Winter hangs over Whatcom County like a gray blanket. The days are short, the nights long, and the sun feels like a distant dream. It’s easy to miss the lingering hours of summertime adventures, the feeling of sunshine on bare shoulders, and fresh berries eaten straight from the earth. And while the winter blues can get us down, Whatcom County residents have unique and creative ways to embrace the season and bring a little light back into all our lives.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
Personally, I find that nothing lifts the spirits like a walk. There’s an old saying that goes something like, “There is no bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” A raincoat, a cozy scarf, and maybe even an umbrella can go a long way in making a stroll not just bearable but actually enjoyable. The beauty of the Pacific Northwest in winter is much more quiet than in August, when dahlias grow with wild abandon and the mountains are a constant crown on the horizon. But take a stroll in January, even just around your neighborhood, and you begin to notice things that might not make it onto a postcard: a blue jay eating seeds; the way your neighbor has lovingly put their garden to bed; a really cute puppy out for his own amble.
If you want to venture a little farther outside your front door, Whatcom County is bursting with trails. Whatcom Falls Park is a choose-your-own-adventure destination. Walk even five minutes down the path and you’re met with the roar of waterfalls, or continue further into the 240+ acre park. Whatcom Falls Park has the added bonus of being dense with firs and cedars, which act as a canopy that can protect you from the drizzle. Lake Padden is another great option. The 2.8 miles around the lake are popular with bikers, joggers, and walkers. You’ll see plenty of cute dogs, too!
Incorporate Yoga and Mindfulness into Your Day
Many Whatcom County residents benefit from bringing intentional movement and breath into their daily routines, even if it’s just for five minutes. Bellingham offers a plethora of yoga studios to choose from, including 3 Oms Yoga, Intent Hot Yoga, Inspire Studio, and more. But if a full yoga class isn’t compatible with your schedule or budget, here are some recommended techniques that people find helpful to combat stress and lift the mood.
One Bellinghamster swears by Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose, which is exactly what it sounds like. Even a couple of minutes in this gentle inversion can calm the mind and provide a mild stretch. Child’s Pose is a restful pose that can relieve fatigue brought on by busy days or gray skies. Or try mindful breathing for just one minute: lower or close your eyes, and for 60 seconds focus on simply breathing. When your mind wanders (and let’s be real, it’s probably going to wander), try to gently bring your attention back to your inhales and exhales. While these techniques aren’t quite the same thing as a blissful summer’s day, they can offer a chance to cultivate an inner blue sky.
Two Green Thumbs Up
While outdoor gardens may be fast asleep and patiently awaiting spring’s arrival, winter is a time to try your hand at bringing a little greenery into your home. A potted herb plant can be a great gateway into gardening. Rosemary and thyme keep your kitchen smelling fresh and can be easily transplanted from clippings. Local nursery Garden Spot sells plants, flowers, and garden ornaments and offers sage guidance in all matters of gardening.
Indoor gardening not only adds zest to any and all cooking ventures, it can also bring a sense of increased self-esteem and confidence. Gardening has been linked to stress reduction and is a lovely and fragrant way to integrate some nature time into your life.
You’re Not Alone
I asked one of my friends what he does to beat the winter blues, and replied with a laugh, “Uh, nothing?” Sometimes the only thing to do is accept that winter is here. One thing that might ease the darkness a little bit? The knowledge that we’re all in it together. It’s a wonderful time of year to spend time with other people, whether that’s friends, families, or even strangers. Even better? Learning something new alongside them.
Ragfinery offers classes where one can learn a variety of textile transformation arts, whether that’s mending, knitting, or making tiny adorable felted gnomes. Ciao Thyme, a local farm-to-table catering and cooking business, holds workshops where you can make winter soups and curries, sharpen up your knife skills, or take a couples cooking class. If you have a to-read list you’ve been wanting to get through, a Village Books book group might be just the thing to connect you to like-minded readers.
Whether you’re walking around the block, learning something new, tending some thyme, or paying a little more attention to your breath, winter is a season to gather in community and find beauty in the small moments.
