TIPS TO AVOID THE WINTER BLUES
Fall and winter bring shorter days and longer nights, as well as the likelihood that you will be struck indoors.
Let’s face it: it’s normal for us all to feel a little down when the nights draw in and the weather turns cooler, but for others, this can signal the beginning of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
SAD is a genuine and, in some cases, catastrophic disorder. Still, for most of us, if we get it at all, it is a basic and very tiny chemical shift in our brains caused by a decrease in the sunshine, causing the brain region associated with energy levels to malfunction.
One of the benefits of living in the Carolinas. is the benefit of mild weather. So even though the days are shorter, and temperatures are cooler, consider doing something new. Plan activities to look forward to, such as a weekend away, a night out with friends, or something continuous, such as marathon training.
Here are four tips to avoid the winter blues.
Go outside. Nature in the fall and winter is a stunning sight to see. Furthermore, spending time outdoors can work miracles for your physical and mental wellness. There are local state and national parks providing idyllic drives and breathtaking views- that can help rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.
Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway spans 469 miles from Afton, Virginia in the north, to Cherokee, North Carolina to the south. The Parkway boasts stunning vistas and plenty of opportunities to get out of the car to stretch the legs.
Looking to stay closer to home. A visit to Freedom park is always a great option. Located between Dilworth and Myers Park neighborhoods, Freedom park is 98-acre park, with a seven-acre lake. Meander through and feed the ducks, take advantage of the basketball, tennis, volleyball, soccer, and baseball facilities or the several play areas for children.
Spend time with your friends or girl squad and put forth the effort to travel rather than remain home. Everyone has those always cheerful buddies, no matter the weather, time of year, or day of the week. Support local small businesses by grabbing coffee, lunch or dessert at a locally owned eatery. If you love art and culture- you can always plan a day trip to the Gantt Museum or the Mint Museum. The Gantt is known for its collection of art from the African American community. There are always interesting events and activities going on at the museums. ongoing exhibitions. Soak in the rich beauty and stories and feel inspired. Catch a play at the Knight or Blumenthal theater. Having a plan to hang with friends will help break the monotony and prevent isolation.
If you are not one for outside activities, take up a new indoor hobby. How about roller skating? Rollin’ CLT offers indoor skating experiences or lessons. Another option, pottery. Netflix series like The Great Pottery Throw Down led to a surge in interest in the art. Places like Clayworks in Charlotte offer one day workshops and lessons to introduce newbies to the craft.
Volunteering is a way to get engaged and build connections. There are numerous organizations within the community that can use an extra pair of hands. Organizations like Share Charlotte help connect people to organizations looking for assistance. Best of all, sometimes helping others translates into helping yourself.
GIRLS NIGHT! š„š®
Charlotte PinC headed to Pinhouse Thursday evening and they did NOT disappoint!
WHAT WE LOVED š
⢠$5 classic margarita
⢠$5 taquitos
⢠Korean corn dog
ā¢Quesabirria tacos
⢠Live DJ
Located in plaza midwood, this fun bar is sister to @hoppinclt. Both bars offer an indoor/outdoor setting, great views of Charlotte, and great girls night vibes!!
Where should we go next?
REPOST FROM @feedthemalik
Deets on these amazing Black food & wine festsā
ā
SAVE & SHARE with your foodie fam! ā
ā
1ļøā£ @blackfoodtruckfestival - ā The next one is April 21-23, 2023. This event is family-friendly. General admission tickets are $15-$25 and then once youāre in thereās a variety of food trucks to purchase from! ā
ā
2ļøā£ The Family Reunion - ā Think luxury when you think of this August festival by @foodandwine, hosted by @chefkwameonwuachi at @salamanderresort in VA. Google āfeed the malik family reunionā for @feedthemalikās blog post breaking down what it was like, pricing ($$$$) and more! ā
ā
3ļøā£ @Bayhavenfoodandwinefestival - This October festival in Charlotte is such a vibe! There are days of activities ranging from a tasting tent event to plated dinners. Google āfeed the malik bayhavenā for @feedthemalikās breakdown of the event, pricing, and more! ā
ā
Which one are you planning for in 2023?
SISTERS WITH HORSES! š
Looking for a new way to enjoy this beautiful weather without leaving the city? Next time you want to spend some time outside, consider horseback riding with the ladies of Sisters with Horses. The first all-Black womenās saddle club in Charlotte.
Angie, the founder of Sisters with Horses, thinks that everyone, even those with no experience, should have the opportunity to ride a horse.
āWe do it for our community, our children, for people of color, and for women. We just want to give people the opportunity to experience something they may not have had the chance to be around, just like myself,ā she says.
Schedule your lesson today by contacting Sisters with Horses at SisterswithHorses@gmail.com.
A NIGHT AT THE OSCARS š
A huge thank you to The Independent Picture House @iph_clt for inviting Charlotte PinC to their Oscarās viewing party!
The Independent Picture House is a non profit community cinema that screens diverse foreign, art house, and independent films here in Charlotte.
We spent the evening chatting, enjoying their delicious array of food and drinks, all while watching the Oscars live!
Consider being a memeber today for exclusive screenings, discounted tickets and concessions, as well as special events like this one.
We canāt wait to come back! š„
GIRLS NIGHT! š„š®
Charlotte PinC headed to Pinhouse Thursday evening and they did NOT disappoint!
WHAT WE LOVED š
⢠$5 classic margarita
⢠$5 taquitos
⢠Korean corn dog
ā¢Quesabirria tacos
⢠Live DJ
Located in plaza midwood, this fun bar is sister to @hoppinclt. Both bars offer an indoor/outdoor setting, great views of Charlotte, and great girls night vibes!!
Where should we go next?
REPOST FROM @feedthemalik
Deets on these amazing Black food & wine festsā
ā
SAVE & SHARE with your foodie fam! ā
ā
1ļøā£ @blackfoodtruckfestival - ā The next one is April 21-23, 2023. This event is family-friendly. General admission tickets are $15-$25 and then once youāre in thereās a variety of food trucks to purchase from! ā
ā
2ļøā£ The Family Reunion - ā Think luxury when you think of this August festival by @foodandwine, hosted by @chefkwameonwuachi at @salamanderresort in VA. Google āfeed the malik family reunionā for @feedthemalikās blog post breaking down what it was like, pricing ($$$$) and more! ā
ā
3ļøā£ @Bayhavenfoodandwinefestival - This October festival in Charlotte is such a vibe! There are days of activities ranging from a tasting tent event to plated dinners. Google āfeed the malik bayhavenā for @feedthemalikās breakdown of the event, pricing, and more! ā
ā
Which one are you planning for in 2023?
SISTERS WITH HORSES! š
Looking for a new way to enjoy this beautiful weather without leaving the city? Next time you want to spend some time outside, consider horseback riding with the ladies of Sisters with Horses. The first all-Black womenās saddle club in Charlotte.
Angie, the founder of Sisters with Horses, thinks that everyone, even those with no experience, should have the opportunity to ride a horse.
āWe do it for our community, our children, for people of color, and for women. We just want to give people the opportunity to experience something they may not have had the chance to be around, just like myself,ā she says.
Schedule your lesson today by contacting Sisters with Horses at SisterswithHorses@gmail.com.
A NIGHT AT THE OSCARS š
A huge thank you to The Independent Picture House @iph_clt for inviting Charlotte PinC to their Oscarās viewing party!
The Independent Picture House is a non profit community cinema that screens diverse foreign, art house, and independent films here in Charlotte.
We spent the evening chatting, enjoying their delicious array of food and drinks, all while watching the Oscars live!
Consider being a memeber today for exclusive screenings, discounted tickets and concessions, as well as special events like this one.
We canāt wait to come back! š„