Is winter your favorite season? You might be inclined to say no - but give it a chance.
This winter, while we’re spending more time at home, think outside the box for fun, enjoyable activities to keep you busy and help you embrace the season.
Winter Activities and Ideas for Adults
Bundle Up
If you’re always cold in the wintertime, it might be time to update your wardrobe. Fleece-lined pants, several layers of jackets, warm slippers, or boots - focus on comfort over fashion, especially if you’re going outdoors.
You might have heard that you lose most of your heat through the head - but that’s just a myth! You’ll lose heat wherever you have exposed skin. Layers of wool, synthetic fleece, or silk are good choices.
Do Some Stargazing
Winter skies in the northern hemisphere offer wonderful opportunities for stargazing. Popular constellations like Orion are easily visible, and you can spot others like Canis Major and Taurus, too. You don’t even need a telescope, just your eyes or maybe a pair of binoculars.
While it’s rare, it’s also possible for the northern lights to be seen as far south as parts of Ohio - so be on the lookout.
Write Letters to Old Friends
There’s something special about a handwritten, personal letter. And sometimes an email just won’t do. Use your time indoors to write letters or notes to old friends or family members.
Letters don’t need to be long or fancy to be meaningful. A few lines about what you’re up to these days, and any family news, will often suffice. And if you don’t enjoy handwriting, typing and printing a letter works just as well.
Enjoy a Hot Beverage
Stay cozy indoors and enjoy a beverage that seems out of place in the spring and summer warmth.
Whether you prefer hot cocoa, mulled cider, or wine, or a spin on a classic cup of coffee, find a cup of whatever warms you up with these recipes.
Look Through Photo Albums
Reminiscing about favorite memories will make you forget all about the cold, wintry weather. If you have access to a video call tool like Zoom, you can even do this together - virtually - with friends or family.
If you don’t have a photo album but have lots of individual snapshots floating around, this could be a good time to create an album or scrapbook to share.
Pick Up or Renew a Hobby
Some people just can’t find enough time to indulge their hobbies. The wintertime is perfect for spending whole days knitting, woodworking, painting, or whatever you happen to enjoy.
Don’t have a favorite hobby? Try picking one up! Playing an instrument, doing arts and crafts, baking, and more are all perfect for spending time indoors and provide plenty of rewards for your work.
Take a Winter Walk
Bundle up, head outside, and enjoy the beauty of nature. You’ll likely get a different view of your neighborhood or local park during the winter, and the cold weather can help break you out of your rut of time indoors.
From a better mood to increased concentration, getting outdoors in the winter has plenty of benefits. Even a quick stroll around the block can help!
Start an Indoor Garden
A few houseplants, herbs, or even veggies for cooking - you can grow them all indoors. All you need is some empty space, a sunny window, and a little patience.
Good Housekeeping compiled a list of the 25 easiest plants to grow indoors. Herbs like basil and mint, and even salad greens, also make good indoor plants.
Read more about Otterbein resident Cindi, whose passion for gardening led to the creation of a “winter garden” in her building >>
Set Up a Birdfeeder
Many native bird species - like cardinals, woodpeckers, and blue jays - overwinter in Ohio. You can attract them to your backyard or balcony with the right feeder and provide yourself with hours of entertainment.
Remember to feed birds seeds and nuts that are suited to their diet - not human food. Read more about tips for feeding Ohio birds in the winter.
Make Maple Treats
Did you know Ohio is in the list of top 10 states for maple syrup production? And winter is peak maple syrup season.
Make use of the sticky stuff for candy or other maple treats. Be sure you’re using real maple syrup, not what’s labeled “pancake syrup” (usually just corn syrup and food coloring) in stores.
Watch a Classic Movie
When the weather outside is frightful, curl up inside with your favorite classic movie. Movie buffs have likely seen flicks like Citizen Kane, Casablanca, and The Wizard of Oz. What about others that top the list, like Rear Window or Lawrence of Arabia?
Pop some popcorn, grab your hot beverage of choice, and settle in for a movie marathon.
Purchase a Light Box
What you might call the winter blues can actually be a condition called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a very common condition that can occur in the wintertime, usually due to a deficiency of vitamin D.
Symptoms can include feeling depressed, having low energy, and having trouble sleeping. If you think you might have SAD, talk to your doctor. One way to help combat SAD is to purchase a light therapy box, which simulates the sun’s rays. Talk to your doctor to see if a light box might be a good choice for you.
The Best Ways to Stay Healthy & Safe This Winter
You may also be interested in our next winter-focused article with tips on staying healthy and safe. Learn more about keeping yourself at your physical, mental, and emotional best.
Read Next Story >>
