So we’re one week into winter and quite honestly, it hasn’t been THAT cold here in the northeast USA. And the next few days are supposed to be in the upper 40s and low 50s—I’ll take it! Fingers crossed, hoping I haven’t jinxed myself now!
Jinx or no jinx, I’m sure that it will get much, much colder before winter comes to an end in March…
If you’ve read any number of posts here you’ll probably know that I am not athletic. So I have no desire to ski or snowboard or anything of the sort, and I’m not really into the idea of outdoor activities when it’s bone chillingly cold outside. Truth be told, it doesn’t even take super cold weather to get me in a winter funk. The darkness takes it’s toll as well. I can very easily stay curled on the couch for hours doing virtually nothing (read: scrolling) and the time just passes by. So in an effort survive winter in the most enjoyable and/or productive way possible, I put together a small list of ways to get by until the weather warms up and the days get longer:
- Practice Hygge – Pronounced hoo-guh, hygge is the Danish term that loosely translates to a cozy lifestyle and it’s taking the world by storm. It can be anything that brings warmth, comfort and coziness during the dark cold winter months (or at any time really). It can be practiced alone, snuggling under a blanket with a warm drink by the fire or with friends having a casual dinner party or game night.
- Read A New Book – This can be part of the hygge experience, but I have a long list of books I’d like to read so I thought I’d call it out as a tip all its own. The winter is the perfect time to get wrapped up in a book, taken to a new destination and caught up in an adventure. Same goes for movies. Or catching up on DVR’d shows!
- Take Up A Hobby – I have a list of new hobbies that I would like to try (or old ones I’d like to rekindle), and what better time than when the weather may have you trapped inside. Take the time to stock up on any supplies you may need so you’re ready whenever the spirit moves you, or the weather is too bad outside to do anything but stay in.
- Plan Indoor Activities – It’s nice to have something to look forward to in the coming weeks. Anticipation is a large part of the appeal of planned activities. To brave the winter months, plan an indoor activity, but outside of your home. That way you only have to brave the elements coming and going. Plan activities that are not date specific, just in case the conditions are not in your favor. Going to the movies or to the mall, maybe bowling or rock climbing at an indoor facility.
- Do Home Improvements – What better way to keep warm than to use some sweat equity and make some small (or big) improvements to your home? Of course I would suggest that on my home decor blog! I have a long list still to do and am hoping to check a lot of them off this winter. If you’re trying to save money in the new year, you can do a design remix, where you repurpose items from other rooms in your home to give a space a refresh.
- Cook or Bake a Favorite Dish – Just like doing a home improvement project, cooking your favorite comfort food or baking a yummy dessert is a great way to make the winter days go by. Plus the oven will keep you warm. Or you can make something in your slow cooker and have a nice meal ready for you after you do one of the other items on your list!
- Dress in Cozy, Warm Layers – layered tops, fleece-lined pants, fuzzy socks, beanie hats and scarves. Need I say more?
- Invest in a Heated Blanket (or Mattress Pad!) – Catching up on sleep (whether turning in early or taking weekend naps) is nice in the cold weather months, but not if your bed clothes feel like sheets of ice. I recently invested in a heated mattress pad (this one HERE) and it is SO lovely to climb under the covers now. I turn it on about 15 minutes before bed and it’s nice and toasty by the time I turn in.
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