Chilly Weather? Who Cares! Avoid Anxiety and Enjoy Winter Fun in Evanston
You step outside, and the wind feels way too crisp. The trees stand naked in the chill, their now brown leaves swirling around you. Snow is way too often in the forecast. Together with the shortened daily sunlight, these signs point to one thing: winter is on the horizon. But what if Fall in Evanston didn’t have to equate to the pending doom of winter?
Let’s discover things to do in Evanston that will not only beat the anxiety of winter but will warm up your mood.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
You may have already noticed how your mood changes with the transition from summer to fall and into winter. With this in mind, you may want to be on the lookout for any serious shifts in your mood with seasonal changes.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is more than just the winter blues. Many people feel more down in the winter. The cold and snow limit the amount of time you can spend outside. Likewise, the dip in natural daylight and sunshine during the winter possibly affects your mood. Evanston and Chicagoland have over 50 days in the winter where clouds cover more than three-fourths of the sky.
SAD is not just the winter blues.
SAD is a serious form of depression that affects your daily life, including how you feel and think. If you have anxiety disorders or panic disorders, you may be more prone to dealing with SAD.
Fortunately, SAD is highly treatable. One of the main treatments for SAD is cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of talk therapy that we share with our patients at our Evanston and Chicago area clinics. Research has shown that CBT produces the longest-lasting effects of any treatment approach. Request an appointment today for counseling as a first step toward feeling relief from SAD and depression.
Dressing for the Cold Weather in Evanston
Despite what you might think, you don’t need to drop a fortune on cold-weather gear and clothing at REI or Dick’s Sporting Goods. A few key pieces will help you to stay toasty on your adventures outside.
Covering your hands, head, and feet is essential, so you’ll need a coat or jacket, a hat, warm socks and shoes, gloves, or mittens. In this article at verywellfit.com, they suggest dressing in three layers: base, mid, and outer layers. Check out the article and get the details here. We know how fierce the cold and wind can be in Evanston!
The goal is to stay warm and dry. You might fear being uncomfortable in the cold. This fear may prevent you from venturing outside on frosty winter days.
Now, bundle up and head outside.
Fun things to do in Evanston and North Chicago in the Fall and Winter
Physical movement is known to decrease anxiety. The research also shows us that sunshine helps with the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Put on your walking shoes (or skis!) and go soak up some rays.
Winter Fun in Evanston, Tip #1: Outdoor Ice Skating
Mid-December to Mid-February, head over to one of the four ice rinks in Evanston and enjoy a day of skating. Be sure to sign up to receive text/email alerts to get updates on the weather and ice rink conditions for this invigorating winter outing.
Winter Fun in Evanston, Tip #2: Chicago Botanic Gardens
Tour the gardens after dark and delight in its illuminated beauty. Lightscape takes place from November 12-January 2, 2022. Walk the trail of lights, join in the songs of the singing trees and get into the holiday spirit. This outing is fun for all ages. Walking on the beautifully lit trails will help to lift a sagging mood.
Winter Fun in Evanston, Tip #3: Downtown Evanston
Stroll through downtown. You’ll get in a few more steps and take in the decorated shop windows. If you see a window you love, you can vote for your favorite at the Evanston Holiday Window Contest Facebook page.
Winter Fun in Evanston, Tip #4: Cross-country Skiing
Forest Preserves of Cook County offers more than 350 miles of ungroomed trails for cross-country skiing.
If you prefer groomed trails or need to rent equipment for skiing, check out Sagawau Environmental Learning Center’s Sagawau Nordic. The center also offers lessons if cross-country skiing is something you’ve always wanted to learn or if you want to improve your skills.
You can find out trail conditions for Sagawau Nordic before heading out. Log onto the Sagawau Nordic Facebook page for the latest trail updates.
Winter Fun in Evanston, Tip #5: Just put your shoes on and step outside!
This option is the easiest! You don’t need to hop in your car, purchase tickets or make plans. Grab your shoes, bundle up and take a brisk walk around your neighborhood. The movement will lower your anxiety, and the fresh air will make you feel brighter.
No matter which activity you choose, the most important thing to do is to move to help in lowering your anxiety. Daytime activities done under the sun will benefit you most if you suffer from seasonal affective disorder. Reach out to us to make an appointment for a free consult to see how therapy at Evanston Counseling can help you walk through the fall and winter with greater calm.
