As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, many of us find ourselves longing for the warmth and sunshine of summer. The transition from the long, sunny days of summer to the colder and shorter days of fall and winter can be a challenging one. However, with a shift in perspective and a few lifestyle adjustments, it’s possible to not only endure but actually embrace these colder and shorter days. In this blog post, I’ll give you some tips and strategies to help you how to learn to love the colder and shorter days.
How to Learn to Love the Colder and Shorter Days
- Embrace Hygge
Hygge, a Danish concept that roughly translates to “coziness,” is the perfect mindset to adopt during the colder months. Incorporate hygge into your life by creating warm and inviting spaces in your home. Light some candles, snuggle up with a soft blanket, and enjoy a hot cup of tea or cocoa. The simple act of making your surroundings cozy can make a world of difference in how you perceive colder days. Fall and Winter are the perfect seasons to stay at home, watch a movie, or read a book. Or enjoying a cup of hot chocolate milk drink after a long walk outside.
- Explore Seasonal Activities
Colder and shorter days offer unique opportunities for seasonal activities. Instead of hibernating, venture outside to enjoy activities like hiking, ice skating, or even just a brisk walk in the fresh, crisp air. Embracing the changing seasons can help you appreciate the beauty and tranquility that comes with winter. And don’t forget about baking, reading, and visiting a museum. There are still so many things you can do during the colder months.
- Adjust Your Wardrobe
Investing in a winter wardrobe that keeps you warm and stylish can make a big difference in your attitude toward colder days. Bundle up in cozy sweaters, scarves, and boots. Don’t forget a good quality winter coat! When you’re dressed appropriately, you can enjoy the beauty of winter without feeling uncomfortable. Fall is really my favorite season when it comes to shopping for new clothes because I love the colors of this season. Those colors always look better on me than summer colors.
- Embrace Sports
Winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating are not only fun but also a great way to stay active during the colder months. These activities can help you look forward to winter and give you a reason to celebrate the snow and ice. But also during fall, you can still exercise a lot. Fall is a lot cooler than summer, so it makes it easier to run 10K or even a marathon. And I count walking as a sport too.
- Cultivate Indoor Hobbies
Shorter days can be an excellent opportunity to pick up indoor hobbies that you might have neglected during the summer. Consider taking up cooking, painting, knitting, or learning a musical instrument. Engaging in these activities can be deeply satisfying and help pass the time in an enjoyable way. Or maybe you want to learn a new language. Maybe you are going to a country where they speak a different language next summer. This is the moment to learn their language.
- Practice Gratitude
Mindset is everything in every single situation. Shift your focus from what you’re missing during the colder months to what you’re gaining. Take time each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for, whether it’s the warmth of your home, the company of loved ones, or the beauty of a winter landscape. Gratitude can help shift your perspective and improve your overall outlook. My best tip is to constantly shift your focus to something you like when you notice a negative thought. This will help to improve your mood immensely
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Don’t neglect your physical and mental well-being during the winter months. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and make time for self-care activities like meditation or yoga. A healthy body and mind are better equipped to handle the challenges of winter. Take vitamin D if you live in a country where the sun doesn’t shine a lot during the colder months. Treat yourself once a week and do more of what you want to do.
Learning to love the colder and shorter days is all about shifting your perspective and embracing the unique opportunities that winter offers. By incorporating hygge into your life, exploring seasonal activities, adjusting your wardrobe, engaging in winter sports, cultivating indoor hobbies, practicing gratitude, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can not only survive but thrive during the winter season. So, put on that cozy sweater, sip on some hot cocoa, and get ready to enjoy the beauty and charm of colder days. Winter may just become your new favorite season!
Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash