8:11 AM | link
Going to a movie. There's nothing like sitting in a dark room with a bright screen in front of you taking you away from the outside world.
... said karner_blu on Jan 15, 2014 at 8:30 AM | link
Soup. Lots of soup.
... said -R. on Jan 15, 2014 at 9:06 AM | link
Go to the gym.
Keep the blinds and curtains open when the sun is actually out. Read beneath a sunny window.
Buy flowers.
Cook.
... said Tara on Jan 15, 2014 at 9:33 AM | link
BY taking on big projects in the house. If you are busy and feeling productive, I won't feel any blahs, just accomplishment.
... said albanylandlord on Jan 15, 2014 at 9:54 AM | link
Hot cocoa with Baileys. Movies. Day trips.
... said V on Jan 15, 2014 at 10:06 AM | link
Cooking, movies and indoor projects that never seem to get done during the sunnier months.
... said Emily on Jan 15, 2014 at 10:34 AM | link
Cuddle with my cats who become much more friendly in the winter. Brew lagers of hard cider. Eat lots of chinese hot pots.
... said ab on Jan 15, 2014 at 10:43 AM | link
Appreciating the sun any time it makes an appearance. (Thank heavens I finally have an office with a window)
... said Melanie M. on Jan 15, 2014 at 10:55 AM | link
Snowshoeing during the day. The Capital Region is blessed with amazing natural landscapes all over from Plotterskill to Thatcher the Catskills to the ADKs.
Then stop for coffee at Tierra Coffee Roasters in the afternoon and catching one of the oscar nominated films at the Spectrum that evening and dinner from the awesome winter menu at New World Bistro
Pretty perfect methinks
... said Josh K. on Jan 15, 2014 at 11:09 AM | link
bundle up and go enjoy some nature. get your legs moving and you'll see quick you warm up. experiment in the kitchen, especially with roasting all of those winter squashes. romance, romance, romance.
... said Jessica on Jan 15, 2014 at 11:21 AM | link
Each winter at this time I go someplace worse, like Haiti or Yekaterinburg, or Clifton Park. Then, when I get back, I see it's not that bad after all.
... said big vic proton on Jan 15, 2014 at 11:33 AM | link
I remind myself that we're getting more sunshine every day - once we get over that hump in December, it's just getting better.
... said Kobe on Jan 15, 2014 at 11:39 AM | link
two words: boozy brunch.
... said linz on Jan 15, 2014 at 11:49 AM | link
Light two tealights
Eight if there has been no snow the whole week
Ten extra if you have no children or pets
Float them in a hot bath scented with lavender oil
(if you are a woman)
(and also if you are not)
(because f--- gender roles)
(lavender is where it's at)
Sweep your hand carefully over the surface
The oil won't make snowflake patterns. This keeps winter at bay.
When there's room to slide inside, do it.
All the way
Submerged down to even the tip of your nose
And the top of your holiday-indulgence belly
Count to five.
(No Mississippi)
And say this chant three times in your head quick:
WINTER I SHALL GET THE BEST OF THEE
YOU AIN'T ALL THAT
(use your own words if you like)
When you surface, you won't be cold anymore for a while
And in the middle of winter, that's something.
... said Nandini on Jan 15, 2014 at 12:03 PM | link
Surround myself with summer smells. My home smells like the beach with coconut scents. Also getting out into the sunshine whenever possible or even in a window at work helps - nice warm sunbeams.
... said Debra on Jan 15, 2014 at 12:07 PM | link
Get outside, it's not bad if you know how to dress.
... said Katie on Jan 15, 2014 at 12:26 PM | link
I embrace the glow of lights and fireplaces. I lose myself in books and movies. I cook - a lot. I buy the softest of blankets and robes and drape myself with them the moment I get home. I take vitamin D every day. I keep extra busy with work and friends. I snuggle with dogs for hours at a time, they double as throw pillows on the sofa. Booze.
... said Valerae on Jan 15, 2014 at 1:30 PM | link
Getting into it makes all the difference! Outside stuff: snowshoe, see a frozen waterfall, skate on the plaza (I'm getting less wobbly every time), cross country ski, build a snow caveman, anything that helps you enjoy true winter.
Inside stuff: Binge watch the West Wing and Orange is the New Black, drink hot chocolate everyday, bring a book and have a pint by the Pump Station huge fireplace, try to learn how to play guitar, bake cupcakes.
... said Alison on Jan 15, 2014 at 3:01 PM | link
I need to be active in order to shake off the winter gloom. So restaurants, movies, etc. really don't help. (I do use phototherapy too.)
What does help:
- Ice skating! Empire Plaza, HVCC, Knickerbocker
- Roller skating/blading: Rollerama, Guptill's
- Snow stuff: snowshoeing, cross country skiing, skiing, tubing, snowboarding, sledding
- Exercise/gyms: Planet Fitness for the cheapness, YMCA for the versatility
- Spend time outdoors: take walks (with or without dogs), walk along trails, go to parks (normal or dog ones), walk through downtown Troy or Albany, walk through Washington Park in Albany at sunset for the holiday lights, bike or walk to work if possible
- Indoor activities: bowling (the cheap kind especially!), clubbing (I like the gay clubs), indoor swimming (YMCA or otherwise), rock climbing (AIR, The Edge, the one up in Glens Falls...), long walks through malls or museums
Lots to do, covering most people's interests.
... said Sarah on Jan 15, 2014 at 7:11 PM | link
Forcing spring bulbs.
Buying flowers.
Planning vegetable garden.
Going through seed stash.
Reading gardening catalogs.
Shopping for seeds.
Actually the worse (December) is already behind us; the days are getting visibly longer. Now I start to worry that I won't be able to finish in-house projects before the gardening season arrives. It arrives to our house in February. Yep, I start my own seeds.
... said Lu on Jan 15, 2014 at 10:08 PM | link
Have poker/card nights with friends. Go to hockey games. Actually go to the movie theater (something I rarely do during the summer months). Ski and snowshoe. Take walks at Washington Park, especially when it's snowing and the lake is frozen.
... said Alyssa on Jan 15, 2014 at 10:42 PM | link
I go shopping for spring themed items for my house or apartment.
Or I get a massage.
... said Sally on Jan 16, 2014 at 10:37 AM | link
I go to swimming lessons with my daughter and grandson. The indoor pool and chlorine smell make it feel like summer!
... said Cathie on Jan 16, 2014 at 11:07 AM | link
Wait as long as you can... until you can't wait any longer... then push it a little bit more... then cave in and go on vacation some place warm.
Hopefully by the time you get back, there's very little Winter left to bear.
... said Nat on Jan 16, 2014 at 12:31 PM | link