In winter, especially January and February when we’re on reduced spending after the expense of Christmas, most of us will be retreating indoors until spring arrives. This hibernation offers an opportunity to have some (likely) much needed downtime, as well as a chance to really focus on our own needs and mental health. Although we may be restricted on how much we can spend on excursions, there are plenty of ways to get out and about and gather with friends and family for very little, if anything at all. Here are just a few ideas to give you something to look forward to this winter.
When staying indoors
Play more games and puzzles
Challenge your brain and your friends and organise a games night. Encourage everyone to contribute something – a drink or food item, and crack out the games. It’s a good opportunity to catch up with everyone, and you don’t have to spend a penny.
Start or join a book club
Love to read but just can’t find the time for it? Winter is the perfect opportunity to hunker down and read a book, or two, or three. But if it’s something you want to do more habitually, why not join or start a book club? Not only does it help you to delve into an interest of yours, and do it more frequently, but it can expand your reading list and discover new genres and authors to love. Additionally, this community could be a cornerstone of good mental health when we’re otherwise disconnected from others in these harsh months.
If you’re looking for more reads, why not rediscover your local library?
Find a new hobby
The winter months are the perfect time to experiment and find a new hobby to enjoy. With a vast selection of resources available online, there isn’t anything you can’t try for yourself; perhaps you want to learn a new instrument, try a style of painting or drawing, or learn a new knitting or sewing technique? Use this quieter period to give something new a try.
Have a family slideshow night
Many of us have thousands upon thousands of photos and videos of our memories stored on computers or devices, but how often do we actually look at them? In addition to the traditional movie nights, why not have a family slideshow, or a literal family movie night?
Get hands on in the kitchen
When we’re having to save money, the lovely takeaways and dinners out are often the first things we cut back on. Although we may not be able to go out, why not experiment with new cuisines and recipes at home? Not only will you have the opportunity to learn a new skill, but cooking from a recipe is a fantastic mindful activity. Developing your mindfulness skills during the winter months could be invaluable in the busy spring and summer months. Additionally, you can ensure you’re boosting your nutritional health during the months when colds and other horrible bugs are circulating.
If you have a little budget available, why not give a sushi class a try? YO! Sushi run Sushi Schools are most of their branches from £34.95 per adult.
Winter is a great time to practise boredom, an essential life skill we should all be developing. Check out our article, The Benefits of Boredom: How to Embrace Being Bored as a Family
Getting out and about
Visit the museums and galleries
When was the last time you went to a museum or gallery? A lot of the national and city museums and galleries are actually free to enter – except for some specific exhibits. It’s the perfect way to spend a cold and wet day and if you’ve not attended your local in some time, there are likely plenty of new exhibits to pique your interest.
Which Museum is a great resource of all the museums and galleries up and down the country. You can search by ‘free’ to find out which ones don’t charge for entry.
Embrace the cold weather
When we keep the windows shut and blast the heating on full, getting out and about for some fresh air is in some ways more important in winter than it is in the spring and summer!
Although it’s not as appealing, when it’s cold or rainy outdoors, as long as you’re appropriately dressed, once you get walking, you’ll soon warm up. Be sure to wear appropriate layers – base, thermal layers, mid-layers, appropriate jumpers and trousers, and top layer – outerwear and shoes and venture out on a nature walk.
Why not pack a flask or plan a route that’ll give you the chance to warm up in a cafe or pub?
In addition to a flask, it’s best to pack a battery pack for your phone, a torch, blankets, shovel, and some cereal bars, just in case you run into road closures or car trouble.
If you have a National Trust or English Heritage membership, now is the perfect time to make the most of it!
Be a stargazer
The night sky in winter is just magical. If you have the appropriate space, clothing and can keep a flask on hand – or warm cuppa in hand – the winter is a good opportunity to spot constellations and planets.
Look to your local community
It’s also worth having a look at local community pages, venues and council websites to find out about events happening in your area. Although largely reduced, there will be a number of events happening over the winter months, it’s just a case of having to spot them. You may end up helping to support some local grass-roots projects, often for just the cost of a cup of tea – and often the best cake can be found at a community event!
What will you be doing over the winter? Let us know in the comments below.
Featured image: NinaMalyna, Canva
