Who else is TIRED of these constant sub-zero temps? I usually don’t mind the cold too much, but this is ridiculous! The air hurts my face when I’m outside and it nearly knocks the wind out of my lungs too. My poor dog is getting stir crazy from not being able to be outside as much too.
So how do I keep sane when it’s this freaking cold outside? Here’s a few ways:
#1 shouldn’t surprise anyone. I exercise! It’s an excellent way to stay busy and work off any winter blues. And it doesn’t require even leaving the house if you don’t want to. If you have some space, you can easily do some yoga or body weight workouts – no equipment required. Treadmills, bikes, and ellipticals are also a great way to stay in shape without going outside. I’ll be the first to admit that it’s a lot more boring than going outside, but hey! Gotta do what ya gotta do.
It was zero degrees Thursday morning this week with no wind, so I bundled up and went for a run outside. My thighs were red and numb by the time I was done, but it felt good to get back out there.
Another thing I like about the cold is all the hot drinks. I love a good reason to kick back with some coffee or some hot chocolate. I have a latte maker at home, so I’m able to make all the fancy coffees without breaking the bank. I’ve also started melting some peppermint bark into my hot chocolate and it’s pretty yummy! I’m always looking for new yummy coffee ideas, so if you’ve got any – send them my way!
I always feel a little guilty when it’s too cold to have Dobby outside too long. I try to take him for walks every day, but when it’s THAT freaking cold outside, it’s not good for his little paws. We get extra snuggles on the days we can’t go outside much and extra treats.
When I was in Florida last week and Dan was home alone with Dobby, it was really cold. He felt bad one day that he couldn’t go outside, so he made him scrambled eggs – one of Dobby’s favorite foods! Dan really does love him. :’)
But even Dobby needs something to look forward to so he doesn’t get the Winter Blues.
When it’s this cold outside, it’s also a good time to hunker down and have some lazy time too. Dan and I just got Disney+ a month or two ago, so I’ve been watching ALL the Disney movies. It’s making me feel nostalgic lol. It’s a good thing to do when it’s too cold to do anything else.
It does look like the temperatures next week are going to be significantly better, so hopefully we can all come out of hibernation soon. We all need to have ways to keep us sane, or something to look forward to when it’s almost too cold to leave the house. Winters in South Dakota are rough, but we’re tough! We can do it – even if we need a little help along the way.
Hope y’all are staying warm and sane out there. The light is at the end of the tunnel!
Until next time! 🙂
Megan Nelson