Living in Alaska during the winter is unlike any other place in the country. Anchorage has a mere 5.5 hours of daylight and snow on the ground for 5-6 months out of the year. You have to really embrace this time of the year because it is, by far, our longest season and even the winter lovers can feel the effects by March, so it goes without saying that the winter blues are a real and prominent thing here.
Luckily, there are several things we do as Alaskans to help make winter not feel as long and boost your mood during this time. Many people will suggest finding a winter hobby you enjoy whether that is skiing (downhill, classic, or skate skiing), or finding an indoor hobby that keeps you occupied during these long, harsh winters.
The second tip that a lot of people do is plan a trip to a warm getaway (Hawaii is very popular as well as Mexico, California, and Arizona) to have something to look forward to and to give your body a chance to thaw out.
There are also SAD/Happy lights to help to reduce symptoms of depressed feelings and hopefully provide some relief.
However, the number one tip that everyone suggests is to get outside while it is light each day!
Getting outside during the winter boosts my mood so much. Even just a simple walk around the block or going outside with the kids in the backyard makes me feel so much better. While it takes a whole heck of a lot more motivation to get out in the winter, I think it makes you feel even better about yourself because most people stay inside for much of the winter.
I am partnering with Backcountry to help you have the right gear to get outside, enjoy the last bit of winter, and showcase some of their cozy winter weather clothing items that I have been living in lately. And if you want to purchase any of their exceptional gear, you can get 15% off your first purchase at Backcountry.com (exclusions apply) with the code: THERUNNERSPLATE15
When it comes to winter clothes, they have to be warm and functional (fashionable is definitely an added bonus). Backcountry has a ton of options for winter activities whether is it a walk through the neighborhood, downhill skiing, or warm gear for winter running.
I love the pieces I picked out for a walk around the neighborhood with the family or running errands on the weekend. My cream sweater is one that I have been wanting for years, so I was especially excited about it. I love that it covers my butt, and then pairing it with this fleece jacket was a really great choice for added warmth. I also like that the jacket was long enough to match the length of the sweater. These black tights are very comfortably, high rise, and have a hugging/compression sensation.
My hat is from Skida, and if you’ve followed me for a while, you know I love my Skida products, so I couldn’t pass up this cute beanie that they make. I love the pretty blush color, and the fit was perfect.
On top of that, I have also been a long-time Sorel-lover. Their boots are so practical but also super cute for our never-ending winters here in Alaska. The pair I am wearing have waterproof leather uppers, and they have good traction on the ice and snow. Plus, they are currently on sale, so grab them before they sell out!
I love how getting out for a walk is so refreshing and so simple, yet it instantly boosts your mood.
I have linked my entire outfit in my LTK shop through the LTK shopping app, or you can tap/click on any of the links in this post or the pictures below. Also, check out this Patagonia fleece as well as this Patagonia puffy jacket that I have my eye on.
And remember, if you want to purchase any of these items or anything on Backcountry’s website, use the code: RUNNERSPLATE15 to get 15% off your first purchase at Backcountry.com (exclusions apply) on full-priced items.
This post was created in collaboration with Backcountry.
LOVE this combination, such a cute outfit. I really like the longer fleece zip jacket.