We get it. It’s cold, you don’t want to go out. You barely want to get out of your pajamas. It’s completely understandable. Despite this desire to hunker down, you can’t let the cold weather win. Winter is one of the best times to take up something new, as it can keep your brain engaged without having to brave the cold weather, if you so choose.
Don’t Let The Snow Hold You Back
We know it's cold, but we promise a bit of fun outside is good for the soul. Depending on your location, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing, or just going for a walk are all great ways to stay active and make the most out of the year. You can even engage your inner child and invest in a toboggan.
Go Crazy With Textiles
If outdoor activities aren’t your cup of tea, you can always keep busy with cozy indoor activities! Quilting, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, or learning how to sew will keep your mind sharp and active, plus learning how to make your own clothes or blankets is a very useful skill. Spend enough time this winter catching up on your home ec courses, and you’ll have a fully decorated home and closet by next winter!
Get Tactile
If you prefer to get a little more hands-on, you can try things like watercolors, LEGO building, pottery, pastels, cooking, or playing a new instrument. This gives you something hands-on to try that doesn’t involve looking at your phone for a few hours.
Logic-Based Activities
Don’t want to spend too much time outside and prefer something a little less right-brained, never fear! You could spend your winters engaging in jigsaw puzzles, LEGO building, games like Sudoku or chess, coding, or learning a new language. Yes, you may be playing a video game, but at least you’re making your brain work a little bit!
Old Reliables
We can always come back to a few staples in terms of hobbies, such as reading, movies, television, or video games. While these could come off as lazy or uninspired, you can still make them something engaging. Learn something new with your next non-fiction novel, or dedicate this winter to only watching documentaries, and try not to touch your phone as you watch them.
Other Ways To Stay Busy During Winter
- Take the time to organize your home. Winter is the perfect opportunity to do some much-needed organization.
- Visit your local community or recreation center and start taking dance, art, or sport classes. Most rec centers prioritize low-cost memberships.
- Spend a few hours each week volunteering.
- Host movie nights, dinner parties, or get-togethers with loved ones on a regular basis. This will lift everyone’s spirits during the darkest time of the year!
- Visit your city’s local attractions or festivals. This not only inspires the city to keep low-cost public-focused events open and accessible, but also gives you something fun and fresh to do during the colder months.
