14 Secrets to Thriving during an Alaskan Winter – Part 2
Last month we started a discussion on how to thrive and not just survive an Alaskan winter. Winters in Alaska can be a beautiful experience, but they are also a life-changing one. SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder can be a real problem and we need to fight that battle head on. Here are the final 6 ways to keep the winter blues at bay and keep yourself thriving during an Alaskan winter in the gorgeous Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla and Mat-Su Valley areas.
1. Be ready for spring shock
It’s surprising really, you’ve been waiting all winter for the longer, lighter days and now you’re starting to literally see the light. Why aren’t you happy? The sudden change in lighting can influence the mind. Do not try and face this change alone. Call up your friends that have been hibernating alongside you and enjoy the new light together.
2. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you’re a bear
Going along with the tip above, don’t literally start to think that you’re a bear. You don’t need to hibernate all winter to survive, in fact it’s only healthy for bears. Hibernation can quite literally kill you, or at least make life feel a lot less positive than it should. Winter makes it easy for us to hole up in our homes and workplaces. Don’t. Just don’t. Make time for some human interaction with friends. If you don’t have friends that are available, you can still venture out to clubs or participate in group activities or sports occasionally. Bodies in motion can help you in thriving during an Alaskan Winter !
3. Have you heard of AutoStart?
Ok, so not all of us can afford or attain this luxury, but if you have any way of adding it to your life it is one of the best inventions ever. Most of us are used to running outside and starting the car to let it warm up before we leave. If you don’t have a way to lock the vehicle, and don’t live in a safe area, that may involve sitting shivering in the seat waiting for the heater and the car to warm up. Warming up the car reduces the strain on the engine and creates comfort in the cab for you.
AutoStart is an upgrade that allows you to start the car from nearby (or sometimes even through an app in your phone from farther away) and you can warm your car up from the comfort of your warm home. This means you can jump from warm house to warm car and let me tell you it’s amazing. If you’re able to add this to your life, do it! It’ll take some of the power away from winter!
4. Be prepared for your work life
Most of us aren’t independently wealthy, and this means we must participate in work of some kind in order to pay the bills. If you work outside the home, winter requires a few extra steps to keep yourself safe. Make sure that your car is roadworthy and has winter tires, flares, gravel or kitty litter for traction, and a tow strap. It’s wise to pack warm gloves and extra warm clothes in your car for driving in stormy conditions. Always keep an eye on road conditions and open and closed businesses before you venture out. These are important tips for thriving during an Alaskan winter.
5. Be prepared for possible walking
Worst case scenario, you might have a vehicle break down in the cold and you need to walk to safety. We know that in Alaska this can be lethal. To avoid becoming a fatality of an Alaskan winter be prepared for any negative consequences that could happen on your travels. Always assume that you could be in the coldest of temperatures and prepare and pack accordingly. Overplanning is always best.
6. Plan for all weather scenarios
This may sound redundant, but it’s important. Winter weather can be unpredictable and can change quickly. Be flexible when making plans during the winter and be prepared for flight delays, road closures and slower, longer journeys due to storms. It will help you to have more peace and less stress if you realize that due to conditions tight schedules can’t always be accommodated in the winter. Go with the flow.
Alaska is big, beautiful and full of things to discover. No matter which season we are in, we are living the Alaskan adventure. We are thriving during an Alaskan winter and we are here and ready to help you find that home that will give you your special spot in Alaska. Contact us with any questions.
