I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but …

… Winter is coming.

Wait, you say, we just started Fall. Why are you rushing the seasons? Oh, I plan to fully enjoy all that Fall brings. However, something I learned in my first years of isolation is that I needed to have projects and plans in place before winter. Otherwise, the increased isolation from the weather and germ-avoidance along with many grey days is unbearable.

Here are a few things that I have found to help:

1. Find someone to connect with throughout the winter to encourage each other. I have a great idea! Connect with our Facebook group; let’s chat together as a group!
2. Be sure that you have planned your winter grocery/necessity deliveries. While I am almost completely independent other seasons in obtaining supplies, the winter typically means switching to full delivery mode as well as relying on a few close family and friends to pick up the slack.
3. Make a plan to spend some time in a place with sunshine throughout the winter. You need the sun more in the winter.
4. Stock up on projects to do over the winter. For me, this means both hobby-type projects as well as housekeeping projects. (Spring-cleaning is more Winter-cleaning for me.)
5. Do what you need to do for the holidays. It is so easy to think that you are too much of a burden to attend a holiday gathering or that it is too much trouble to get out. It IS worth it. If you truly can’t get out, find someone else to encourage over the holiday. Have a meal with them even if it is over the phone or video. What other ways could you connect.
6. Locate a Bible study to work through over the winter. Invite someone to do it with you.
7. Reach out to others who are isolated during the winter – well, anytime, but especially in the winter!

Winter days are long and tough. A bit of preparation can ease the difficulty. These are a few of my ideas. What could you add? We would love to hear!