Wintertime is just around the corner and the thought of the long, cold, dark passage is enough to inspire dread in any of us. But that’s nothing we can’t handle, right? There are plenty of things you can do to counteract the snowy sadness, or, as Lana del Ray likes to call it “wintertime, wintertime sadness.”

It’s important to acknowledge that the mood dip most of us experience in the beginning of the cold season is not only perfectly understandable, but scientific. The lack of daylight and normal social interaction affects your brain chemistry and circadian rhythm. You might find yourself thinking that this winter blues feeling will never end, but let me break it down for you on how to successfully combat winter’s obstacles.

Embracing the contrasts

This idea comes as somewhat intuitive, but wintertime is full of natural opposites. For example, the freezing cold slushy weather outdoors, paired with the fleecy warm blankets we wrap ourselves in indoors. Winter is full of these polarities, and instead of feeling stuck in one or the other, we should embrace this season as the time to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Embracing the Cold

The cold may have left you snivelling and shivering last year, but this year I dare you to try the glass half full approach. I dare you to seek out the advantages of cooler weather. Turns out, there are many. Let me list a few: cute wooly coats and mittens, that natural rosy flush on your cheeks (thank you cold wind), that alert feeling when you’re walking to work in the morning, having a fun excuse to snuggle up next to your loved ones — I could go on.

How about trying some fun outdoor activities? It’s my firm belief that you should never fully grow up, instead, stay playful! Adults can sled too—alone or with their own little ones. Or if you’re looking for something a bit more classy, why not try downhill or cross-country skiing? Other fun outdoor winter activities include snow ball fights, building an igloo, midnight walks after a fresh snowfall.

While the cold weather might be trying on the patience of some, it really is a testament to your inner strength if you are able to rise above it. It’s actually possible to feel less cold if you change your mindset. Think of this as a variation on mediation—if you imagine your body to be warmer then it can have a genuine impact on your overall temperature. Repeat a positive mantra as you brace for the chilly journey ahead of you. What also works is taking yourself to a sunnier place from your memories. Nostalgia is a powerful tool and has the ability to transform even the most uncomfortable of experiences.

Embracing the Cozy

The cozy is so easy to embrace, like a long warm hug, its almost hard not to. While its important to not fully hole yourself up during the cold months, keeping and nourishing yourself in warmth is a key part of keeping the balance. Create a cozy world for yourself, full of quilts and cocoas, teas and turtle necks.

Humans, too, undergo a sort of hibernation state during the winter months. Instead of resenting this naturally occurring phenomenon, we’d be much better off making good use of it by actually relaxing. Wintertime is the best time for long luxurious baths or spa treatments. Set aside a whole afternoon to give yourself a full taste of the sweets offered on the lap of luxury—complete with bubble baths, lotions, facials, masks, manicures, pedicures, soothing music, and hot ginger lemon teas. Ideally, try to finish the day off by having a friend treat you to a deep and thorough massage.

Feeling the side effects of wintertime sleepiness? Well here’s a brilliant idea: how about you try sleeping! When the number of daylight hours decreases in the late fall and early winter, the pineal gland increases production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. This means that, yes, there is a valid (and even scientific) reason you just can’t seem to drag yourself out of bed in the morning. Dive into the drowsy feeling and enjoy the season where you can get the most quality sleep naturally.

With all that extra time spent in between the sheets, you might find yourself feeling a little frisky. Rawr! While the location of being in your comfy bed might be partially to blame, your libido actually tends to increase as the weather outside decreases. Here’s an excuse to embrace your sensual side. Light some candles, set the mood, and have some fun with it.

All in all, wintertime can leave us feeling a little bit of cabin fever, but try to remember that there are plenty of fun, not to mention practical things that you can accomplish, all whilst indoors. Learn a new craft (knitting?), or a new recipe (anything flambéed)—something you simply wouldn’t have time for the rest of the year. Tap into your creative side by starting a journal, making a collage or learning a new instrument. The time you’re forced to spend indoors can be incredibly productive. Going stir crazy can be a compelling enough incentive to complete that long put off task. This can be anything from reorganizing your photo collection to doing a deep clean to writing your first novel.

Winter survival tips

• Dress appropriately
  It’s simply incredible how influential the right attire can have for the right occasion. Dress to impress… your grandma! That’s right, bundle your self up with tons of scarves and hats and mittens and kittens.
• Sun’s out, you’re out!
  Absorbing vitamin D is imperative in these isolated winter months. That means when the sun decides to show up, get your butt outside, especially in the morning. The early hours of sunlight are way more effective in curbing winter depression than late afternoon rays. If you just can’t swing the early bird hours, it’s also possible to take vitamin D supplements, found at most local health food stores.
• Winter Foods
  There are certain foods that your body craves and needs during the long cold season. Make sure to eat lots of omega 3 fatty acids (all fatty fish) and good complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, and root vegetables. It’s also good to base your diet around warm meals, such as soups, stews, roasts and curries.
• Socialize
  I know how easy it is in the wintertime to become content snuggling up to a good film every night, but making and following through on social engagements will ward off seasonal depressions. Friends make you giggle and the extra community will warm your heart. Whatever you do, try not to isolate yourself—get out to a cafe. My city, Berlin, is filled with cozy haunts to rest your cold feet. Even just being around the chatter of quiet voices is very comforting.
• Move your body
  Don’t give up on exercise entirely, instead winterize your work outs. Either get the appropriate gear to continue your outdoor regimen, or opt for an indoor athletic endeavor. This could be rock climbing, swimming, or bikram yoga. Seriously guys, exercise is imperative during this season. Why? Because it is the most accessible and natural combatant to winter depressions. Regular exercise regulates your sleep, dietary habits, and provides your body with a steady stream of natural endorphins. Do your happy dance!

Brighter days are coming

No matter how long every winter seems, it always eventually must come to an end. Nope, there is no such thing as an eternal winter (well, unless you live on one of the poles), and so no matter how much it might not feel like it, this too shall pass. Springtime will be here before you know it, with its little cheerful green head poking out. So in the meantime, keep yourself occupied with all the opportunities winter has to offer and embrace it. You might actually find you enjoy yourself.