Ways to beat the Winter Blues!

With the days getting shorter and hours of sunlight dwindling away in the early afternoon, many of us don’t see a lot of daylight. What we do not realize is how important the little bit of sunlight we do see is to the functioning of our brains and bodies.
What we do realize is that we feel slightly depressed and lethargic. Seasonal affective disorder (more commonly known as the winter blues), is largely believed to stem from the lack of sunlight and exercise we experience during the winter months.
“Waking up to go to work in the dark is so depressing, and it’s dark again when I go home at night,” said Gavin Tse, 24, a master’s degree candidate at the University of Toronto. “I tend to never want to wake up in the winter.”
Studies have confirmed that six to 10 per cent of people living in the northern parts of North America are affected by seasonal affective disorder, so it is especially important to get as much sunlight and exercise as possible to ward off any symptoms.
When we were kids we never got that lazy, depressed feeling in the winter that many of us experience now as adults, because the arrival of snow meant the arrival of endless outdoor fun. So instead of sitting around inside waiting for nicer weather to come, enjoy the day and lift those winter blues before the snow is gone.
“As long as I stay active in the winter doing things like snowboarding, it definitely helps to keep the winter blues at bay,” said Juri Kongats, 22, a full-time factory worker in Mississauga.
For existing or aspiring ski buffs, Ontario has some of the best hills around, many of which are within reasonable distance. Blue Mountain is a popular destination for those who can find a ride to Collingwood. Mount St. Louis Moonstone and Horseshoe Valley are both just a few minutes north of Barrie as well. For convenience, Glen Eden Ski Club located in Milton is the closest to Oakville, and Centennial Hill in Etobicoke is much smaller but can still be lots of fun.
Most hills offer full-day tickets for around $40, but since this year’s snow conditions have not been top notch, most hills are offering great deals as incentive to hit the slopes. By simply flashing your student card, Horseshoe Valley’s reading week special offers accommodation at the hotel and unlimited downhill or cross-country skiing and boarding for as little as $55. Blue Mountain has a similar promotion where college and university students can sleep, eat and ski for as low as $100.
For those who aren’t as talented on the hills, most ski resorts also offer snow tubing which can be just as exhilarating. Snow Valley in Barrie, Talisman Mountain Resort in Kimberly, Blue Mountain, and Horseshoe Valley all have snow tubing tracks. This is the cheapest way to enjoy yourself on the hill, with tube rides only $3 a pop.
A snowshoeing day trip is another way to enjoy the sub-zero weather while getting exercise and fresh air. Day trips, which go for only $60 a person, let you explore the snow-laden trails, peaceful forest and frozen waterfalls of Halton Hills Conservation Area. The package includes a snowshoe rental, a guide/instructor, snacks, hot chocolate and even free transportation from Kipling Subway Station in Toronto.
For those wishing to try something completely different, dog sledding is the new winter thrill that is taking Ontario by storm. This activity requires a few hours of travel time to get to Huntsville, but half-day trips go for $125 and teach participants how to harness the dogs, hook them up to the sleds, and “mush!” Sleds led by six dogs can carry two people at a time, and the price includes three hours of dog sledding, hot chocolate, snacks, and a lesson.
These are just some of the ways you may enjoy what’s left of winter this year. Anything from as small as walking the dog to mushing six of them from a sled is a guaranteed way to spice up your day and lift the gloomy mood that may be bogging down your days.
For more trip ideas check out www.adventureseekertours.com