
Winter’s arrival is met with mixed feelings—while some can’t wait to curl up by the fire, others struggle with the cold, the early sunsets, and the long, dark nights. To be completely honest, January and February are my least favorite months of the year. But the truth is, winter doesn’t have to be something we merely survive. Instead, we can choose to embrace it (or at least tolerate it), savoring the simple pleasures it brings. This year, I’m working on changing my mindset. Here are 10 ways to embrace winter.
1. Dress in Layers
There’s no such thing as “too many layers” when it comes to winter especially when you live in a cold climate. Embracing winter is much easier if you’re not freezing. A cozy wool sweater, a chunky scarf, and cashmere lined gloves will keep you warm even in frosty temperatures. Be sure to also invest in a good base layer that is soft and insulating. I typically wear this long sleeve tee underneath my sweaters, but if you live somewhere cold, try a thermal like this instead.
2. Create a Morning Routine to Ease into the Day
Winter mornings can feel cold and harsh, but the right routine can really transform how you approach the day. Whether it’s brewing a nice cup of coffee, lighting a candle, or savoring a warm bowl of oatmeal, having a comforting routine in the morning helps to ease the chill and set a positive tone for the day ahead. Personally, I like to wake early before my kids rise, do a quick mediation, write in my journal, and move my body with some gentle exercise.
3. Make Your Home a Sanctuary
Winter is the perfect time to turn your home into a sanctuary. Think soft blankets, candles flickering in every corner, and soft gentle lighting. The key is to create spaces where you can unwind and slow down, whether it’s a cozy reading nook or a kitchen that smells of fresh-baked muffins.
Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand, and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.
Edith sitwell
4. Savor Comfort Food
Cold weather calls for meals that nourish the body and comfort the soul. Think of hearty stews, roasted meats, and baked goods that fill your home with good scents. Take time to prepare and enjoy your food—there’s something incredibly satisfying about slowing down to cook and lingering over a meal with your family. Some of my favorite wintertime recipes come from Ina Garten. Try this sausage and lentil stew, this perfect roast chicken, and this weeknight bolognese.
5. Get Outside (But Stay Warm!)
Winter days can feel like an invitation to hibernate, but a little fresh air does wonders for your mental health. Bundle up in your big coat and take a walk. Whether it’s a stroll through the neighborhood or a hike in the woods, being outside (even briefly) can help clear your mind and lift your mood. Personally, I’ve been squeezing in a short walk after lunch to help with digestion and reset my day.
6. Slow Down and Practice Mindfulness
Winter is the season of stillness. The earth slows down, and so can you. Take this as an opportunity to slow down your pace, embrace mindfulness, and enjoy simple pleasures. Whether you meditate, journal, or simply sip your coffee in silence, embracing the stillness can help you feel more grounded.
7. Add Warmth to Your Routine
From sitting by the fire at night with a good book to a steaming cup of tea in the afternoon, find little ways to add warmth to your daily life. Invest in cozy blankets or a soft, fluffy robe to keep you warm while you’re at home.
8. Embrace the Slowness of Winter Evenings
Long winter nights are the perfect excuse to indulge in evening rituals that bring you peace. Unplug from technology and turn your focus toward simple activities that nourish you—whether it’s reading a book, watching a feel-good movie, or working on a puzzle. See my favorite reads here.
9. Stay Active, But Make it Fun
While winter might not be the time for long runs outdoors, it’s still important to stay active. Find ways to make movement enjoyable, like yoga by the fireplace (my favorite!), dancing to your favorite tunes with your kids, or trying a winter sport like ice skating or snowboarding. Moving your body helps you stay energized and keeps winter blues at bay.
10. Practice Gratitude for the Season
It’s easy to focus on the negatives when it comes to winter—the cold, the dark days, the extra layers—but winter also offers so much to be thankful for. Take a moment each day to appreciate the quiet beauty of a snowy morning, the warmth of a well-loved sweater, or the feeling of a hot drink in your hands. Gratitude can shift your perspective and help you see the magic in the season. I keep a gratitude practice by writing in my journal everyday.
Winter is a season that asks us to pause, reflect, and take comfort in the simple joys around us. By embracing the cold with warmth, slowing down with intention, and finding new ways to savor the season, we can turn winter into a time of rest and renewal.
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