I have always loved winter! I think it might be the little bit of Northerner in me :) However, I know many people dread this time of year and can’t wait to just get winter over with. I think the winter is actually the perfect time to slow down, restore ourselves, and focus in on the little pleasures in life. I wanted to share a few of my tips that get me through some of the gloomier days and make this time of year feel extra cozy. As always be sure to let me know if you give any of these tips a try!
BUY FRESH FLOWERS
While I know not everyone has an entire flower district so close to them, we all have grocery stores and markets where we can buy flowers. While they are a treat when it comes to budgeting, having fresh greenery and blooms is a total game-changer in my everyday mood. Plus, it feels productive just buying flowers alone!
TAKE WALKS
I think winter is the best time to make sure you are getting outside and breathing in some nice fresh cold air. The cold air is actually so good for your skin too! I love going out, snow or shine, and listening to a podcast, some uplifting music, or just breathing in the sounds of nature. After I come in from the cold I always hop right into a hot shower! Literally nothing better. Bonus is if you time your clothes in the dryer to be done and warm as soon as you finish showering :)
COOKING/BAKING
Winter is the best time of year for cooking and baking. I love making a hearty warm dinner like soup or pasta (my favorite vegan penne vodka is in my recipes post). There is just something so cozy about being in the kitchen and cooking from scratch. It’s also important to eat seasonally as much as possible which means taking advantage of the abundance of citrus available! Sumo oranges are my fav :)
WARM DRINKS
I don’t know what it is, but drinking something warm instantly makes me feel cozy and at peace. Whether it’s hot lemon water, matcha, golden milk, hot cacao, I love it all! Investing in a good frother is an investment I can’t recommend enough! I love waking up early when it’s still dark and sipping on a warm drink.
FUZZY SOCKS
You can never have too many pairs of cozy clothes. Sweatpants, blankets, sweaters, fuzzy socks, it’s all necessary to making you feel at home!
ESSENTIAL OILS + CANDLES
I love diffusing essential oils like peppermint, lemon, grapefruit, or any of the VItruvi blends. I also have recently purchased some flameless battery operated candles to have on my desk for a little extra ambience without the fire hazard :) Incense are also great in the winter. I loved the brand Tenen or Bodha!
SLOW DOWN YOUR WORKOUTS
If we allow our body to follow the cycle of the seasons, which we should, winter is the time to slow down and restore. Being easy on yourself is so important especially during these months. There is nothing better than going to a hot yoga class on a cold day or a nice soothing, but challenging, pilates class to start the day. Staying active does wonders for making you feel your best during the winter. Plus, it boosts your immune system and wards off sickness!