Ok, this is really specific to my winter location but Nashville is on a timezone boundary (CT but almost EST) so the days are really short! After finishing a full day inside, my partner and I like to go to the cool motel down the street and sit in their hot tub before dinner. It gets us outside, cozy in the tub, and we always meet fun people! It's one of my favorite things about winters now :)
No, how cool! I’ll definitely have to check it out. I sadly haven’t lived in Nashville in over 15 years, but I still visit a lot and have friends in town.
Seasonal depression is so real and not fun! I met up with my bestie this weekend and we talked about how planning for winter is so important.
Just ordered some vitamin B and D supplements from Thorne because my D levels always fall once November happens.
Go ham with lights. In the morning I do 30 minutes with a Verilux lamp on full blast to the side of my laptop so it does get into my eyes. I also have a SAD lamp that is tall and leave it on a low level over my head while working all day. I can rotate between warmth levels with the tall light which is nice. Also have lots of sparkly lights and plenty of lights with dimmers.
Therapy…because I have less energy and take all shit more personally. This helps me keep things in perspective and is better overall for my marriage and friendships!
Planned fun: concerts, saunas, weekly outdoor time with friends, seeing friends, or even potlucks. A good headlamp does wonders for getting me outside for an evening XC ski. Also, the right outdoor clothes. No sense in freezing.
Budgeting for energy work like reiki. Or a massage if I’m really stuck in my body. Actually going to the gym for group workout classes because I will be a slug if not externally motivated.
Doing basic things that I know future me will be grateful for like making a big pot of soup or grocery shopping even if I’m exhausted.
After going someplace warm in winter I’ve now decided it’s an annual tradition. Headed to Costa Rica this winter for a week to go surfing.
Accept that winter is a time for deleting rather than adding in my world. I use this as my framework for decision making, and also am gentle with myself about work projects. I am a work horse during the sunny months. I slow down during the cold months and if I drop a few balls so be it.
Winters are hard for me so I try to set myself up for ease where I can.
These are such good ideas — and I'm honestly so inspired by how much thought and intention you've put into keeping your mood up! It's a great reminder there's a lot *I* could do to make winter easier. Thank you for sharing!!
It’s a daily struggle. SAD has already started for me, which is a bit shocking given the beautiful weather in NE this October. I had a conversation with my supervisor today about potentially needing to take an afternoon off here and there. She reminded me that I can use my sick time or personal days when I need a break. Thank you for your kind words! I always enjoy reading Platonic Love!!
From Amsterdam, a place with aggressively depressing gray winters, it’s been a boon to set up weekly standing friend dinners to get through November-April!! I’m actually finishing up a substack about this now!
1) Saw that Alex Edelman show in LA and it was soooo gooooood. (PS love the newsletter theater love here — I love theater/musicals but don’t follow the scene much so this is my theater beat, haha.)
2) I feel like you’d both just love the shearling lines Boston Birkenstock! It’s my everything!! Have you already tried it and don’t like it? Feels like a miss.
3) Love your coat. I’m in LA so I have convinced myself for years I don’t need to invest in a versatile wool since my 2011 J Crew one finally bit the dust, but every time it’s cold and I need to look nice or I travel, I panic. It’s time. It’s time.
I am SO jealous you saw him live! Kicking myself for missing that one — but the fact that you’re keeping up with your theatre beat through platonic love is maybe the best compliment ever?!
And I think you’re right, I might need the shearling lined birks…on my short list to try!
My now 6yo was also obsessed with stools a few years ago and that’s all he wanted for his 3rd birthday. So my husband built him one and he chose the color to paint it (pink!) and then his older and younger brother also had to have one so our kitchen walls are lined with a rainbow of stools. 😂
Hey Brittany, we totally understand — subscriptions add up!! I just gave you a 6-month subscription for free. If you want to buy us a coffee, here's our page https://buymeacoffee.com/platoniclove — but absolutely no pressure. We're happy to have you here!
I go to an infared sauna to help with SAD! It’s a game changer for me!
(I go to, “Perspire”, which is a franchise and I think sprinkled across the States. I highly recommend, but I bet the business model is the same and that any place you go would have the same results!)
Ok, this is really specific to my winter location but Nashville is on a timezone boundary (CT but almost EST) so the days are really short! After finishing a full day inside, my partner and I like to go to the cool motel down the street and sit in their hot tub before dinner. It gets us outside, cozy in the tub, and we always meet fun people! It's one of my favorite things about winters now :)
I didn’t know you were in Nashville! (That’s my hometown ☺️) Going to need more details on this “cool motel” for next time I’m visiting my parents…
I live here half the year, then Oakland the other half! You are a rare native Nashvillian! It’s The Dive Motel - have you been??
No, how cool! I’ll definitely have to check it out. I sadly haven’t lived in Nashville in over 15 years, but I still visit a lot and have friends in town.
So fun! Let me know if you’re ever in town :)
Seasonal depression is so real and not fun! I met up with my bestie this weekend and we talked about how planning for winter is so important.
Just ordered some vitamin B and D supplements from Thorne because my D levels always fall once November happens.
Go ham with lights. In the morning I do 30 minutes with a Verilux lamp on full blast to the side of my laptop so it does get into my eyes. I also have a SAD lamp that is tall and leave it on a low level over my head while working all day. I can rotate between warmth levels with the tall light which is nice. Also have lots of sparkly lights and plenty of lights with dimmers.
Therapy…because I have less energy and take all shit more personally. This helps me keep things in perspective and is better overall for my marriage and friendships!
Planned fun: concerts, saunas, weekly outdoor time with friends, seeing friends, or even potlucks. A good headlamp does wonders for getting me outside for an evening XC ski. Also, the right outdoor clothes. No sense in freezing.
Budgeting for energy work like reiki. Or a massage if I’m really stuck in my body. Actually going to the gym for group workout classes because I will be a slug if not externally motivated.
Doing basic things that I know future me will be grateful for like making a big pot of soup or grocery shopping even if I’m exhausted.
After going someplace warm in winter I’ve now decided it’s an annual tradition. Headed to Costa Rica this winter for a week to go surfing.
Accept that winter is a time for deleting rather than adding in my world. I use this as my framework for decision making, and also am gentle with myself about work projects. I am a work horse during the sunny months. I slow down during the cold months and if I drop a few balls so be it.
Winters are hard for me so I try to set myself up for ease where I can.
These are such good ideas — and I'm honestly so inspired by how much thought and intention you've put into keeping your mood up! It's a great reminder there's a lot *I* could do to make winter easier. Thank you for sharing!!
It’s a daily struggle. SAD has already started for me, which is a bit shocking given the beautiful weather in NE this October. I had a conversation with my supervisor today about potentially needing to take an afternoon off here and there. She reminded me that I can use my sick time or personal days when I need a break. Thank you for your kind words! I always enjoy reading Platonic Love!!
Love all of this! 💛
I was just mentioning Buck Mason today. I'm a fan. Great basics.
Ha, what Aliza said!!
A stamp of approval from you is everything.
From Amsterdam, a place with aggressively depressing gray winters, it’s been a boon to set up weekly standing friend dinners to get through November-April!! I’m actually finishing up a substack about this now!
I was just talking to a friend about the power (slash necessity??) of recurring friend dates. Can't wait to read your thoughts :)
Agreeed!
1) Saw that Alex Edelman show in LA and it was soooo gooooood. (PS love the newsletter theater love here — I love theater/musicals but don’t follow the scene much so this is my theater beat, haha.)
2) I feel like you’d both just love the shearling lines Boston Birkenstock! It’s my everything!! Have you already tried it and don’t like it? Feels like a miss.
3) Love your coat. I’m in LA so I have convinced myself for years I don’t need to invest in a versatile wool since my 2011 J Crew one finally bit the dust, but every time it’s cold and I need to look nice or I travel, I panic. It’s time. It’s time.
I am SO jealous you saw him live! Kicking myself for missing that one — but the fact that you’re keeping up with your theatre beat through platonic love is maybe the best compliment ever?!
And I think you’re right, I might need the shearling lined birks…on my short list to try!
Oh - and I also wanted to say: candlelight in the morning! It feels super indulgent and witchy but it casts such a nice warm glow on a dark day.
Super indulgent and witchy is such a vibe!!
Happy candle szn! ;)
My now 6yo was also obsessed with stools a few years ago and that’s all he wanted for his 3rd birthday. So my husband built him one and he chose the color to paint it (pink!) and then his older and younger brother also had to have one so our kitchen walls are lined with a rainbow of stools. 😂
Wowww cutest comment award def goes to you
That’s the sweetest! 🥹
Have you seen this Buck Mason ad? I already love everything I own from them, but this made me love it even more! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ggL_6P1MoA
I had not seen this and I loved it — they have a true reverence for clothing & manufacturing.
Omg the Points website + Phia in the same newsletter? BLESSED. I can tell they're going to be two goodies.
I know Aliza was on a real roll this week lol
Yesss
Haha I had to Google Timothée Chalamet. I love that 1,679 people have already RSVPed!
I know! It's going to be an EVENT!
I love your newsletter, but cannot afford another monthly subscription, is there a way to "tip" or "pay for this week" or something? <3 Thanks!!
Hey Brittany, we totally understand — subscriptions add up!! I just gave you a 6-month subscription for free. If you want to buy us a coffee, here's our page https://buymeacoffee.com/platoniclove — but absolutely no pressure. We're happy to have you here!
Also just watched alex Edelman and it was so good! Check out his recent video interviewing Doug Emhoff
Ooohh, thanks for the tips. I think they’re buds!? They spent the high holidays together? Now I’m jealous.
Ahhh thank you for the mention! My love for Buck Mason runs deep and I'm hear you try it!!
I go to an infared sauna to help with SAD! It’s a game changer for me!
(I go to, “Perspire”, which is a franchise and I think sprinkled across the States. I highly recommend, but I bet the business model is the same and that any place you go would have the same results!)