With only one snowy lashing so far, the winter presence seems to be looming just around the corner. So how do we fend off those winter blues? Here are 10 tips to keep you cozy and feeling good this winter season.
1| Spiff up the joint. In other words: clean. We know, seems like an odd thing to make you feel good. You probably have already started packing up holiday décor and putting away gifts so we imagine your home is probably quite tidy. So during these times it’s actually cleaning we need to do, even if things don’t look dirty. Dust the windows, their sills and frames, the mantel and the tops of bookcases, as well as the books themselves. This takes only a few minutes, then turn the cushions on the sofas, mop and sweep the floors, and everything feels fresh! Life is better when the house is clean.
2| Take a bath. We all don’t have a bathroom with a tub or amazing views, and you may not be a bath-taking person anyway, but this is a new year and we need to try new things. Run a hot tub; if you have salts or bubble bath, pour them in, give yourself a good soak and let the stress roll away. Bonus: Many creativity experts agree that water helps with creative thought.
3| Snuggle in. Winter is such a good time for getting cozy and cuddly. Life is made up of small rituals and simple pleasures. This winter make of point of buying a few throw blankets and a large basket to hold them in. It’s time to pull out the throws and get yourself all comfy-cozy on the sofa with some hot tea and a movie. Ah, that sounds nice.
4| Get outside. You don’t have to be into downhill or cross-country skiing to enjoy the winter outdoors. Try snowshoeing or find a cleared path and take a (careful) walk. Just standing in your yard and pausing a moment to breath the fresh, cold air will help. Maybe it’s time to show the kids how to build a real snowman.
5| Have a warm drink. Again it’s the small rituals and simple pleasures, whether it’s the coffee brewing in the morning or a mug of hot chocolate or tea in the afternoon. Many of us find the need to be abstemious this time of year, which is hard because it’s also when we are most in need of small indulgences. This is a great time to try various teas — green, herbal or another kind. Our favorite place to pick up a nice batch of tea is Herman’s Boy!
6| Light a candle or two, or 12. For us the lack of light is the hardest aspect of winter. Not much can change that during the day, but candlelight brings beauty to the darkness at night. Too often candles get put away in the Christmas cleanup. Try to leave them out of the packing this year or grab some LED candles while they are still on sale from the holidays.
