Shorter days, icy roads, and colder weather inevitably keep people indoors more during the winter than in other seasons of the year. While this can leave some women feeling a bit stir crazy, there are actually a number of ways that the winter presents the perfect opportunity for self improvement. From bodily care to altruistic activities, keep reading for 9 simple ways to feel fresh and rejuvenated this winter!
1. Take a Bath
Most people prefer showers for their convenience. However, it is a great idea to draw up a warm bath this winter to help you relax and unwind. Light some candles, put on some calming music, and enjoy a nice soak. Not only can it give you some peace of mind, but it can help relax muscles to alleviate aches and pains.
2. Stay Hydrated
The winter snowpack received in many parts of the country and the colder temperatures can leave most people with a false sense of security when it comes to hydration. Cold air holds very little moisture, causing people’s bodies to dry out rather quickly.
Therefore, it is a great idea to use a selection of creams and topicals to keep your skin feeling fresh and moisturized. It is important to carry around a large water bottle to ensure you are consuming the appropriate amount of fluids. You may not feel thirsty in the cooler temperatures, so without staying ahead of your hydration, your body can fall behind on important electrolytes that will lead to dehydration.
“When working toward your daily hydration goals, it is a good idea to mix your water with an electrolyte blend or other type of low-sugar nutrient booster. This can help your body better retain fluids and leave you feeling fresh and energized this winter.” ~ Vanessa Cabrera of Las Vegas Mobile IV Therapy.
3. Read a Book
There is no denying that cozying up next to the fire and immersing yourself in a good book is one of the most iconic images of passing the time on a snowy day. However, delving into one of the entries on your reading list is more than just a fleeting feeling. Finishing a novel or self-help book this winter can create a sense of accomplishment that will give you momentum for when the warmer weather rolls around.
4. Cook a Meal
While the joys of curbside pickup and front door delivery from your favorite restaurants can add convenience to a busy lifestyle, there are some downsides to these modern-day luxuries that can be just as real. The stress of constantly checking your order status and frustration at seeing an incorrect order can kill much of the joy of on-demand food. Therefore, it can be extremely therapeutic to take an evening this winter to cook a meal from scratch. Even if your culinary skills and experience are limited, there is no shortage of simple recipes to be found online. At the least, the savory aromas permeating throughout your home will put a smile on your face, regardless of how the meal turns out.
5. Get In an Exercise Routine
According to the Mayo Clinic, exercising causes your brain to release feel-good endorphins that improve your sense of well-being. And while these benefits are somewhat well-known, most people’s New Year resolution exercise regimes fail because they try to do too much too fast. You don’t have to run a marathon every day to get the psychological benefits of exercise. A brisk 15 minute walk each day can have a similar effect to a gut-busting cardio session.
6. Enjoy a Warm Beverage
It goes without saying that a warm beverage is much more enjoyable on a winter’s evening than it is during the heat of summer. So throw on your favorite pair of footie pajamas, break out the cute mug you have been saving just for this occasion, and enjoy a warm cup of tea, cider, coffee, cocoa, or whatever steamy beverage you prefer.
7. Do a Craft
Similar to finishing a good book, completing your favorite craft can provide you with an uplifting sense of accomplishment amid the colder weather. Get caught up on your scrapbooking, wipe the dust from your crocheting yarn, and break out the easel to create something that will put a smile on your face.
8. Learn a New Skill
While the holidays can be a time of hustle and bustle for some families, life actually slows down quite a bit in the winter for many people. Extended breaks from work, snow days at school, and early sunsets put the brakes on the daily grind in a lot of households. As such, the winter presents the perfect opportunity to finally learn that skill you have always wanted in your arsenal. Some ideas include learning a foreign language, perfecting a new baking technique, or figuring out at-home pet grooming.
9. Make a Donation
Finally, the winter marks the perfect time to make a donation. Not only can it make you feel good to put a smile on someone else’s face this holiday season, but reducing clutter in your home is proven to have many psychological benefits. Redundant holiday gifts, bulky winter coats that you no longer use, or even a small portion of your holiday bonus are just a few ideas of the donations you could make that can give you a sense of fulfillment this winter.
Do These Simple Things To Feel Fresh This Winter
Although the colder winter weather is not a favorite season for all people, there are myriad ways to use the conditions to your benefit. By choosing any of the 9 simple ideas listed above, you can improve your chances of feeling fresh and rejuvenated this winter!