Though the winter has its beauty and particular perks, with it often comes the eventual feeling of cabin fever and the yearning for something new or different.
Let's face it: January in Michigan is, simply put, tough as hell. Take a look at just a few of our ideas for staying sane when the winter boredom inevitably comes out to play.
1. Choose a cupboard or drawer (or perhaps your phone's photo album) to organize and declutter.
2. Dig out that puzzle you just got as a gift this past holiday and enjoy solving it along with some hot tea!
3. Step outside your comfort zone by trying a new group workout class and chatting with at least one new person.
4. Make your way through AFI's 100 Greatest Movies of All Time list.
5. If you feel like getting some fresh air, bundle up and venture out for a walk on one of West Michigan's many trails. Listen to an album you've never heard before while you do it!
6. Do some volunteering for some of West Michigan's many local nonprofits.
7. Gather up unused items for donating or reselling.
8. Plan a future trip with your girlfriends, family or partner.
9. Feel the humidity in the air by wandering through a local greenhouse or inside the conservatory at Frederik Meijer Gardens.
10. Connect with friends and fill your calendar with things to look forward to by planning things like coffee dates, lunch outings, craft nights, clothing swaps, etc.
However you choose to spend your winter months, remember that it's OK to rest and find stillness during this time, as well.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
