If prosperity had an arch enemy, it would be winter. Clearly I have not grown to love winter in the last few years of living in Scandinavia. Although it’s gradually getting lighter now, the glorious long days of sunshine still seem a long way off, especially in this corner of the world. Nevertheless, I am finding myself enjoying the time despite the weather and thought I would share with you what has worked for me. Here are the ten tips I have to help you pull through the winter and approach future winters with joy not trepidation!
Cosy time with family and friends | this is the perfect time to spend some quality time with friends and/or family, whether out for brunch (see below), dinner or at home. Have people over and just chill out in the comfort of someone’s home, cosy and snuggly with lots of blankets, maybe cookies and tea (both in liquid and gossip form!). It’s important not to lose the human connection during this season and give yourself over to loneliness. So get some friends/family over or go see them.
Brunch | it is well-documented that one of my favourite pastimes is brunch; I’ve even made it my mission to find the best brunch spot in Copenhagen. Be brave and go out into the cold, dark, outside world just enough to get to a good brunch spot and be rewarded with good food and a cosy atmosphere. I even did this when I lost my voice completely the other week – it was cold and rainy so I took myself out for a solo brunch with my journal and signed what I wanted to order. It was so worth it because that shakshuka was heavenly!
Play Tourist | yes the weather is not exactly holiday weather but this is actually an ideal time to get to exploring all the museums in your city that you would love to see. Lots of time indoors to marvel at art, design, historical facts, whatever takes your fancy. I mean when the weather gets better, you want to be outside and not in a gallery so I say winter is for museums and galleries. Who’s with me?
Cosy time at home by yourself | despite what I just said above, you can also use this time to hibernate a bit. Enjoy being in your own space, and hog all those snuggly blankets I just mentioned to yourself. Indulge yourself in some at home beauty treatments or get stuck into a really good book. I’ve shared with you how I rediscovered the joy of reading and this is the perfect time for you to do the same if you haven’t already. Since none of us has any business being outside in the cold for too long, why not curl up on the couch and grab a good page-turner? Alternatively, take up a hobby – knitting, sewing, painting, drawing, blogging, or some other creative pursuit. Basically just do something to engage your brain, get you excited and give you something to look forward to.
Exercise | a good way to get some joy back during the winter is to do some exercise. In addition to the physical benefits of doing regular exercise, exercise releases the happy hormones – endorphins and dopamine – which leave you feeling like a superstar after a good workout. Having shared on here about my relationship with exercise in recent years, I thoroughly recommend you get to doing those burpees and jumping jacks to get your joy back.
Go For a Walk | if strenuous exercise is not your jam, then how about going for a walk? Staying in on the couch is definitely cosy but only until a certain point and then it’s giving Misery vibes. Layer up, get out for some fresh air and get the blood flowing and your limbs moving. Change your environment and just stroll at your leisure with someone or by yourself. I sometimes call a friend and then go for a walk as I talk to them so I feel like they’re with me keeping me company on my stroll.
Catch up on some good TV | I have sooooooo much tv to catch up on! I’ve got a list the length of ten arms of shows and movies to watch on Netflix, HBO and Disney+. And I don’t even have a Disney+ subscription. So yeah, get to watching some good stuff!
A Solid Skincare Routine | I recently heard someone say “if your skin had an arch nemesis, it would be winter.” Apparently, winter is the arch enemy of many things. Make sure you have a solid skincare and bodycare routine. Make sure your skin is properly moisturised, because winter is bitter, especially if you’re located in the Arctic Circle (technically mainland Denmark is not but I don’t care for geography when I’m cold). This is not the time to skimp on moisturisers. With the right skinfood (products), your skin will stay glowy and less trolly during the winter months. Click here to peruse My 3 Day Skincare Routine.
Spring Clean and Declutter | it’s a new year so it’s the perfect time to spruce up your place now! That means your wardrobe, your fridge, your whole home, even your life! Whilst you’re decluttering, why not shop your closet? Literally bring everything out and go through what you have. If you’re anything like me, you might just be wearing the same thing over and over again even if you’ve got so much stuff, it’s coming out your ears. Once you’ve got all your stuff laid out to see, you’re bound to re-discover some buried gems that will almost certainly save you some coins in sale shopping. Thank me later.
Escape | if all else fails, go on a trip. Get some sunshine and that vital Vitamin D. Click here for some TRAVEL ideas.
