7 Ways to Combat the Winter Blues

Longer nights and lower temperatures can affect your mood. Coldness and darkness trigger the desire to hibernate because the lack of sun increases our melatonin, the hormone that makes us feel sleepy. A lack of sunlight can also cause Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which basically makes you sad. Hence the idiom “winter blues”.  Here are seven ways to bring joy to your life in winter and combat the blues.

1. Hygge

Hygge is a Danish cold weather lifestyle to promote happiness on days of lengthy darkness and frigid temperatures. Read about ways Hygge can make winter enjoyable.

After a day of outdoor winter sports, navigating through snowy roads or being cooped up in your home, head to the Lobby Two Lounge a the Nassau Inn with friends to sip drinks by their fireplace swapping tales of “near frostbite” experience, whether its skiing or going out for the mail.

Princeton Public library is hosting several Hygge-influenced activities and events throughout the winter. Read their calendar of events in their winter edition of Connections here.

2. Dine Outdoors

In Munich, Vienna,  Zurich and other European cities, people eat outdoors in winter, especially at Christmas markets where merchants sell sausages, potato pancakes, roasted chestnuts, soft gingerbread cookies, mulled wine and beer, amongst other treats. Dust off your cobwebs and make your way into town where a few Princeton restaurants offer outdoor dining in winter with the help of standing heaters or even a fireplace to warm things up. If you indulge, remember to wear really warm shoes or boots and call ahead. Here is list of restaurants .

3. Have Winter Fun

Have kids or young at heart? Here are things to do in Princeton Carnegie Lake has been frozen for a while or after a recent snow. Read about winter fun in Princeton.

4. Take a Virtual Vacation

If you just can’t get away or you’re snowed in, why not create your own simulated escape? You can make it as simple or elaborate as you’d like. Click here for suggestions.

5. Head to Atlantic City

This might seem odd, but there are a number of amazing things to do this season in “America’s Playground”. Check out this list of winter activities in Atlantic City.

6. Enjoy the Snow

If you have the “bring it on” attitude when it comes to snow, there are some exciting activities to do in the region, especially in the Poconos, like dogsledding and snowmobiling. Review the entire list.

7. Indoor Getaway

There are a few indoor water parks in the region where you can wade, swim, slide, enjoy simulated surfing with Flowrider, sunbathe, lounge, and more in 84 degrees.

• Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark – Camelback Lodge’s indoor water park was voted the best in America. You can combine outdoor winter sports with indoor water sports, including Flowrider and the longest indoor waterslide in the country. They have deluxe indoor cabana rentals stocked with beverages and snacks, a TV, fan and personal cabana host. Other amenities include a swim-up bar and a restaurant.
• Kalahari Resort Waterpark – Has an indoor water park plus an arcade. Their deluxe cabana rentals offer a safe, food and beverage service, refrigerator and TV. Flowrider is also available. Upon completion of Kalahari’s expansion, they will steal the title of America’s largest indoor water park.
• Sahara Sam’s Oasis – Offers indoor cabana rentals and an annual membership gives you unlimited visits. You can buy food and beverages at the bar and restaurant.
• CoCo Key Water Resort – Has an indoor water park plus arcade. Food and beverages are available.