20 tips to make winter more enjoyable

Many people don’t like winter because they don’t like to be cold. If that’s you, dress more appropriately for the weather. Invest in a super warm coat and bundle up in layers and all the accessories. Being warm will make all the difference. 

If there’s anything you do enjoy about winter, lean into it. If you like that you can move at a slower pace, move at a slower pace. If you like that you get to spend more quality time at home, spend more quality time at home. 

Most of us spend more time at home during the winter. If that drives you crazy, use it as an opportunity to be productive. Start that home project you’ve been wanting to do. Learn a new skill. Build a side hustle. There are hundreds of ways to stay busy while at home that’ll make winter more enjoyable.  

But if you’d rather, be totally lazy. Use the winter as a time to unplug from the business of the other seasons. Watch movies. Do puzzles. Take naps. Just cozy up at home and don’t let yourself feel bad about it. 

Winter is a time to hibernate, so do just that by making your space cozy. Ditch the overhead lighting for the season and change into comfy clothes when you get home at night. Having a cozy space will make it much more enjoyable to spend time in. 

Start a new tradition to make winter a time to look forward to. It could be a trip to a cabin in the woods or a movie marathon. Choose something you enjoy and start doing it yearly in the winter so you’re excited for the season to come. 

Lean into fun winter activities like ice skating and skiing. If you’d rather spend time inside, find a restaurant with an igloo or go to a theater showing an old holiday movie. 

Even if you don’t want to brave the cold weather, you need to. It’s better for your health and will help you stay happier. Go outside in the middle of the day so you can get some Vitamin D. Bundle up if you have to, but at least face the sun. 

If you absolutely detest winter, take solace in the fact that warmer days are ahead. And if it helps, count down the days until spring. Having a number in your head can help remind you that it won’t always be this cold. 

If going outside once per day isn’t doing it for you, get a light therapy lamp. This will mimic the feeling of sunshine and help you feel a little better. These are recommended by many to help treat seasonal depression. 

Book a trip if you just need to get away from the cold weather. And don’t wait until spring break to go somewhere warm. Book your trip for January or February to break up the season. It’ll give you something to look forward to and help winter to feel shorter.  

Rather than occupying your thoughts on what you don’t enjoy about winter, focus on what you do enjoy about the seasons ahead. Whether it’s an upcoming special event or just the general feeling you get from spring and summer, think about those things to get you through winter. 

Having a winter bucket list can help you get through the season, too. This can range from projects and activities to trips and outings. Come up with a list of things you’d like to do during the season and spread them out so you can stay busy all winter long. 

There are so many delicious meals to have in the winter, so take advantage of the season by honing your skills and eating well. Use seasonal produce and make the most out of your slow cooker. 

You can also make winter more enjoyable by picking up a new hobby. Knitting, painting, writing, and scrapbooking are good hobbies to start and are perfect for the winter. 

There are so many great seasonal movies to watch in the winter. Of course, there are loads of holiday films, but plenty of others to screen in the new year. Misery, Fargo, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe are all great options. 

Snow days were the best days as a kid. If possible, create that magic as an adult by taking your own snow day. Call in sick or plan to use some PTO and do all the fun things you used to do when you had the day off from school. 

Make winter more desirable by only using certain items during the season. It could be a special blanket or a particular decoration. But after the holidays are over, keep something out that you love and put it away in the spring so that you look forward to getting it out again next year. 

If winter really is a difficult time for you, it’s important to do things that will benefit your mental health, like exercising. Having a clear mind will make a difficult time much easier to get through. 

If you absolutely can’t stand the winter, move somewhere warmer. It’s easier said than done, but if you are able to move, do it. You’ll be much happier and won’t have to jump through hoops to enjoy life for three months of the year.