Every Minnesotan knows that the old adage about March – In like a lion, out like a lamb – often doesn’t apply to their state. March is typically a month of unexpected snowstorms, sudden warm days followed by large temperature drops, and general unpredictability. Here are some tricks to overcome the late winter blues brought on by this fickle month…
1 – Find your way to acceptance
The first step in moving through this often challenging month is accepting it for what it is, seeing it not so much as a nuisance or a hurdle, but a tradition. Complaining about this winter extension has become a cultural norm, and making exasperated jokes about it with others helps alleviate the frustration.
2 – Embrace the final moments of “cozy”
Instead of fighting the remaining cold-weather days, embrace these final opportunities to bask in cozy time. Make some final batches of soups and comfort foods, enjoy indoor social time like movie or game nights, and sit quietly by the window watching the last of the season’s snow falls. In fairness, March snowfalls are often the prettiest, with large, slow flakes falling to the ground.
3 – Take advantage of the quiet
March tends to see a slowdown, with the holidays a good distance behind and spring not quite on our doorstep, this is a time when tourists haven’t come to town, there isn’t much in the way of crowds outside, and most people are at home slowly prepping for the warmer months. This is a great time to enjoy calm evenings at home and start planning for spring cleaning, decluttering, and the return of seasonal outdoor activities.
4 – Keep an eye on spring
Even if March can be cold and snowy, we do have the advantage of additional daylight hours! Spring is also much closer than it was in January or February, so go ahead and start making plans for the warmer months! Looking forward to spring plans certainly makes the colder days go by faster.
It’s easy to say “look on the bright side!” but following these simple suggestions can help alter your perspective just enough so getting through the final weeks of Minnesota’s long winter isn’t only doable, but actually enjoyable!
