Niki Connor, MACP, BA Psych, RPC #3693 shares some great ways to enjoy sticking around the Okanagan this winter.

So clearly the weather is turning much, much cooler. I actually had real frost on my car windows this week and nearly had to bust out the scraper! Are you missing the Okanagan summer already?.. me too!

For many, this is a time of planning the winter-get-away to somewhere warm or trips to see friends and family for the holidays. Often, these trips are way to reset, re-charge, and be ready to face the tough things life throws at us. But the reality is, jet-setting isn’t the same right now (thank you COVID-19). So, let’s get creative and discover new ways to achieve the same sense of R & R (rest and relaxation) by exploring the amazing things around us. This may even be an opportunity to appreciate things we didn’t know we had right here in the Okanagan area!

According to Positive Psychology, we can find many ways to add meaning to our lives, that don’t have to include going on a trip. Happiness doesn’t have to come from big vacations. So let’s look at some ways you can make this usual vacation-season into an awesome “staycation”-season!

Do activities you would normally organize for your vacation.

For example, if you like to plan active or sports’ filled trips, try doing them around here (there is a Polar Bear Paddle Board even being planned for December, so it is possible). Or try new ones. We have access to many beautiful ski resorts, where you can go skiing (but don’t forget to pre-book your parking spot at the resort), snowshoeing and other fun things to do outside, in the snow. It’s magical! Check out upcoming events here.

2. Or maybe you like to try fancy food on your trips.

What if you planned different themed meals for each night for one week, or for each weekend for a month? You could make it yourself, order in, or dine out – there are some pretty awesome restaurant options around. Here are a few suggestions for you.

3. Have a fire.

You know, like go up a mountain and bring some friends – I mean meet them there obviously you wouldn’t be in the car with people who aren’t in your bubble - light a fire, roast a feast (or just some wieners and marshmallows, your choice), and maybe have a snowball fight or toboggon ride!

4. Drive tour the Okanagan.

When was the last time you were at the other end of the lake? Or took some old back road to get to a usual location. Try making an adventure of driving in different areas… you could even snuggle up with a blanket and some hot coco. You’ll be surprised what you find! I recently found a new pet friendly walking a trail that I didn’t know existed until I drove by it.

5. Make time to pick up that hobby you have been meaning to do.

Or take that course you keep putting off.

6. Grab your friends/family and do a fun photo shoot.

It could be a theme like “Wish You Were Here!” (fake vacation album?), or Adams Family. This could be done with a professional, or just using your own point-and-shoot, or cell phone.

7. I know you have probably heard this before but, try unplugging.

If you were away on a real vacation, would you have as much access to your devices? Once you get past the anxiety, it can add to the R & R feeling.

8. Play.

Play games, or play on the playground, or do something that makes you feel like a kid, like suggested in #3 above, have a snowball fight.

9. Book a local get-away.

Check into a hotel, resort or AirBnB that offers some cozy amenities such as a fire place, big bath tub, mountain views, or snow shoe trails. Here are some amazing spots to check out (or check-in to).