Successful Coping Strategies for dealing with Winter in Boston

By Michael Ruben, LICSW

The deep cold weather, the cloudy days, the early darkness, ice and snow. We can remain home and feel trapped by winter.  A couple of clients even mentioned the similar feeling to the pandemic. We can feel like we’re in lockdown. Seasonal affective disorder which includes symptoms of irritability, hopelessness, low energy, persistent sadness, social withdrawal, carb cravings, weight gain, and oversleeping occurs in over 9% of New Englanders.   And more than 47% of residents of New England report a decline in mood in winter. This winter of 2026 in fact has been the coldest in nearly 20 years.   And the snow is just starting to begin in earnest.

There are several ways to cope with this kind of extreme winter. Adaptation and flexibility are key.

1.    Create a sanctuary in your home, a special spot to sit and read, knit or meditate,

2.    Arrange a schedule within your home to meditate, listen to music.

3.    YouTube offers yoga, belly dancing, painting, and many other hobbies

4.    Learn something new.

5.    Find indoor activities that are brightly lit: museums, libraries, gyms.  Check local hotels  that often offer a day pass for swimming, jacuzzi and sauna.

6.    Take an air cold plunge by walking outside for a wake up, once or twice a day. Enjoy the quiet and silence of the winter.

7.    Make evening Zoom dates with family or old friends. Or have virtual game nights.

8.    Plan your warm weather getaway. Watch travel videos or scour the internet for your next vacation. If you have flexibility, get out of town. Last minute cruises are heavily discounted.

9.    Dress in layers and try to get out for a walk, run or shopping trip each day.  Do not let winter trap you.  We all like to feel that we have some measure of control not that we are controlled.   Don’t let the weather control you and keep you in.

10.Call a friend or relative that you have not spoken to in a while and enjoy a conversation over a cup of coffee or glass of wine.

11.Plan a zoom group to discuss a book your reading, strategize career transitions, or discuss your romantic life.

12.Baked bread, sourdough pretzels or your favorite cake.  Rising yeast creates its own structure to the day as you knead it at scheduled intervals.  Or make a stew so you can savor the smells throughout the day.