It's that time of year again when the days are becoming shorter and darker and the nights are drawing in earlier. The cool weather is sneaking up on us. The temperature is dropping and here in Auckland it is a mild 16 C during the day and 11 C at night. Soon to get colder.
Winter has begun and I am well prepared against the Winter blues this year.
I've made an activity list, to help me stay happy throughout this Winter, which I would like to share with you.
The first 2 things on my list I have already completed and will repeat them again as needed throughout the Winter season.
1. Bring flowering plants or potted bulbs into the house
- Cyclamens (I managed to find miniature cyclamens on sale for $3 each)
- Hyacinths
- Grape hyacinths
- Miniature daffodils
2. Keep desk clean and tidy and fill with pretty things
- plants
- shells
- candles
- trinkets
3. Go for a walk
- Dress up warmly and get outside to soak up the sunshine when it shines.
- Dress up warmly and walk outside on the grass on a frosty morning. Listen to the frost crunching under foot.
- Take photos
4. Snuggle up inside on a dull or rainy day
- Wrap up in a cuddly blanket or warm throw rug
- Wear snuggly bed socks to warm your feet
- Cuddle a covered hot water bottle
- Read a good book or magazine
- Light a scented candle
- Listen to the rain on the roof while being warm and cosy inside
5. Have a home spa
- Pedicure (don't forget the nail polish)
- Manicure
- Relax in a hot bubble bath with scented candles
- Rich hair treatment mask
- Scented moisturisers
- Beautiful scented soaps
6. Create something beautiful
- Colouring in
- Tapestry
- Cross-stitch
- Make a piece of jewellery
- Crochet
- Knit
7. Plan the Spring vegetable garden
- Draw a plan on grid paper
- Sort out seeds already on hand
- Order more seed if needed
- Work out dates to sow each vegetable indoors or directly into the ground
8. Make a delicious hot drink
- Hot chocolate with frothy milk and marshmallows on top
- Hot blackcurrant juice
- A pot of English Breakfast tea served in favourite cup
- Hot lemon, honey and ginger drink
9. Phone friends and family for a chat
- Phone rather than text or email
10. Cuddle cats
- Cuddle and play with the cats
- Take cats for a walk on the land
11. Watch TV on-demand
- Gardener's World
- Escape to the Chateau
- Doc Martin
- Binge on box-sets
12. Watch beautiful Winter sunrises and sunsets
- Watch the sunrise or sunset from inside the house
- Take photos
13. Blog
- Write blog posts
- Take photos for blog
- Read and answer blog comments
- Comment on other people's blogs
14. Play games or do puzzles
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Crossword puzzles
- Puzzle books
- Board games
- Computer games
15. Watch YouTube
- Funny animal videos
- Funny cat videos
16. Bake something
- Chocolate brownies
- Mid Winter Christmas cake
- Make Russian fudge
17. Practice gratitude
- Each day, in a notebook, write down 3 things that you are grateful for and 3 things that you enjoyed today.
18. Meditate using Mindfulness CDs
- Ten minutes a day
19. Have an early night
- Read a good book in bed
- Have a cup of hot chocolate
- Fluffy warm duvet
- Hot water bottle
20. Have something to look forward to every day
- Plan your day
Use ideas on this list or think of other things to stay toastie indoors or adventure outdoors.
I hope that you can stay relaxed and happy during the cooler days of Winter.
Can you think of anything that you would like to add to this list?
See you soon
Hugs
Rose x
Some great ideas. I'll definitely be using some of these when the cold weather arrives. X
ReplyDeleteThanks Jules, I hope the list helps :) Hugs Rose x
DeleteGreat ideas! The summer is here now and we have had some lovely and sunny days...
ReplyDeleteLove from Titti
Hi Titti, thank you. I hope that you are enjoying your Summer after your long Winter. It won't be long before your Midsummer's Eve, have fun. Hugs Rose x
DeleteThis is a lovely list, Rose. I notice that Doc Martin is on your list. I love this show; it's one of my favourites! MegXx
ReplyDeleteThanks Meg :) I love the Doc Martin show too, it is so funny. We are up to Season 9 here in New Zealand. I'm catching up with box sets. Hugs Rose x
Deletethis is a hygge post if ever I saw one!! One delightful way to 'nest' after another. You are approaching my favorite time of year....but sadly, for me....I'm in the other hemisphere, and girding myself for another hot, stifling summer full of mosquitoes and ticks. It sounds as if you are going to make the very most of this wonderful time of the year...enjoy!!!
ReplyDeleteDear Steph, Thank you :) I am really enjoying Winter this year. We haven't had too many dark days and I am making the most of the Sunny ones. I too find Summer too hot, luckily we have a heat pump to cool things down in Summer and warm up in Winter. Hugs Rose x
DeleteOh my goodness!! I do really need this right now! What a great idea! Having just observed Winter Solstice yesterday and being excited about the lengthening of our days, I just know that there will still be many more dull and cold ones to come. I love a good list and this one is fabulous! Thank you for compiling :o)
ReplyDeleteHi Evi, I hope that you enjoyed Winter Solstice. The days are certainly getting colder and darker now. I am glad that you like the list and hope that it is helpful to you :) Hugs Rose x
DeleteI love this list and will keep it for when I will need it in the winter. So many great ideas here! Thank you. Why do so many friends just want to text instead of calling? I'm really not a fan or texting and I miss having actual conversations on the phone.
ReplyDeleteHi Julia, thank you. I find I often adapt this list to suit different seasons. I find it really helpful, I hope that you will too :o) I find it is a pity too that a lot people prefer texting. Hugs, Rose x
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