Winter in New England is a mixed bag. Many of us love the look of a fresh snowfall, skiing or snowboarding in the crisp air, and spending cozy nights with those we love indoors. However, after week after week of it, even lifelong locals can find the long, dark days a little draining. That’s not even to mention the restlessness of cabin fever after being snowed in!
If winter has you feeling stuck, unmotivated, or just plain bored, you’re not alone. The good news is that there are plenty of simple, inexpensive ways to lift your spirits and keep cabin fever at bay right here in the seacoast region.
A quick note:
Weather-based sadness sometimes goes beyond the blues. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects thousands each year and is especially common in the winter and summer months. If your mood feels persistently low or interferes with daily life, please consider speaking with your doctor or a mental health specialist. There may be medical options to help you feel your best! These suggestions are not medical advice, and do not replace advice from a medical care provider.
With that aside, let’s take a look at ways you can pass the winter—and even enjoy it!
Get Outside (Even Briefly)
You don’t need to spend hours outdoors to benefit from fresh air and movement. Even short bursts outside can improve your mood and energy.
- Embrace winter play. Ice skating, sledding, building snowmen, or building snow forts are all joyful ways to connect with the kids in your life, or connect to your own inner child!
Dover’s Ice Arena has public skating hours in the morning and early afternoon for days when the outdoors ice isn’t viable. - Bundle up for a walk. Grab a hot drink and enjoy a stroll through your downtown area to enjoy glowing twinkle lights, seasonal storefront displays, and whimsical décor. If you’re looking for even more active fun, check out one of the Seacoast Winter Walks in Portsmouth, Eliot, Derry, or other towns!
- If you can’t beat the snow... Make the most of it! Try building an igloo or creating a sculpture in your yard or a nearby open space. Let your creativity guide you—it doesn’t have to be “good” if it brings you enjoyment.
Stay Warm and Cozy Indoors
When it’s truly frigid, there’s nothing wrong with leaning into your inner homebody!
- Switch up your warm drinks. Coffee drinker? Try matcha or an herbal tea blend. Tea lover? Experiment with an espresso drink like an Americano (espresso with hot water) or a cappuccino (espresso with a little steamed milk). If all else fails, you can never go wrong with a mug of hot cocoa! Try adding a spoonful of marshmallow fluff for a New England twist.
- Create a designated “cozy corner”. Hang up soft, warm-hued string lights, grab your favorite throw blankets, and pile up your favorite pillows into a personal “cozy corner!” You can take it a step further and tack up sheets for privacy like a blanket fort, or simply enjoy your corner like a bird in its nest.
- Try a sun lamp. Many people in New England find light therapy helpful. Always follow your light box or your doctors’ directions, but in general with sun lamps, morning and afternoon tend to be the best times to utilize light therapy. In my own anecdotal experience, late afternoon (around 3–5 p.m.) light therapy helps my mood and energy since it mimics the sunlight of long NH summer days.
Get Involved in the Community
Staying warm doesn’t have to mean staying home. Dover and the surrounding Seacoast towns offer more winter activities than you might expect.
- Check community calendars. You can often find community calendars by searching for the name of your town, the words “community calendar”, and the current year. As an example, you might search google for “Dover community calendar 2025” and click on DiscoverDoverNH.Com. This is just one website that has dozens of varied activities you can take part in.
Tip: Search engines aren’t sensitive; it’s all about the keywords you use. Try a few words like “Festival,” “family activities,” or “events” to find different types of events locally. - Explore the arts. Look for local art shows, gallery openings, or sign up for an art or craft class. To get you started, we often feature local makers on our Facebook page and in our monthly newsletter. You could also try looking at events and classes from Exeter Fine Crafts or The Art Center in Dover!
- Browse indoor markets. Craft fairs and indoor flea markets are perfect for getting out of the house while staying warm, and many vendors are happy to discuss their crafts!
Remember: This, too, shall pass.
It’s easy to feel restless and anxious when you’re in the thick of things, but even small moments of warmth, movement, and connection can make all the difference in surviving and thriving through New England winters! When all else fails, remember that brighter days are just ahead!
Do you have a favorite tradition or activity to get you through the winter? Feel free to share them with us on our official AZTEC Financial Group Facebook or LinkedIn pages!