Seasonal depression can be a real drag, but Ohioans have their own unique ways of giving the winter blues a swift kick in the snow pants.
Whether it’s channeling your inner ice cream champion or embracing the cold like it’s your quirky best friend, here are three Ohioan-approved methods to reclaim your joy this winter.
1. Eat a Pint of Johnson’s Ice Cream in One Sitting
When life gives you cold, dreary days, Ohioans grab a spoon and head straight for Johnson’s Ice Cream. This Columbus favorite has been scooping happiness since 1950, growing from a single shop to six locations — with three more on the way in 2025! Forget the rule that ice cream is a summer treat. In Ohio, we know better. Besides, an extra layer of winter warmth never hurt anyone (at least that’s what I tell myself).
If you’re looking for recommendations, my go-to flavors are Praline Pecan, Caramel Pie, and Butter Pecan. Oh yummmmmm. There’s something oddly therapeutic about devouring a pint of Johnson’s while wrapped in a blanket. Who needs sunshine when you’ve got ice cream?
2. Say “Screw It” and Go Outside Anyway (Possibly in Shorts)
Ohioans have a unique relationship with winter. We don’t just endure it — we actively mock it. Growing up in the Cleveland suburbs, I can’t count how many times I saw my dad shoveling the driveway in shorts, surrounded by a blizzard. Was he cold? Probably. Did he care? Absolutely not. And he probably had some ice cream once he came back inside.
It’s an Ohio tradition to act like winter isn’t trying to crush your spirit. Sledding, hiking, or even just walking to the mailbox in shorts is basically our way of flipping off Mother Nature. So, the next time you see someone jogging in 30-degree weather in gym shorts, know that they’re not just exercising — they’re proving a point. If you catch me sledding in shorts, just know I’m trying to assert my dominance over the cold.
After all, it’s hard to be depressed when you’re freezing your Buckeyes off.
3. Take a Stroll Through Franklin Park Conservatory
When the winter landscape has you feeling bleak, head to Franklin Park Conservatory for an instant pick-me-up. This lush, tropical oasis in the middle of Columbus is like stepping into a completely different world. Wander through the indoor gardens filled with vibrant greenery, exotic plants, and the soothing sounds of waterfalls. Bonus points if you can get a butterfly to land on you during your visit to the Pacific Island Water Garden — it’s basically a mini tropical vacation without leaving Central Ohio.
It’s the perfect way to remind yourself that winter doesn’t last forever, even if it feels like it does. Seasonal depression? Not in this botanical paradise.
Seasonal depression might put up a fight, but Ohioans are tougher. Whether you’re drowning your sorrows in a pint of Johnson’s Ice Cream, braving the cold like a true Midwesterner, or escaping to Franklin Park Conservatory, you’ve got this.
What are YOUR methods for showing seasonal depression who’s boss? Let us know by contacting us here!
If you or someone you know is struggling with your mental health, call 9-8-8 or 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)