Beating Those Winter Blues

With Some Winter Green

If you're anything like the local population here in Brandon, MB Canada...You're just about ready to say f*** it, drop everything, and move to the Tropics. It's that time...the Holidays have come and gone, and we are ALL ready for Summer.

Cabin fever is a real pain you either know how to quell or fall victim to. Don't worry if you're becoming another casualty of the stir-crazy season that is sub-zero temperatures and car-battery-freezing winds, BOBHQ is here to help!

If you need to get motivation to do something during these winter days, while also indulging in your favourite herb, then check out the ideas below!!

IDEA 01

Find out the best local restaurants that deliver!

This one may be obvious to some...but I often forget that sometimes it's nice to be a recluse and huddle under some blankets in the cozy light of some smelly-good candles awaiting the dude from Skip the Dishes bringing me my Joe Beavers Poutine. (Hint if you're in Brandon). If you don't happen to be a local to this area, look up delivery services similar to Skip the Dishes (if they're not available to you) and get your fave meal from your fave eatery!
**Make sure to leave a comment of where your from and your favourite place to get delivery from when you're stuck in the house and having a couple hits!!

IDEA 02

Speaking of Poutine...

Are you even Canadian if you haven't tried to make canna-infused poutine??? Not only is poutine the most magical of all Canadian cuisines...it'll also warm you up on those blistery nights with its melty cheese, toasty gravy, and the herb-infusion. Check out this link to home made infused heaven if you need help searching.

**(Don't worry if it doesn't work out....just pack a bowl and refer to IDEA 01....We're not all chefs, man.)

IDEA 04

Vroom Vroom

If you're close to a bus station or bus stop, get a couple friends together for random bus travel. Hop a bus and zoom somewhere you haven't been before! Check out another town's local shops, cultures, and eateries! Is there a theme, here? I think maybe I'm hungry. Pro tip – maybe don't do this one if you're too lit up to function...this might be one for a lighter day out with your buds. (Ha, nudge nudge, see what I did there.)

IDEA 05

Do You Even Art?

Are you an artistic person? If not then this one is for you. Do something creative that you wouldn't normally. Maybe try your hand at music...grab some “drum sticks” (maybe they're chopsticks, you got a problem with that?) and make whatever tune comes to your head! You'll be surprised at the things you create! You can also try your hand at doodling or painting – even finger/hand painting for a submersed experience during your herb ride. Check out Dunkees for inspiration.

**If you have some people over who want to try a game/something creative try Pictionary or the game where you have one piece of paper and everyone has to draw a shape and keep passing it around – see what you can come up with! If you do any of these suggestions – or anything artistic on your trips – share them in the comments!!!

IDEA 06

Movies for Days.

If you like a good, strange movie like I do, compile a list of films to watch during your house-bound hours. I always enjoy a Tim Burton classic...Ed Wood maybe? Even Stephen King movies can get you – or an M Night Shyamalan.

**I'm thinking something along the lines of The Village, The Mist, Pet Cemetery, IT, The Shining, Secret Window, Carrie, Misery, Mars Attacks (ok, this one's more funny than weird/scary but still), Sweeney Todd, Big Fish, Signs, The Fourth Kind....and SO MANY MORE. What's your favourite weird/strange/scary thing to watch these days?

IDEA 07

Blub Blub.

Close to a YMCA or a gym with a pool? Get your butt in there and take a dip in the cool, beautiful water! Float around and pretend you're in the tropical waters of Fiji (works great if you're also holding a Fiji water bottle in front of your face.) The smooth water will feel great in general, but even more magical after a hit or two....or three. Again, go with some friends and have a good time splish splashing – water does wonders for those winter blues.

** Note: don't be the loud and obnoxious group of stoned kids that ruins everyone else's time. No one likes that. Jerks. If you don't have access to a pool...well...I don't know try a bath with some candles and bubbles... no tub? Run your head under the faucet and go from there?

IDEA 08

IGLOO!

This one is only applicable if your region has gotten a fair amount of snow. Build an igloo/snow fort and hotbox away! Some helpful tips include putting in a small air hole at the top or side to have SOME airflow, and keep in mind that bong water DOES freeze! Maybe try a silicone bong or just use simpler hand pipes – still being mindful that if it's crazy cold out there (Canadians...) that heat from your lighter/torch can shatter glass if it's chilled enough. So...use caution with this idea – or at least pre-plan and make sure conditions are right.

**BOB has some great glass alternatives in the Smoking department, whether you prefer a bong or hand pipe...we've even got alternatives for one-hitters, too! Check them out here.

IDEA 09

Two Words: Snow. Bong.

Fill your beautiful bong with light fluffy snow – make sure not to pack it too tightly (or at all, really) and be sure to not use that wet, heavy snow we sometimes get. It's gotta be fluffily light and powdery. Fluffily is a good descriptor, right? Try using your bong to scoop the snow instead of your hands if you're worried about packing too tightly. This creates an awesome cold filter unmatched by just ice cubes!!

**You can also just try filling your mouth with snow before taking a hit for a similar sensation. Heck, you can even put snow in your ears. Take it further, become a Snowman. Let us know how you enjoy life as balls of snow.

IDEA 10

Last But Not Least...

If all else fails, you're just bored, and you need someone to tell you what to do without really doing anything... just stay in, dim the lights, throw on your cozy slippers and that fleece blanket that's in a heap over there, and light up. Try warming up with a Hot Cocoa and some yummy-smelling candles while you watch some Netflix. Maybe even try the bath idea again – I'm always up for some toasty water and a great fizzy bath bomb.

Do you have any tips for beating these nagging Winter Blues, while also enjoying your Winter Green? Let us know in the comments and help out your fellow tokers who are just as fed-up with Winter!