The Crave
Weekly tips and stories that will help you do your job and make you smile (or groan).
By Jerry Virta November 18, 2021
Let it go (and turn seasonal sadness into productivity)
Gloomy mornings, crisp air, indoor activities. Who doesn't love the first days of winter? My Nordic heritage might make me biased, but even if you haven't lived through Frozen, you can't deny that there's something oh so magical about winter ❄️ I acknowledge that sunlight is essential for survival and that summer is something a lot of us pretty much live for. However, people living in countries with four full seasons can't avoid the underlying pressure of summertime. Staying indoors feels wrong, nearly criminal, and saying "no" to leaving work early to have a drink on a terrace is almost humanly impossible. The end of summer is mourned and avoided by dragging park picnics and flip-flops far into October.
"How will we survive yet another winter"?
But hey, what if we try a different perspective?
Wintertime and colder weather can actually boost your focus and productivity big time.
But hey, what if we try a different perspective?
Wintertime and colder weather can actually boost your focus and productivity big time.
Think about it: when you're not fighting heat waves, you sleep better and stay hydrated and sharp throughout the day. Without the sun lurking on your screens, you can read without squinting and see everything in full color. Spending afternoons in the park has lost its appeal (unless your hobbies include pigeon feeding). Tan isn't necessary under six layers of fabric.
Overall, being outdoors isn't in anymore. Winter gives you the perfect opportunity to watch that webinar you left untouched in the summer and focus on learning and educating. I personally use this time of the year to grow my skill set and work on my physical and mental health, often reasoning this with "what else is there to do?". But it works. Staying active gives you more energy and keeps you productive (and warm).
I assume you're looking for some tips. I might not have magic hands that turn snow into ice castles, but I definitely have experience sourcing energy and inspiration from the dark and cold. Here's what I do to keep my spirits up and stay on top of my content game throughout the winter:
- Channel your energy into creating and consuming. The colder season is ideal for pushing out digital content since people spend more time on screens.
- If you're stuck, just hop outside for a couple of minutes and let the cool air rush to your brain, clearing your mind and giving you a fresh start (this is incredibly effective).
- Find the positives of winter and write about them — it's easier than you think (yes, I practice what I preach).
- Create and share visuals and imagery that make your audience feel all warm and fuzzy. Remember that originality is the key here. Research your audience to find out what tickles their fancy.
- If you're struggling with the change of season, you're not alone. Have transparent communication with your peers and your audience to share and exchange ideas with the community.
Most importantly: instead of constantly longing for summer, put on your boldest holiday jumper, spend time on your favorite content, and enjoy the coziest season of them all ☕️
Let’s talk about it together!
Share your thoughts on LinkedIn using #thecravediscussion This week’s topic: Where do you source inspiration and motivation during the winter months? Do you turn the magic of the season into kick-ass content?
Currently craving
- Everyone Hates Marketers podcast discusses marketing topics honestly and openly. It’s entertaining, witty, and provides you with ideas for your own content creation and marketing techniques. I can recommend this episode with Lianna Patch (SNAP Copy) about using humor in your copywriting.
- Stuck? Check out these tips and tools to spark content creation by Irina Weber (Content Marketing Institute).
Jerry Virta
Content Ops
About the author
I’m Foleon’s content governance police and quality gatekeeper. Besides telling people what to do, I enjoy creating written and visual content, wandering in nature, and consuming trash tv.