Winter Blues: How to Prepare for Winter
At Breakwater Expeditions, our home base is nestled in the North Idaho Panhandle, in Sandpoint, just 65 miles from the Canadian border. Surrounded by mountains, lakes, and rivers, it’s no surprise we love living here. Winter brings snow, and we look forward to hitting our local ski mountain to stay active during the colder months.
But let’s be honest: winters here aren’t always easy. It’s dark by 5 p.m., and some days, snow in town turns into rain and ice. Before long, we find ourselves longing for summer, which feels impossibly far away.
Winter has a well-known impact on our minds and bodies. Short days and limited outdoor opportunities can shift our hormones, leading to slumps in mood, energy, and productivity. For some, this can evolve into seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression with symptoms like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in sleep or appetite.
While it’s normal to feel these shifts, there are ways to prepare for winter and support your mental and physical well-being. At Breakwater Expeditions, our motto is “follow the sun,” and we truly embrace that. We spend winter months guiding trips to places like the Everglades, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, and Texas’s Big Bend region. These experiences are not just escapes—they’re opportunities to reconnect with yourself, find light in the darker season, and support your well-being in meaningful ways.
Below are some ways to prepare for winter and make it a season of care, growth, and connection.
Tip #1: Plan a Winter Getaway
Give yourself something to look forward to—whether it’s joining us on a Breakwater trip or planning your own. Seek out destinations with sunshine, warmer temperatures, and opportunities to immerse yourself in nature.
Exposure to nature has been linked to lower stress levels, reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improved well-being. The fresh air, soothing sounds, and peaceful scenery offer a powerful antidote to the winter blues.
Tip #2: Keep Up Your Outdoor Routine
Have you heard the saying, “There’s no bad weather, only bad gear”? We believe it’s true. Don’t let winter weather keep you trapped indoors. Adjust your routine to fit the season and invest in gear you love—whether it’s a cozy puffy jacket or a pair of Yaktrax for icy trails.
Here are a few ideas:
Take your daily walk in the morning or at lunchtime to soak up natural light. If you’re walking after dark, bring a hot drink and listen to your favorite upbeat playlist.
Shorten your time outside, but don’t give it up entirely. Even a brief outdoor break can refresh your mood.
Plan weekend hikes or neighborhood strolls like you would an appointment.
Create an outdoor space you’ll enjoy, like a fire pit for weekly tech-free evenings around the fire. Bring marshmallows or simply sit and unwind as you watch the flames.
Tip #3: Bring Nature and Mindfulness Inside
Tips and Tricks to Prepare for the Winter!
Christmas Cactus
Bring Nature inside!
If the weather keeps you indoors, bring elements of nature into your home. Decorate with plants, set up a “happy light” to mimic daylight, or cozy up with a heated blanket. I love a Christmas cactus—they bloom with vibrant colors throughout the year and brighten any space.
Use this inviting area to practice mindfulness. Stretch, meditate, or try creative activities like painting or coloring while listening to nature sounds. Small practices like these can help you feel more connected, even when you’re inside.
Tip #4: Prioritize Rest
Winter naturally invites us to slow down, and it’s important to honor that rhythm. You don’t have to maintain the same productivity levels you did in summer. Instead, focus on rest and creating a healthy sleep routine.
On Breakwater trips, you may remember how easily we fall into natural circadian rhythms—going to bed when the sun sets and waking as it rises. This alignment with nature is restorative, supporting sleep, immune function, and overall well-being.
Take this season as an opportunity to rest and recharge. Set sleep goals, listen to your body, and let go of guilt about doing less. Winter can be a time of healing and growth when we lean into it.
Tip #5: Plan Ahead and Prepare
One of the Leave No Trace principles is to “Plan Ahead and Prepare,” and it applies to life just as much as outdoor adventures. Now is the time to reflect on how you want to feel this winter. What challenges do you anticipate? What steps can you take to support yourself, your family, and your community?
Take a moment to journal your thoughts. Reflect on what you’re looking forward to and set intentions for the season. By planning ahead, you can step into winter with confidence and purpose.
Winter doesn’t have to feel like a season to endure. With some thoughtful preparation and care, it can be a time for rest, connection, and renewal. If you’re interested in joining us for a winter getaway, reach out—we’d love to help you find your light this season.
You’ve got this!
Warmly,
Angie
Coffee is my go to beverage any time a year. But in the winter I like to add cinnamon and spices and foamy milk!