Since having moved to East Tennessee earlier this year, I’ve found a new interest in the winter months. Growing up in the Midwest, winters were brutal. Once October rolled around and the temperature began it’s slow decent into the single digits, so did my spirits.
There is a certain natural balance I personally experience from being outdoors. I feel realigned with myself when I’m out in the sunshine with the grass beneath my bare feet. Whether I’m swimming out at the lake, or standing in my hiking boots on the top of a ridge, there’s nothing quite like breathing in fresh air and getting some Vitamin D. There is something about nature that re-energizes me and brings a clarification so necessary for my own well being.
So while living in the Midwest, from November through March I experienced the very real symptoms of S.A.D, “Seasonal Affective Disorder.” I felt dreary and down. I felt just as lazy as I did restless. Ultimately, I felt a bit depressed. The doom and gloom of winter was upon me. I didn’t really need a whole lot of winter gear, because I rarely enjoyed being out in the winter weather. Camping stopped. Hiking stopped. Most outdoor activities stopped, and a mundane and melancholy hibernation began.
Now that I live in a southern state where the winters aren’t so harsh, I’m looking forward to the winter months. It feels very much like I will have a full year to enjoy life, instead of only half. I’m excited to get some new warmer hiking gear and head up into the Smokies, without having to worry about losing my appendages to frostbite.
I wish I could say I’ve been taking advantage of these deals for others, for Christmas gifts and the like. But I’m not, it’s been a completely selfish venture! One of the first few things on my list are some comfy lounge pants, a warm fleece, and a new camping stove. What about you? Whatever activities you enjoy, whatever gear you need, and whatever weather you prefer, MooseJaw has something for you. Head over to their site and check out their sales and rewards program. Don’t forget to take advantage of their free shipping (on orders $35 or more).
Happy Shopping!
What’s your experience with S.A.D? What winter activities do you enjoy? And if you happen to find some treasures over at MooseJaw, let me know! I’m always looking for new gear to try, and would love to hear from you!
You are so right about being outside just making you feel full of energy, and just plain better. I go outside daily. I walk down to the river and fish mostly. Here in the Appalachian foot hills, probably ain’t much different then where you are in Tennessee. Except, Your elevation is much higher. My family and I love to visit Tennessee it is a beautiful place.
Hi Sean! Thanks so much for stopping by! Yes, it is absolutely beautiful here and I agree with you whole-heartedly!
I checked out their website and the comfiness factor alone of those clothes makes me wanna crank up the ac (in this still 90 degree weather), bundle up, and ….pretend (!!!) that it’s cold outside. I’m currently living back in the south but during my stank ..uhh, I mean stint in Jersey, I would have loved to have some of this gear. Southerners in the snow?? No bueno! Tennessee sounds wonderful. I can’t wait for your updates on the mountains 🙂
Hey Jennifer! From a southern state to NJ!? (I’ve visited… enjoyed the visit, but couldn’t see myself living there!) Happy you enjoyed browsing!
Boy, can I identify with this article. I am a southern state kind of gal. I love the warm weather of Georgia and the mild winters. I really don’t like cold weather. I think I would definitely be sad or experience S.A.D. if I had to live in a cold climate. Anyway, I was intrigued by your title. I was thinking I would find out about hunting moose or something 🙂 I’ll check out the shopping. Thanks for the recommendation.
Aw, Claudette, I’m no hunter! The idea alone makes me sad (see what I did there?) Thanks for stopping by … even if it was only because curiosity got the best of ya 🙂