We’ve been having a huge family feud with Christmas having come and gone, when do we take down the tree, and with it, the lights?
We’re usually a ‘tree is gone January 2nd’ kind of family but this year January feels like a dark squeeze. I have lived in British Columbia my entire life and though I’m no stranger to it, the BC winter blues sneak up on me every year.
You might notice some of the signs of seasonal affective disorder in your own life, fatigue, lethargy, restless or sleepless nights, negative thoughts, feelings of depression, and fluctuations in your diet and weight.
Canadians may experience a spectrum of symptoms and varying degrees of seriousness. You’re not alone and you’re not helpless to survive a BC winter without a few remedies.
You don’t have to research long and hard to find helpful suggestions for fending of seasonal affective symptoms. Like taking the herbal remedy, St. John’s Wort, for example, as well as, exercise daily, open your blinds, and get outside as much as possible.
I stumbled upon some unique advice this year that suggested planning something to look forward to as a way of battling seasonal affective disorder (an excellent excuse to plan a spring break getaway!).
But if flying south isn’t in the budget for you this year, try some of these exciting activities to boost your mood and give yourself something to look forward to.
With hundreds of thousands of lights all over this iconic, North Vancouver attraction, you’ll feel transported to an enchanted realm.
We saw them setting up for this display on our North Vancouver trip in October.
This winter fest has been fighting the blues since 1898 with live music, parades, ice-skating, beer gardens and a bobsled race!
Don’t miss the professional snow sculpture team or the LED light show. Rossland knows how to embrace the BC winter!
Losing my sister to Prince George this month might be adding to my seasonal sadness so I’m including this soul booster just for her (especially since the sun is completely set by 3:59 in January!).
The music festival will span several genres and include over 20 musicians.
I look forward to a family carnival night! Carnival games, food and face painting are all part of this happy-inducing weekend.
Kids will be competing in the Jr. Chef Challenge as they cook their way through three skill-testing trials.
Friday night will end in fireworks to spark joy in your soul once again.
Finally, celebrate no school with Big White’s ski through (free) BBQ!
Do you know why people from Tofino are so happy?
They have myriads of festivals! With the 4th annual Winterlights Festival having ended on January 5th, there’s still time to plan ahead for the Tofino Film Festival.
This is an amateur short film contest with a $1000 cash prize for the winner and makes a great excuse for a trip to the Island.
PS. If a spring break vacation is in the budget for you this year, follow @loewenlifestyle and #bcbucketlistfamilyabroad to see some of our most exotic travel inspo!
Follow along as we travel to Belize this March.
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