Beating the Boone Winter Blues

As a transfer student, I realize how lucky I am to be experiencing this for my very first Boone winter.  Although it has been mild, I still have a hard time rolling out of my comfortable warm bed in the mornings.  With school back in session and winds that practically blow you off the mountain, it is easy to be consumed by the wintertime blues.  Next time you feel bogged down by the cold, here are five fun ways to make the best of the weather:
 

Hit the slopes
Since we are fortunate enough to attend school here in the mountains, what better way to spend our free time than skiing and snowboarding?  Sadly, those P.E. classes fill up fast, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still go.  This is the best way to take full advantage of the cold and our amazing location here in Boone.  If you find yourself on the mountain a lot, consider joining App’s club skiing or snowboarding teams.  Now instead of letting cabin fever set in, grab a group of friends and hit the slopes! 
 
Find a workout buddy
We all know that working out makes our bodies feel better, but that doesn’t make getting to the gym any easier.  Try picking a workout buddy so you can motivate each other.  You can attend classes or even just run on the treadmill for ten minutes.  Even though you want to lounge around the house all day, once your friend drags you to the gym, you won’t regret it!
 
Have a night by the fire
One of my favorite things about the cold is building fires.  There is nothing more relaxing than coming home from a long day and warming up by the fire.  This is Boone, so chances are at least one of your friends has a fire place where they live.  Plan a girl’s night, eat unhealthy food, watch a chick flick, and just enjoy yourself!

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Plan a weekend trip
If you find yourself getting sick of the cold, get out of town for a weekend!  Visit some of your friends at their schools; chances are – it is warmer where they are.  Hopefully a weekend away will have you feeling better and refreshed by the time you get back.
 
Spruce up your winter wardrobe
If you are anything like me, than you have a hard time dressing up and going out in this bitter weather.  There are not many ways to make snow boots and puffy jackets flattering.  It is time to put away the leggings and Uggs and refresh your winter wardrobe!  The outlets have a great selection of fun winter accessories including hats, gloves, and my favorite: scarves.  I know it’s hard to dress up for class, especially those 8 AM’s, but once you do, you will instantly feel better about yourself!
 
It is time to stop dwelling on the cold, and beat those winter blues!