5 Tips on How to Survive the Winter Blues as a PCV
Not all Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) serve in warm places. Some live in countries with cold winters, short days, and long nights. I know because I served in Mongolia! Winter can be tough, but with the right attitude, you can stay active and productive. Here are five simple tips to help you get through the cold season.
1. Set Small Goals: Focus on Easy Wins
Winter can make it hard to stay motivated, but setting small goals can help. Doing simple things like organizing your room, completing a small project, or even doing a quick workout can give you a feeling of accomplishment. These small wins will help you feel in control and keep you moving forward, even on cold days.
2. Create a Winter Routine: Keep Yourself Motivated
Winter can disrupt your regular routine, so it’s important to create new habits that work for colder weather. Whether it’s setting time aside for thinking, reading, or relaxing, a routine can keep you on track. Focus on things that make you feel good and help you stay productive, like learning a new skill or dedicating time to your host community projects. Staying motivated from the inside is key.
3. Stay Active with Different Activities
To get through winter, you need to be flexible. You can’t always go outside, but there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you busy. Try bodyweight exercises, yoga, or learning a new hobby like knitting or cooking. Keeping your mind and body active helps fight off boredom and low energy during winter.
4. Connect with Others: The Power of Working Together
In Norway, they have something called dugnad, which means working together as a community. In winter, it’s easy to feel alone, so it’s important to stay connected. Find ways to spend time with your host family, other volunteers, or people in your community. You can organize activities, share meals, or even work together on a project. Being with others will help you feel less isolated and more motivated.
5. Use Technology to Stay Productive
Technology can help you stay on top of things during winter. Use apps to stay organized or set up online study groups with other volunteers. You can also use the internet to find new ideas for your projects. Technology can keep you connected and productive, even when it’s too cold to go outside.
Make Winter Work for You
Winter can be challenging, but it’s also a chance to build new habits, stay connected, and learn new things. By setting small goals, keeping a routine, staying active, working with others, and using technology, you can make the most of the cold months. Just like the Vikings, you can face winter with strength, curiosity, and purpose.
Stay warm and keep going strong through your Peace Corps winter!
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Reference: Winter's coming. 5 lessons from a 'modern Viking' on how to stay productive during the dark days