We are well halfway through Winter and, I don’t know about you, but this is one of my absolute favourite times of the entire year. To me, it’s the perfect time to be introspective — to cosy up, nurture yourself, experience hygge and love yourself.
So, I’ve put together a list of some of the best ways to take advantage of the shorter days, longer nights, and brisk weather.
Use this season and the New Year as a time for renewal, reflection, and self-love. Prioritise yourself and your self-care practice.
Spend time outside
Getting outside may be the last thing you feel like doing on a cold, wintery day, but during winter it’s more important than ever to get as much natural light as possible.
I love that Scandinavian saying… ”There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes”. So wrap up warm, get out of the office or house at lunchtime and go for a walk. Walk around the neighbourhood, or take a detour through a local park.
Try a longer walk or hike on the weekend. Take a flask of soup or a hot drink with you to help keep you warm and keep your spirits up!
Get creative in the kitchen
Bake a cake, a batch of cookies, or another favourite treat, and invite friends over for tea or coffee to share. Or you could take some home baking over to your neighbour as a little random act of kindness.
Winter is the perfect time to get the crockpot out from the back of the cupboard and try some new recipes. Use winter vegetables to create a hearty winter soup. Or make a pot of warming chilli.
Hygge
If you’ve been following me for a while then you know how important hygge is to me. ‘Hygge’ is a Danish word that cannot be directly translated but it’s basically that cosy feeling you get when you’re cuddled up with candles, warm lighting or a fire, your pet or loved ones, and hot chocolate or a warm cup of coffee. Create more moments of hygge in your life and embrace that special feeling.
Light a candle and make a list of your goals and dreams
Put on that playlist you created while you’re at it. I believe such a vital part of our self-care practice is taking time to connect with ourselves on a deep level. To check in with ourselves and reflect on what is currently working in our lives and what needs to change, shift, and expand. Take some time out of your day to turn off your phone, turn off the TV, and just connect with yourself through journaling.
Find one time every day to write in your journal and commit to writing during that time every day for one week. For me, I cuddle up with my tea in the morning and write whatever is on my heart. It’s amazing to look back on your thoughts and feelings and dreams later on down the road.
Purge
Your closet, your makeup, your bookshelves, your toxic relationships, your clutter, your mind-numbing job. Get rid of everything that no longer serves you. Simplify. It feels so freeing to just let go.
