Embrace Winter!

Here it is, June again and winter has definitely arrived. It’s very chilly in the mornings and evenings, and even when the sun is out, there is a nip in the air.

It’s pretty easy to get down in the dumps during this time of year. You possibly go to work in the dark and then come home in the dark. When the weekend finally arrives it is often very cold and miserable and you don’t feel like going outside… so here are some fun ideas that you can try to lift yourself out of the winter blues!

1. Bath and bubbles – there is nothing like a long soak in a hot bath to cheer you up. The bubbles can be the soapy kind, or perhaps the alcoholic kind – either works!
2. Read a book – is there something that you have always intended to read but haven’t yet got round to it? Do you have a pile of books on your night stand gathering dust? A winter weekend is the perfect time to settle down in front of the fire or heater and lose yourself in a story.
3. Have a Pyjama day – why get dressed if you don’t need to? Did you know there is a whole new TikTok trend called ‘bed rotting’ which is all about letting your sheets engulf you as you literally waste the day away. Very popular with Gen Z apparently!
4. Cooking – whether it’s baking delicious cakes and biscuits, or cooking up hearty meals like stews and soups, food is a wonderful comfort on cold days. If you are trying to avoid eating too many sweet treats you can donate your baking to family or friends, or batch cook then freeze meals for later. In the meantime, as you work, your kitchen is warm and smells divine!
5. Get crafty – I find working with wool so much easier in winter. In warmer weather my hands get hot and sweaty! Knitting or crocheting, sewing, needlepoint, woodwork, painting, or pottery - all these ‘crafty activities’ are fun to do to while away a winter Sunday. There is also something very satisfying about creating something out of nothing.
6. Call a good friend or loved one – This may need arranging if everyone is busy, but it is very good for your mental health to catch up with people you haven’t seen for a while. This may be a good old fashioned phone call, or using the modern technology we have at our fingertips these days, a video call. Spending some quality time sharing what you’ve been up to and having a good laugh with a loved one is an excellent way to spend your time on a wet, cold day.
7. Embrace the cold! – Wrap up in your warmest coat, hat and scarf, grab the dog and go out for a long, brisk walk. The beach is always interesting in winter, with big waves and dramatic skies. You (and the dog) will get some exercise and you will feel better for getting out in the fresh air.
8. A cosy night in – invite some friends around for an evening of fun and laughter. This may be a mid-winter Christmas event, with all the appropriate food, some warm mulled wine, and maybe even re-purposed presents. It may be a board games night, or just a chance to catch up with a group of friends all at once. Get everyone to bring a plate of food, so no one has to do too much work and can just enjoy the occasion.

Whatever you are up to over the winter, take some time out to do some fun stuff for yourself – you deserve it!