11. Combating those Winter Blues

Living in the Tundra of Maryland definitely has its challenges, and one of the biggest is finding ways to combat those pesky winter blues. We’re blessed with the Summer beauty of Deep Creek Lake, the majestic Fall foliage, and the Winter flakes that cover Mountain Maryland, but while we wait for the first signs of Spring, we have to face the March/April shoulder season, otherwise known as mud season. 

Throughout this weeks episode we chat about our own different strategies, and hopefully some tips you can integrate into your daily routine for those gloomy, cold, early Spring days while we all, collectively, wish for consistent Spring weather.  

There is absolutely something for the introverts and extroverts!

Our tips:

• Get Outside and soak up the Vitamin D
  • Vitamin D is so important for your body, and the best way is to absorb it is through your skin, even if you just pop outside for 10 minutes a day. Some people may want to consider Vitamin D supplements, and you should always consult with a doctor and maybe have them check your Vitamin D levels.
  • Move your body and explore any of our beautiful state parks. Some of the best native plant hunting for Garrett County is in early Spring, so go find some trillium, skunk cabbage, or jack in the pulpit!
  • The Deep Creek Adventure Bureau is a great resource for getting outside, especially in those shoulder seasons!
• Change the scenery
  • Take a trip, use that PTO, and get out of town… preferably somewhere warm!
  • Take a staycation! Use this time by catching up on those house projects that got pushed off last Summer. 
  • Get out of the house for a day trip - just change your scenery!
• Plan some time out with friends
  • Grab your girlfriend for some cocktails
  • Visit an event at the state parks, they’re frequently updating their calendar of events. 
  • Outsource the planning to a community organization or adventure group - all you have to do is show up!
• Plan a trip and have something to look forward to
  • Get it on the calendar. Do it. 
• Journaling
  • Writing out your thoughts is a great way to clear your head, and process any thoughts or feelings that have been building up and maybe you didn’t realize. 
• Embrace the Winter Weather
  • Snow? Go play!
• Self care
  • Find a routine that works for you and lean into it. As they say, put on your own air bag first. Your kids are watching. Setting an example of taking care of yourself will show to your loved ones around you that you care for yourself. 
  • Take care of your mental health - whether thats nature therapy, talk therapy, or medication, TAKE CARE! No one else can do it for you. 
  • Sleep/rest. Thats it. Thats the tip. 
• Farm Visits
  • We both agree the best way to combating the Winter blues is to pet a baby goat. Or lamb. Or piggie. Many local farms offer farm tours, and it’s such a great way to kick off the Spring season. Here are a few of our favorites:
    • Yorkie Acres Farm
    • Wildom Farm
    • Riffle Farms

We’d love to hear what tips you have for combating the Winter Blues! Send us a note or a voice memo!