Kathy Hamilton Is it just me or does it feel like winter is lasting a long time? I am not usually someone who feels run down by the dark nights or the cold weather. But this year is different. It’s got me thinking a lot about the things that get me through winter and I thought I would share those with you today.
Every year one of my favourite blogs, Modern Mrs Darcy, hosts a challenge called ‘Things That are Saving My Life Right Now’. Anne, who runs the blog, invites readers to share their favourite strategies for getting through the dark nights and cold weather. I took part last year (you can see that post here) and I thought it would be nice to do so again in 2018. This year I have decided to be a little different and discuss general things that get me through winter, rather than specific items. I hope you enjoy!
1. Good homemade food
In my 2018 plans and goals (it’s here if you want to check it out) I mentioned that cooking intentionally is something I’m trying to do more of. I love cooking and I feel so lucky that I can rustle up really good food that’s also budget-friendly. It’s not always pretty to look at, but it’s always tasty. Sitting down to a hearty stew, or a big slice of pie is what winter eating is all about for me.
This year I am also trying to waste less of the food I buy (hence the intentional aspect I mentioned). It means that I have to think a little further ahead but it’s worth it. I have found that spending a few extra minutes to plan out my meals for the week means I usually have enough budget to splurge on some fancy ingredients too. Get in my basket gourmet chorizo, you’re coming home with me!
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2. Reading books I really love
If you’re a regular around here, you’re probably familiar with this one! But hey, I couldn’t really write a blog post about things that get me through winter without mentioning good books. I kind of gave this one away in the introduction anyway! Before Christmas, I noticed that my reading habits had taken a nose dive. Instead of putting pressure on myself to keep reading books that just weren’t right, for whatever reason, I decided to take a little break.
Then, when I sat down to think about my readings goals, I realised that I needed to start reading more books I really love. It’s a small thing, and probably should have been obvious! Since I’ve been asking myself whether I think I will enjoy a book, though, I have found myself looking forward to reading again. The perfect antidote to wet, windy, freezing day!
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3. Hot Chocolate
This year one of the things that get me through winter has been hot chocolate without a doubt. I actually don’t have a proper picture of this one because I can’t stop myself from drinking this up greedily as soon as I make it! I love closing the door behind me after a busy day and heading to the kitchen to rustle up a cup of this. With an added swirl of whipped cream of course!
I just stick to the regular old powdered stuff. It’s nothing fancy, but it feels indulgent. As I mentioned above, curling up with a hot mug of this with a book I’ve been looking forward to all day is the perfect way to relax and unwind.
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4. Trying new things
It can be tempting to become a hermit when the dark nights roll in. You’ve probably realised already, but this is something that really appeals to me during the winter! Comfort food, a good book, hot chocolate. If you’ve got a mental picture of me sat in fleecy pyjamas with my hair in a top knot bun, you are exactly right my friend!
However, the winter is also a quarter of the year! So, to combat my natural inclination to wrap myself up like a burrito from November to February I have been trying new things. Specifically a Spanish class and a book club. The funny thing is, I find myself looking forward to these things every week, and suddenly leaving the house doesn’t feel like such chore!
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5. Planning a trip
Winter can feel long, and pretty unforgiving. Especially when the wind and snow blow right through you and you get to work looking more like a yeti than a sophisticated business woman! That’s why one of the things that get me through winter is to have something to look forward to in the shape of a trip away.
This year my sister and I are planning a visit to Berlin. We’re going soon, and I can’t wait! Having something to plan for through the winter months is really helping me beat the winter blues.
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*bonus* the extra things that get me through winter
I was originally wrapping up the post here. However, I realise that one thing all of these points have in common is the feeling they give me. I’m not someone who likes to throw about jargon-y words like self-care. But, really, that’s the connecting thread here. I tend to get stressed out and overwhelmed pretty easily, especially this winter. But having little built-in methods and things to look forward to has made all the difference. I don’t know about you, but the one thing that really get me through winter is taking things I a little slowly, being unafraid to indulge myself when I need a treat and spending time restoring my energy. And if that’s not self-care, then I guess nothing is!
What get’s you through winter?
