Winter often means snow, freezing temperatures, and wearing lots of layers to stay warm. I have to admit, winter isn’t my favorite season. I’m not a big fan of the cold. When it’s winter, I prefer staying at home rather than doing things outdoors. I just want to get cozy and relax.
Maybe you’re like me and don’t really enjoy winter either. The darker, shorter days can sometimes feel a bit depressing, but I guess we have to make the most of it. I always make sure I’m comfortable and cozy during this season, so I made a list of cozy things to do when it’s freezing outside.
Cozy Things to Do When It’s Freezing Outside
Reading
I think I put reading on every list I create for my blog, but honestly, it’s the one thing that really helps me on the harder days. I just love escaping into a different world. As soon as I start reading, I can completely relax. I feel happier because I’m not focused on the things I don’t want to think about.
Every evening when I come home from work, I pick up a book and start reading, no screentime, just me and my books. On the weekends, I take it a step further and create the coziest reading sessions. I pick a fun book, make some tea, and prepare or buy my favorite snacks. Of course, I wear my comfiest clothes and wrap myself in a soft blanket.
Coloring
I’m loving the coloring trend right now. There are so many cozy coloring books available. They’re very easy, any child could do them, but I enjoy them just as much. I usually use cheap alcohol markers and spend an hour simply enjoying coloring a page. Most of the time, I prefer to color in silence, but sometimes I put on a CD and sing along. Coloring helps shift your focus. For me, it’s a way to relax and stop thinking about “negative” things.
Baking
Is there anything cozier than baking? I don’t think so. It’s definitely the perfect activity for a freezing cold day. Just bake some brownies and enjoy eating them later. There’s something so satisfying about making something yourself—it tastes so much fresher than store-bought treats. Or imagine baking an apple pie, with your whole home filled with that warm, sweet aroma. Then you have the perfect snack for a cozy reading afternoon.
Watch your favorite movie/show
I prefer to limit my screentime, so I’ve stopped bingewatching shows. That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy watching movies or shows, though! Every Saturday night, I love having a movie night. The best part of not bingewatching a show in one or two days is that you can enjoy it longer. When I was younger, that was pretty normal, you had to wait a whole week for the next episode to air on TV.
Listen to podcast
I’ve been saying this for a long time, but I really want to get into podcasts. I just need to find the right one for me. I’d love a podcast about self-improvement, manifesting, or maybe even true crime. There’s something so cozy about sitting on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate while enjoying a new episode of your favorite podcast.
Journaling
I love journaling. It helps me stay focused on the things I love and allows me to process certain situations or feelings. I usually start my day by journaling about what I want to accomplish, and at the end of the day, I like to write about how it went. But really, you can write about anything you want. You can write about your goals, things you want to manifest, or just your thoughts and feelings. It literally doesn’t matter what you write about, just pick up a pen and let it flow.
Stretch/Yoga
Winter is the perfect season for self-care, but if you spend most of the day sitting on a chair or couch, your muscles can get stiff and tight. Stretching and yoga are great ways to loosen up your body and improve flexibility. Yoga has so many benefits and can help anyone feel better, both physically and mentally. And the best part? You don’t need a fancy or expensive yoga studio these days. Just find a fun yoga video on YouTube, roll out your mat, and give your body the relaxation it deserves.
Pamper session
Cancel all of your plans and focus on taking care of your body. Eat clean, drink plenty of water, and give yourself some pampering. Take a long shower or a hot bath, use hair and face masks to nourish your hair and skin, and paint your nails. During the colder months, your skin needs extra attention, so treat it with a rich body lotion or body butter. By the time you’re done, you’ll feel completely refreshed, like a brand-new person.
Photo by Happy & Spice on Unsplash