Although the change in season from summer to fall can be super exciting with all of the fall traditions to look forward to, adjusting back to the miserable cold, windy and rainy weather can be pretty difficult — especially after being used to warm sunny days for the past three months of summer.
All I could talk about towards the end of the summer was about how excited I was for it to be fall and for the weather to turn chilly. However, once it actually began to get cold, I wasn’t happy about it. Walking to class wasn’t fun and I wasn’t motivated to leave my dorm at the beginning. But then I remembered all of the things I loved about the fall season, even with the cold weather! Here are some of the things I do to make myself feel warmer and happier on the cold blue days we’ve had lately here in Madison.
1. Sweater Weather
The best thing about the weather starting to get cold is all of the cute outfits you can wear! Put on your favorite cozy sweater with some cute boots and a furry vest and you’re all set to push through the rain and wind in style!
2. Warm Drinks
One of my favorite things to do when it’s cold outside is treat myself to a sweet, warm drink! Whether it’s a pumpkin spice latte, chai latte, apple cider or hot chocolate, I always feel warmer and happier with a delicious warm coffee cup in my hand.
3. Lighting Candles
There is nothing better than walking into a room with a sweet-smelling aroma coming from your favorite candles. Lighting candles somehow just makes you feel so much cozier. So, this is something I love to do on a cold, blue day, especially while doing homework or having dinner. Getting into the fall or winter spirit is easy with your candle scents; using scents such as pine or apple crisp can get you more excited for the upcoming seasonal traditions.
4. Sleep
One of the most important things to do during cold, dreary weather is sleep! There are so many colds and other sicknesses going around during this time of year — especially in the college dorms — that it’s really easy to get sick! Getting enough sleep not only will keep you healthy, but it also gives you the energy you need to fight through the weather and get out of bed on those chilly mornings before class.
5. Exercise
I know what you’re thinking. Exercising is the last thing you’d want to do on a cold day. However, last week I made myself run to the gym in the cold rain and it was probably the best decision I made all week! I felt so much more energized, refreshed and accomplished; plus, the cold weather didn’t bother me as much for the rest of the day!
Cold weather can be difficult for some of us to enjoy, but it does give us excuses to treat ourselves to warm drinks, candles and more sleep while also making us think more about taking care of our health — not to mention all of the other fun holiday traditions that come along with the cold weather! So, although the weather might not be the best, it brings along the best things with it! Stay warm and try out these strategies to keep your spirits up while it’s cold out!