Beating the Winter Blues

Finding the Light Through Connection With Community, Culture and Nature, Too

Even though we’re inching our way toward longer days, it’s no secret that this cold and dark, post-holiday season can come along with challenges for many. We’re tempted to look toward Scandinavian cultures that famously weather these sun-deprived months with candle-, coffee- and community-fueled concepts like hygge, fika and friluftsliv, as we rely on some of our own regional tricks and tools here, too.

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Courtesy: 3 Rivers Outdoor Co.

TAKE IT OUTSIDE

Perhaps locally, few people understand this last concept (friluftsliv) — the Norwegian love for outdoor life — better than Regent Square’s 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. — a well-stocked shop and popular gathering space. Events & Social Media Manager Sarah Carr says the venue’s goal is to be a hub for the outdoor community here in Pittsburgh.

“This means a place to find great quality outdoor recreation gear, with an expert staff ready to give advice, and a full lineup of events programming to encourage networking within our community,” she says.

“It's a great place to meet like-minded outdoorsy friends for those wondering ‘where do I find people that like to ....(fill in the blank).’”

Many events they host are free or low cost to attend, and ongoing weekly offerings (Tuesday night trail runs, Thursday evening climbing meetups, Friday evening campfire happy hours in front of the store, Saturday morning yoga sessions) join enticing additions that evolve with the season. A full lineup of events can be found on their website, but some upcoming highlights include:

  • Kayak Roll Sessions with Three Rivers Paddling Club (every Friday evening from 7-9pm at Woodland Hills High School)
  • Disc Golf Putting League (South Side Putts n' Pints) with Pittsburgh Flying Disc - every Tuesday from 7-9pm at Velum Fermentation in South Side.
  • Great Outdoors Book Club in partnership with C.C. Mellor Memorial Library in Edgewood, reading "The End of Night" by Paul Bogard for January. January's meeting will be at C.C. Mellor at 6:30pm on January 31. New books announced monthly.
  • Winter Hygge Workshop: An Evening of Yin Yoga & Mushroom Tea with Steel City Spore - Sunday, January 14 at 6:30pm
  • January Full Wolf Moon Headlamp Hike, Wednesday, January 24 at 6pm: “Come howl at the moon with us!”
  • 3ROC Chili Bowl III Chili Cook-off: “Come compete for the top chili or taste and vote for your favorites!” Saturday, February 10 at noon
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Courtesy: 3 Rivers Outdoor Co.
Credit |
Courtesy: 3 Rivers Outdoor Co.

Carr believes that embracing the outdoors in any season proves a great way to appreciate the time of year and stay in tune with what's happening in nature. “We believe there is no bad weather, only improper gear,” she says.

Winter is the season to cozy up, play in the snow, make a big pot of chili (or soup) and gather around the campfire.
Sarah Carr |Events & Social Media Manager, 3 Rivers Outdoor Co.

“Having the right gear and learning how to effectively layer for your activity level will help make being outdoors in colder weather more enjoyable. Staying active outdoors and engaging in community gatherings and events can help boost energy in the days of early sunsets. This is also a great time to try something new or engage in a new group activity since schedules tend to be less busy during the winter months.”

Carr’s own hack for beating the winter blues? Staying active with indoor and outdoor activities. She chose the shop’s first Book Club pick of the season, "The End of Night," because she thinks it’ll help participants embrace this darker, colder part of the year. “We live in a part of the country with seasons, and I think that gives the opportunity to have even more fun with getting festive and really leaning into the changes that each part of the year brings,” she says.

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Courtesy: 3 Rivers Outdoor Co.

FOCUS ON MIND-BODY HEALTH

In The Strip District, several sleek spaces — set in beautifully restored historic buildings — help channel visitors’ winter brilliance with classes and practices that tend to the mind, body and soul. Take brand-new VANA Wellbeing, for example, a welcoming one-stop-shop for wellness that mixes healing practices with modern technologies (like the futuristic Harmonic Egg, the first of its kind in Pittsburgh).

According to its website, the “Harmonic Egg® uses sacred geometry, light, color and sound frequencies to empower the body’s own healing energy.” Before climbing into its zero-gravity chair for a tranquil 40-minute session where a soothing soundtrack featured birdsong and other nature-fueled melodies, we loved learning that the large vessel was made using the same wood that guitars are made from.

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Rose Colored Creative
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Rose Colored Creative

VANA’s urban sanctuary has been beautifully curated with wood accents and global decor (the ornate furniture can actually be purchased!), and here visitors can take advantage of services from massages, reiki, acupuncture and energy healing sessions to vitamin injections, tea ceremonies, yoga classes and more.

The venue aims to address each client’s individual needs by completing a thorough intake upon arrival — whether that means addressing one’s pain relief, stress alleviation, emotional healing or something altogether different. (Reservations required, and some VANA services are currently part of ClassPass. A complimentary, 15-minute “discovery call” is offered for folks wanting to learn more.)

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Rose Colored Creative
Credit |
Rose Colored Creative

Next door AURA Sauna Studio, another inviting space with exposed bricks that’s open seven days a week, offers six spacious infrared sauna suites in which to blissfully unwind plus new client specials, memberships and anytime packages. Healing benefits of these sessions are said to include “detoxification, pain relief, weight loss, reduced inflammation and deep mental and physical relaxation. The benefits of infrared therapy are supported by customized chromotherapy options to further enhance your health and well-being.”

On Jan. 14, they’re participating in a RESTORE in 2024 yoga-meditation event in partnership with Inspirit Community that includes an AURA sauna session. They’re also running a program for Dry January called “Floaty Fridays,” during which guests can purchase a single sauna session (on January Fridays) with three hiyo functional beverages for $45 (regularly $63).

For even more mood-lifting options, try sound healing sessions at Shadyside’s Awareness & Wellness Center, free weekend yoga at Bakery Square (perhaps followed by a celebratory brunch) or craniosacral therapy, massages or reiki session at Healing Roots. The list goes on.

Sound healing at the Awareness & Wellness Center

CELEBRATE LOCAL ARTISTS & SPORTS TEAMS

And of course, connecting with community and culture can brighten any bleak winter day, whether you root on the Pittsburgh Penguins in an energy-filled arena or head out for live music at cozy Con Alma, the Strip’s City Winery (check out brunch offerings, too, that regularly showcase talented tribute bands) or Lawrenceville’s Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall. Support City of Asylum events — from story slams to jazz nights; most events are free, and you can enjoy delicious food and drink from 40 North at the venue, too.

No matter how you choose to navigate the months ahead, we hope to find ways to savor the season together — before the blooms return once again.

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@redhead15014 on Insta
Credit |
@redhead15014 on Insta
Corinne W

Author

Corinne W

Freelance Writer & Editor

Corinne is happy to be back closer to home (D.C.) after 11 years in the glorious Pacific Northwest. Though she cherishes global adventures, she also lives for discovering local gems, from the best spots for coffee, conversation and soul-nourishing music, to water activities and trails on which to walk a loveable little husky. You can follow her on Instagram at @travelcorx

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