Embracing February, The Gateway to Spring

How does February make you feel?

February is not my favourite month, in fact if I were going to name my least favourite month February would probably be it.  I’m sorry February but I have felt this way for some time now.   You may be the shortest month but you often feel like the longest.

The excitement of a new year has slipped away, Valentine’s day although cheering to some, I have  no strong feelings about it either way.  Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day is a nice little interlude but it doesn’t really make up for the numerous cold grey wintery days still to come.

I have always found February to be a deceitful month.  It gives us these little glimpses of optimism, an unexpected day of blue skies and sunshine where it almost feels warm enough to sit outside, wrapped up of course.  Then, just as we are contemplating the promise of spring, the skies are leaden and lights are switched back on early in the day.

February this year is of course much easier than it was last year.  This time last year, we were in a lockdown, Covid was rampant and hope was hard to find.  Covid is of course still in existence but it does feel like we are finally transitioning from these dark Covid times to lighter, brighter days ahead.

Amongst the many lessons, the pandemic has taught us , learning to be thankful and  make the most of every days, is an important one.  I have realised there are things to embrace in February and lots of ways to enjoy the shortest month of the year. So instead of bemoaning its very existence, let’s see  February as a ‘gateway’ month.  A gateway to spring flowers, blossom, and warmer days ahead.

Embrace Nature

Trees may still look bare, particularly at the beginning of the month but there is evidence that things are stirring and there is certainly life going on underground as trees and plants are slowly regenerating.

Snow drops are often at their best in the first half of February and are a joy to see every year.  For me they are the first real sign of nature reawakening from hibernation. Daffodils begin to poke their heads above the ground too, and are readily available to buy, so it’s easy to bring nature into the home too.  These little glimpses of nature always add joy to any dark February day.

Embrace Fresh Air and Exercise

I was recently asked for a self care tip for a social medialcampaign being run by the local café where I regularly write.  Without hesitating I said get “out doors everyday, walk and breathe”.  I wholeheartedly believe this.  Even on the dreariest days a short walk or 5 minutes in the open air can make the world of difference to how we feel mentally.  I try to build even a short walk into almost every day.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), sometimes known as ‘winter depression’, is often blamed on a lack of sunlight. The  symptoms such as a persistent low mood, lethargy, social withdrawal and a lack of energy, are usually more apparent during the winter.

If we can bare to get out side for a walk (or run) during winter we will be doing so much good for our physical and mental health.  Exercise is increasingly important in winter because, It boosts circulation by sending immune cells around the body to fight off infections.  In turn it boosts our mood as endorphins are released and is an opportunity to top up our depleted vitamin D levels.

Coming into the warm with glowing cheeks and windswept hair after embracing the elements is a lovely feeling.  Tea and biscuits is of course then perfectly acceptable!

Embrace Hygge

I have written previously about the Danish tradition of Hygge. Living in a country where days are long and its barely light during the winter months, the Danes know what they are talking about when it comes to winter. Hygge is the embodiment of enjoying the moment, feeling safe and comfortable, and sharing with others.

I’m a very visual person and the way things look and the aesthetics of my environment are important to me.  Making our homes warm and comfortable and somewhere we look forward to being can lift  the mood.  For me that involves always having books around me.  Not just the book I’m currently reading but other books I like to dip into.  I always try to have flowers and I light candles and make my home feel cosy, so that when I’m still spending lots of time inside during February, it’s a joyful and calming place to be.

Embrace Nourishment

We can nourish our bodies in so many ways and in February days when we are susceptible to colds and other viruses (not just covid), nourishing ourselves with delicious food and keeping hydrated will help boost the immune system and keep dry winter skin at bay.

Salads may not be a thing for you in winter.  I admit they don’t have quite the same appeal.  Soups however, the choice is limitless.  I love making soup, not only because it’s a great way of clearing up fridge leftover vegetables but because it makes me feel good too.  Who doesn’t feel just a little smug when there is a pot of home made soup bubbling away on the stove.  There may not be quite the abundance of seasonal produce in the winter as in the summer but there is still plenty to choose from, most of which work beautifully in a winter soup or stew.

I hope you are able to embrace these challenging February Days.  Soon spring will arrive filled with blousy blossom and beautiful blooms.   Our reward, should we need one, for getting through another winter.  The days will continue to lengthen, daffodils will appear and who knows, we might even get a little bit of snow.  That would certainly make February a whole lot more fun!

You may enjoy this post on Hygge