It’s that time of year again, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve been dreading this shift in daylight since the Summer Solstice. Like a ticking clock, we’ve lost a few more moments of sun each day, and suddenly, a 5 p.m. sunset feels like a 9 p.m. bedtime. The change in seasons can be hard for a lot of reasons, and I think this is a shift that affects everyone differently. Routines change, energy levels drop, and everyday tasks become a bit harder when you have no more light helping you get through your day. It can begin to feel isolating and lonely as we enter these winter months, and it’s important to remember you are not alone in this feeling, and you are not running out of time! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the sudden shift, but today I am going to share some tips on how to romanticize these next few months and make the most of the cold season ahead.Â
It all starts with ambiance. When you look outside your window and it’s dreary and dark, you need your space inside to reflect warmth, comfort, and peace. Creating a cozy space can make your evenings much more relaxing and can make staying in after a long day something you look forward to. My tip for you is to ditch the overhead lights! Small lamps lit throughout the room, candles, or even salt lamps can drastically change the mood in your space. My personal favorite is twinkly lights, as they brighten up the space with a warm orange light, making my apartment feel extra cozy. The next step in creating a cozy space is to bring out all the comfy blankets, quilts, and pillows! You want your space to feel extra comforting and warm, so consider putting out a few fuzzy blankets or purchasing a few seasonal touches to add around your space. The most important thing to remember is that you want to create a space that is comforting to you, and that can be different for everyone.Â
Now that you have an extra cozy space to come home to, it’s important to incorporate movement into your routine. It’s not always easy to commit to intense workouts in the winter and a constant gym schedule, and that’s okay! Incorporating small walks outside can be a game changer in how you approach winter. In the morning or before sunset, a brisk walk outside can be refreshing, relaxing, and make staying inside a little easier. Starting your morning with 15-30 minutes of yoga, or even on-campus workout classes with friends, can be a great way to incorporate movement into your winter routine. My favorite tip is to try to get outside as the sun is setting and take a small walk. Getting to see the sun go down makes the evening feel less daunting and can help you unwind in the evening without the pressure of feeling “unproductive.” Even though it will continue to get progressively colder, getting outside for a small amount of time every day can truly help improve your mood. Bundle up, layer up with scarves, hats, and gloves, put your favorite podcast or music on, and enjoy some movement despite the cold!
Winter is the perfect time for new hobbies—puzzles, DIY projects, crocheting, scrapbooking, and journaling…just to name a few! Winter is the time to sit down and try new things, to slow down and enjoy where you’re at, and to tap into your creative side. Consider picking up that book that’s been getting dusty on your shelf, or baking that cinnamon roll recipe that keeps showing up on your Instagram page. Sometimes making a winter bucket list has helped me stick to new hobbies and activities. I’ve also found that inviting friends over for a movie night or craft night is a great way to spend time together while doing something that is relaxing! In an attempt to kickstart these winter hobbies, I’ve recently rearranged my space to allow for an “art corner.” In this new space, I now have my easel and paint supplies set up and ready for my next project. No matter how big or small the hobby, little activities like painting or crafting can provide a sense of accomplishment and help you to reconnect with yourself and slow down.Â
Just because the sun sets at 5 p.m. doesn’t mean your plans have to! Having a strong support system and group of friends around you can make the colder months easier to navigate. As things start to slow down in the colder months, it’s the perfect time to make plans with the people that bring you joy! It can become easy to always “stay in” during the winter, and that can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation or loneliness. Having intentional plans with others gives you something to look forward to and can help to ease those feelings of isolation. Host a girls’ night with homemade desserts, or a game night with friends! Consider FaceTiming that friend you haven’t talked to in a while, or that family member you’ve been meaning to reach out to. Connection with others is vital to helping you get through winter and can help you to switch up your daily routine.Â
Instead of counting down the months until the sun comes back out, what if we started making the most out of the season that we are in now? Romanticizing the colder months doesn’t have to be overwhelming or overly complicated; it can be as simple as creating a space that you are excited to come home to, making plans with friends, trying a new hobby, or getting outside for some fresh air. Winter is the time to rediscover what you love, and I hope this helps you to step into this new season and to embrace it with all that you’ve got.