Winter—for many, it's a magical season of sparkling snow, peppermint cocoa, and winter sports. For other, however, it brings on feelings of boredom, grumpiness, sleepiness, and depression. Although Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a yearly issue for some people, for others it occurs only once or twice in their lifetimes. Often, the symptoms are very subtle.
Even if you can relocate to a warmer climate, the winter months are darker than others, which is what causes the lethargic feelings. Whether you're RVing in cold, dark, or in perpetually overcast and rainy climates, engaging in a favorite hobby—or a new one—is a great way to pass the time and keep your spirits up. This is not intended as medical advice for severe or extended periods of depression, however for mild, seasonal moodiness the following activities may help.
Cook
Whether you consider yourself a fantastic cook or not, experimenting in the kitchen is a great way to spend the winter. Learning new ways to prepare old favorites, or trying your hand at a few gourmet dishes to bring to the next pot luck dinner is not only fun but also educational. Plus, you get to eat your creations.
Additionally, for many people, losing weight or improving fitness is one of their New Year's resolutions. Why not make learning how to prepare healthy cuisine a wintertime hobby? Read up on your favorite strategy and begin creating.
Exercise
Even if you're staying in a location where outdoor workouts are prohibitive, exercising during the winter addresses several potential fitness issues. First, it increases energy when your energy is likely at a yearly low. Second, it improves health when many people are eating heavy, winter-friendly comfort food and becoming sedentary. Third, it sets you up for a fitter body for the next swim-suit season. Last—but probably not least—exercise improves moods. Even if you don't feel like working out, if you just begin a routine you'll more than likely continue and feel better for it.
Learn a Skill
Winter is the perfect time to learn a new skill and work on a project. There are tons of options for this. A couple of favorites are knitting, sewing, drawing, fly-tying for the spring fishing, wood carving, etc. The nice thing about many of these hobbies is that they can be enjoyed inside while visiting with others or binge-watching Netflix.
Play Games
Playing games is a great hobby to foster. Not only does it provide entertainment—depending on the particular game—it can improve memory or speed, and encourage socializing. This can be as easy as installing a couple of games on our phone, putting together a puzzle, or playing a nightly game of cards or Yahtzee with your significant other. It can be as complex as setting up a weekly poker game or board game night at the campground where you're staying. Basically, find your preferred level of social involvement and favorite type of game and get started. It keeps you occupied and engaged. What more do you want from a hobby?
Yoga
Although many people use yoga as their primary form of exercise, there's more to the activity than merely its physical benefits. Along with building strength, yoga improves concentration, endurance, flexibility, mood, and oxygen levels. Depending on the type of yoga practiced, it can realign your spine and even increase memory.
Because it is so all-inclusive, this is a particularly good hobby to begin or resume during the winter months when people often feel unmotivated, sluggish, or depressed. Perhaps for an RVer, the best parts are that you don't necessarily have to leave home to do this. Not only can it be done in your limited RV space—it only requires the width and length of a yoga mat—but basic moves can be learned from a book, DVD, or YouTube videos. However, if you want a more social experience, almost every fitness center including the YMCA has one or more yoga classes.
In Conclusion
Seasonal depression, or SAD is a real phenomenon that affects many people throughout the darker, shorter days of winter whether they notice it or not. If you find yourself feeling a little overly tired or moody—even during a long rainy period—engaging in some of these hobbies could help. Keep yourself busy, take some vitamins, and remember, spring is just around the corner!