Dec 26, 2021
Pina Coladas, Pelicans, Gators, Florida Sun…
A Snowbird Winter Migration
I have been telling my husband for years, I need to be a “Snowbird.” Since we were from Washington state I just assumed if we became Snowbirds it would be in Arizona, like everyone else. But fate had other plans and we are trying our first Snowbird Winter in Florida.
Washington State’s grey winters deplete the Vitamin D in our bodies due to lack of sun. The dampness is hard for many as they age and old bones need more warmth. There is some lack of exercise, though most Washingtonians are hardy and just wade through the wet. But many of us suffer from S.A.D. Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Washington’s wet and gray winters were starting to take their toll on my health and mental state.
I needed SUNSHINE!!! Desperately.
Snowbirding, for many, is more than just going somewhere to hang out in warmer climates. For many, it is a health and mental requirement. As we age the cold, the damp, and the gloominess of winter really prey on us. In this article they discuss the benefits of Snowbirding, wintering in a warmer climate, especially as you age — Do Snowbirds Really Live Longer.
Do Snowbirds Really Live Longer?
If snowbirds really live longer is difficult to answer. What we can say is that most snowbirds have a happy and pleasant time when they go south in the winter. Because they are much more outside, because of the pleasant weather, they have more exercise, and with it improved physical health, the sun gives them a boost of Vitamin D, and it is said that warmer climates enhance cardiovascular health.
Becoming a snowbird brings with it a change of pace. You get to enjoy your favorites all year long and you’ll build relationships with the people you meet in each location. A sense of community and belonging is incredibly important and beneficial for mental health. Plus, a life of leisure provides a slower pace and reduces stress that promotes improved mental and physical health.
I was only looking for sunshine, but I am now enjoying the other benefits of being a Snowbird, like the slower pace of life. My foggy brain is clearing thanks to the sun. My stuffy sinuses are getting much-needed relief. And my S.A.D. seems to be happier now and more relaxed.
Perhaps the most important vision of all is develop a sense of self, a sense of your own destiny, a sense of unique mission and role in life.
Stephen Covey
Being a Snowbird in Florida has been like heaven for me. The warmth of the sun is accompanied by a cool breeze. The crystal blue skies and white fluffy clouds float in a relaxed atmosphere. The soft, white sandy beaches that warm the heart and feet. Drinking Pina Coladas on a warm winter day. Watching the pelicans frolic and fish. Taking an Airboat ride in the Everglades. And enjoying Christmas Eve dinner under the stars, listening to Christmas music, and being surrounded by Palm Trees. Like I said, “Heaven.”
When I scheduled the RV parks, I did it for a month at a time but I was a bit worried whether I would like Florida or not — and here I was committing to two months in this state. Turned out that worry was for naught. I loved it here — who knew.
Our Airstream provides us a comfortable haven as we soak up the Florida sun. We took this time to just lay low and relax instead of traveling so much, we are also using this time to give Betty Jo some much-needed love and care. And, even Betty Jo (the Airstream), is enjoying the warmer climate and being surrounded by Palm trees. She is definitely a Snowbird.
Chasing after the world brings chaos. Allowing it all to come to me, brings peace.
– Zen Gatha
But it is getting harder for Snowbirds who RV to find a place to park for the winter months. We reserved spots late in the season because we had no clue this was where we would end up. I managed to find a spot in Tampa for November, but they didn’t have December available. I found a spot in Central Florida for December, but they did not have January available. I have heard from so many how hard it is getting. This is a concern for many and there are so many out there on the road now.
We leave Florida as 2021 turns into 2022, heading north into the Carolinas, spending a month in Myrtle Beach. I am experiencing mixed feelings, I am sad to leave the warmth of Florida, yet I am looking forward to exploring our next locations.
We are reserved in Myrtle Beach until February 9th but we just may have to drop back down into Florida again to get our last bit of Florida Snowbirding in before we head west.
And, who knows, there is a 2022 winter coming. At least now I know I will love it in Florida should/when we return.
Yes, I definitely needed to be a Snowbird.
Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment I know this is the only moment.
– Thich Nhat HanhSnowbirds are living the dream! Migrating to warmer weather during the winter, snowbirds have seemingly unlocked the path to a happy life. But there are some things that you may not know about this demographic.
