Cold mornings, neverending grey cloud cover and days when the sun just never seems to rise – the winter can be a difficult time. But don’t worry, we’re halfway through and it’ll soon be spring again
In the meantime, let’s think of some fun things you can do with your friends, your family and on your own in order to stay happy during the last of these dark days while waiting for the sun to start shining in March.
Playing games
A board game is for life, not just for Christmas. Many of us love to play games with our pals during the festive season but all those quizzes, puzzles and strategy games tend to go back in the cupboard when January arrives. So how about taking them out again and enjoying a little fun with your family or friends?
I’ve actually been playing more games than normal this month because I received some games for Christmas; including a strategy game, a two-player sudoku set and a vintage snakes-and-ladders style pursuit board game. So, if you’ve already got games in the cupboard, this option won’t cost you anything and you just mind find that you enjoy it
Having games to play with others encourages you to get together with your loved ones at the weekends or during those dark evenings to have a bit of fun together. It keeps us away from screens in favour of real human interactions, which is beneficial in so many ways including feeling connected and cared for.
That said, it’s equally fun to play solo or against a computer if you’re on your own in the evenings. Playing online games means that you’re engaging and challenging your mind rather than simply scrolling through socials. Plus, you can still enjoy the satisfaction of completing a competitive game – even if you’re just beating your own personal best score.
Getting creative
I love doing anything that’s creating but we never seem to have time for it during the year. For example, I’ve had a sewing task to do since September and it’s still on my desk, waiting to be done.
So why not make the most of the dark evenings by staying cosy inside and enjoying a bit of creativity? It can be any kind of crafting, sewing, knitting, painting, model making, writing, drawing, doodling, sculpting – anything you enjoy doing.
I’ve previously written about why crafting with your hands is good for your mental and physical wellbeing so be sure to have a read of that article too, and pick up a project to enjoy the benefits that getting creative can bring. Have you got all the gear for a craft but haven’t used it in ages? It’s time to get out that sewing kit or painter’s easel while you’ve got spare time in the dark evenings.
Perhaps you’d like to learn a new skill while you’re getting creative. I’ve started learning to knit through online classes with Alice at Learntoknitonline, so you don’t even need to leave your house to start studying a new hobby. Knitting is the perfect dark-evening activity, it feels super cosy to be curled up with knitting needles, making something woolly.
Do something physical
I’m not necessarily talking about exercise here – although, of course, that’s another great way to boost your endorphins and feel more motivated during the winter. I’m talking about anything that you can do with your body that makes you feel happy.
A simple example is singing. Put on your favourite music with happy lyrics and just start singing along. Music can be so uplifting and it’s sure to brighten your spirits, even though it’s not bright outside this month. This doesn’t have to cost you a penny – just put the radio on or dig out a CD or LP and dust off your old sound system.
And while you’ve got the music blaring, why not have a dance? You don’t have to know any dance steps or a routine to do this; no one is watching you and you can move in any way that you like. The music is a feel-good factor and any type of movement is too.
If you listen to your body, you’ll probably find that you naturally move parts that need to move while you dance, such as stiff hips from sitting at a desk or shimmying your shoulders that have been hunched over your phone. Any movement like this is good for your body and your mind – it can feel truly uplifting to dance for no reason.
On that topic, going for a walk is great for getting fresh air, playing sports is great for camaraderie and swimming is a lovely way to feel refreshed. Whatever kind of physical activity you choose to do, it’ll be beneficial to your health and your mental well-being too.
I hope these suggestions of low-cost activities will help you to make the most of these grey days until the spring comes. Let me know what feel-good activities you like to enjoy during the winter in the comments below, I’d love to hear what’s helped you and why you would recommend it to others. 🙂
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