When it comes to Hotdish Land winters, we don’t choose the wind chill, select the date for a blizzard, or have the luxury of opting out of subzero temps. Maybe you didn’t choose to move here. Maybe in the middle of a Minot winter, it seems like you have no choices; like you’re stuck. Maybe in the darkest, coldest days of the year, it seems like you have little control.
If you’re anything like me, the notion of having little control doesn’t sit well.

Northern winters are notoriously challenging. While much of season’s circumstances may be out of our hands, we can seize control of our perspective. You may naturally prefer lake days to dressing in layers, but when it comes down to it, living in a state of winter-loathing is a choice. And it’s not much fun. Here are five simple ways to choose more contentment this winter.

The Content Life is Not Always Easy
In challenging circumstances, feeling content can be difficult. Contentment is something you must work at; something you must train yourself to experience. Actively seeking the good, and chronically noticing things to be grateful for become easier with time.
Get started by proactively planning things that spark happiness. Take part in the community, or make your own fun. Creating moments of joy doesn’t mean waiting for perfect conditions; it means intentionally crafting moments that warm your heart in the midst of the cold.

Adopt an Abundance Mindset
Instead of focusing on what you can’t do during winter, focus on the unique opportunities winter affords. Embrace the chance to delve into hobbies or learn something new. Winter’s slower pace allows you to be discerning about how you spend your time. The coldest days help us decide what is truly worth leaving the house for in a -40˚ windchill.
Consider the winter months as an opportunity for growth and exploration. Use the extra hours indoors to engage in activities that nurture your mind, energy, and home. Take up a hobby, try something new, declutter and transform your house into a home you love. Use this time to cultivate a sense of accomplishment, abundance, and order.

Contentment Thrives in Community, Not Isolation
The doldrums of winter are exacerbated by isolation. We can’t choose the weather, but we can each choose to be social in a way that best fits our personality. Winter is an excellent time to strengthen bonds while everyone is in town, not away at The Lake.
Resist the temptation to isolate yourself. Instead, use the colder months as an opportunity to connect with others. Contentment is fed when we invest in relationships among friends, and the community.

Set Screen Time Boundaries and Limits
It’s tempting to burrow down under a blanket, binge watch a favorite show, and endlessly scroll newsfeeds during the colder months. But excess screen time disrupts sleep and fosters unhealthy comparisons—which are both major drains on energy and contentment. Be diligent in setting boundaries on screen time during these long days indoors. The real world is out there, waiting for you to put on a coat and join in.
Mindful consumption of digital content—especially social media is crucial during the winter. By limiting screen time, you open up space for genuine connections, self-reflection, and activities our community has to offer.

Remember That This is Literally a Season
Amidst the biting cold, it’s important to remind ourselves that winter is but a season—a temporary phase in the larger tapestry of our lives. It’s part of our yearly rhythm, and is a small price to pay for the long, light days of summer, and quality of life Minot affords. Rather than dwelling on discomfort, shift your focus to the unique experiences and opportunities winter presents. Embrace seasonal activities, relish the beauty of snowy expanses, and find solace in the fact that spring will inevitably follow.

So, let’s choose to embrace the snow, savor the chilly moments, and find joy in the unique gifts that winter brings. After all, loathing winter is a choice, but so is choosing contentment. Let’s make the latter our winter anthem, and see how it transforms not just the season, but our outlook on life.

For more on cultivating a life of contentment through simple strategies and stories, join me online at amyallender.com, on Instagram (@amy_allender), or Facebook (@amyallenderblog.)