by Anastasia Fermin, Sunshima blog writer
Wintertime can be a joyous season as it rings in the Christmas holidays. There is a festive atmosphere and a wide array of great food, drinks, and good company. While Christmas 2020 falls during the global COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional activities of winter may be subdued. Despite restrictions, social distancing and cancellation of parties and banquets, you can still reclaim the joys of winter. Even though there are shorter days and longer nights here are some ways you can enjoy the winter season.
A time for reflection
It is a great time of year to be grateful for all that you accomplished or challenges you faced throughout the year. You can reflect on how to change your life for the better, celebrate success and plan more goals for the new year. Keeping a winter journal to recap the highlights of your year or creating a photo album or scrapbook are some methods you can use to gather your thoughts and eventful memories that you want to treasure.
Find joy and comfort in simple things
A warm cashmere jumper or a hot cup of cocoa are simple joys to be appreciated during the winter. With below zero temperatures, anything that brings warmth and comfort can greatly improve your winter blues. Whether it’s a hot meal or talking with family around the fireplace, finding ways to appreciate your environment and the people in it are beneficial to overall wellness and mood.
Enjoy winter outdoors
Sledging, tobogganing, building snowmen, snowboarding, or having epic snowballs fights are fun activities you can participate in when there is a massive snowfall. Spending time outdoors in the winter is also great to get some fresh air especially if you spend most of your time cooped up indoors. Whether there is sufficient snow or not there is much to enjoy outdoors.
Keep active
Staying active and exercising during the winter is important. Not only will it help you keep warm, but it will also help you keep off the extra pounds that tend to accumulate during winter. Keep up a regular indoor exercise routine or go for long walks outside in crisp winter air. Chores like shovelling snow from your path can also help you work up a sweat!
Take up a hobby
Some days might not be suitable to go outdoors. Temperatures may be too low or there might be adverse weather such as sleet or cold wind and rain. Stay in and try your hand at something new. Engage in handicrafts such as knitting, sewing or macrame. You can also paint, bake or learn a new skill on the days you find yourself ‘snowed in’.
Conclusion While the world still faces many uncertainties, keep safe and take care of your overall wellness. Find comfort in the joys of the season and do not let fears, anxiety and frustration get the better of you. Things may be harder this year, but you can enjoy yourself in simple ways and still get to experience winter in all its glory.