Without a doubt this winter is going to be unusual. It’s mid-November as I write this and the number of coronavirus cases are surging across the U.S. and the world. Many people are going into a second lockdown, and mask wearing and limited social interaction is still the norm. I think a lot of people are worried about the winter, especially in climates like Minnesota where gathering outside is not possible due to the cold and snow. Holidays are coming up but we are all being encouraged to stay home and not gather. Needless to say, this winter will be different and strange, and is probably causing some anxiety and loneliness for some of us already.
I wanted to make a post to offer ideas on how to prepare mentally and physically for the season. I wrote a post titled The Art of Adjusting to Winter a couple years ago if you also want to read that.
It always takes me a few weeks to adjust to the weather and the changes, then I’m good as gold. I’m a steady believer that we should enjoy each season for what they are, and so I hope these tips help you make the most of your winter and appreciate the season! Even if it’s going to be much different than winters of yesteryear. But different doesn’t always have to be bad…
Switch your skincare products.
Usually the weather forces my hand with this one, as I can feel my skin and lips getting dry. It’s best to get a jump on this by preparing for winter with different products than you might use in the summer. I always use a facial lotion with sunscreen in the morning to protect my skin, and in the winter this helps to moisturize too. I add in hand lotion to my routine, and keep an extra in my bag with me at all times! I also like to add a sugar scrub for my lips into my routine, and reapply lip balm much more frequently during these cold and dry months!
Make sure you have the right outerwear.
This tip might seem obvious, but it’s probably the most important in preparing for winter. If you want to be able to spend time outside, or at least make it to your heated car or bus before you freeze, then you’ll need proper outerwear. This year I made sure to stock up on thermal leggings, thick socks, and extra top layers so that I can stay warm no matter what activity I’m doing. Don’t forget a hat, scarf, and gloves.
Buy adequate winter footwear.
Sadly with how much snow we get in Minnesota, I usually have to put away my sneakers and wear boots all winter. This isn’t too bad though since I have some boots I love. I also invested in my first pair of hiking boots this year, so that I can keep doing outdoor activities even with the snow and ice. I’ve broken them in and am so happy I bought them! I also got a pair of short Uggs to wear around the house and when I tell you it’s the best purchase I’ve made in 2020, it’s not a lie.
Dress appropriately for the weather.
Even if you think you might not need the layers, it’s best to just wear them and risk being overdressed rather than cold! I know it’s a hassle, but just add an extra few minutes to your routine to get suited up, and you’ll be thankful you did. Don’t try and brave the cold and end up being miserable and possibly sick.
Make sure your hats, gloves, etc. are in an easy to grab spot.
If you haven’t already, switch out all of your summer clothes for winter clothes in your closet and dresser. I reorganized everything as I did this, and made sure my hats, mittens, and gloves were in a spot I can easily grab them from.
Get your skis, snowboard, and skates ready.
If you enjoy winter sports like me, then you’ll want to make sure your skates are sharpened and your skis waxed. After a long summer, it’s nice to just take some time and switch out your gear so that when the slopes call, it’s all ready for you. Make sure everything still fits, and that you have the appropriate bags to transport your skis or other gear in. I also like to have a pack of hand and toe warmers on the ready, too.
Start your Christmas shopping.
No one likes to shop for Christmas on Christmas Eve, at least I don’t think anyone does! Part of preparing for winter for me is always starting my shopping early. I find that once I’m done getting all the gifts I need, I can relax and actually enjoy the holidays more. It seriously makes such a difference! With the pandemic this year, shopping might look a little different. Try to support the small businesses in your neighborhood, and think about buying ethical and environmentally friendly gifts.
Stock up on tea and hot cocoa.
There is no better way of preparing for winter than making sure you have hot beverages on hand at home. When it’s cold out, I often have a few cups of tea a day. I love the simple ritual of making a cup of tea or cocoa, and how it will warm me right up!
Make plans for the holidays with your pod/bubble/household.
I know this year is a little different because of the pandemic, but you can still make some plans around the holidays that are safe for everyone. Find a drive-thru lights show, or an outdoor skating rink for a safe activity. Think about planning a safe little getaway if it’s possible. I’m hoping to go on a New Years ski trip as a memorable way to celebrate the holiday! If you can’t gather with your family/relatives, think about sending them something, or dropping a package at their door to let them know you’re thinking of them during the holidays.
As I heard someone say the other day, we didn’t take off the other holidays this year…people still gathered and then cases spiked after the holidays over the summer. So, we have to make sacrifices for these next few holidays to get everything under control.
I was living in Rome last year so I missed Thanksgiving anyways. I’m planning to drop off treats or flowers at my friends and cousins to let them know I’m thinking of them, and will be creating a beautiful tablescape at home to make the day special for my family. It will be a unique holiday season, that’s for sure. I think it will all really hit me when Christmas rolls around, although it already has when I think about not seeing family on Thanksgiving…
Plan your holiday outfits.
Even if the holidays will look very different this year, I am planning to dress in my holiday best as I do every year! I look forward to picking out my outfits all year for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all the celebrations in between. Even if there won’t be as many celebrations, I still plan to make these holidays as special as possible and that starts with having an outfit I love! I may have to shop online, but I will definitely be looking my best on Christmas.
Freshen up your winter wardrobe.
I finally broke down and bought sweatpants for the first time since high school because, 2020. I did however, freshen up my wardrobe about a month ago with some new sweaters, a shacket, a new jumper, and some thick tights. I like to get dressed even if I’m at home, so those will be nice to wear for some semblance of normal. If loungewear is your thing though, buy some new pieces so you’re feeling fresh.
Make a winter bucket list.
I think this is one of the best ways to mentally prepare for winter, especially this year. Come up with a whole list of ideas of things you want to do this season, so that when you’re bored you won’t have to look far. My winter bucket list always includes ice skating downtown, a hot cocoa from my favorite café, skiing with my dad, and decorating for Christmas. There are so many fun activities that can only be done in the winter, make sure they’re all on your list! Then you’ll have an idea for when the weekend comes around and you need ideas. Don’t sleep on the outdoor activities, too.
Plan things to look forward to.
This is along the same lines as making a winter bucket list, but I’ve found it really helps my mindset if there are things to look forward to in this seemingly neverending pandemic world. My family is going to make a list of safe holiday activities that are happening in our city so that we have a few things on the calendar! While we won’t be gathering or exchanging cookies or baking pies together in person, there are still some safe activities that can be done this winter and ways we can reach out to loved ones safely. Think of the holiday traditions that are still possible or can be done virtually, and get them on the calendar!
Figure out safe activities to do with friends.
Speaking of things to do, don’t despair over not being able to see your friends now that it’s winter. There are still some safe activities that can be done, and if nothing sparks your interests then there is always zoom or facetime for virtual hangs. I will be going on hikes, city walks, and skiing with friends, and I’m sure we’ll come up with more safe activities as we adjust to winter.
Create a quarantine project for yourself.
I’ll be creating another blog post with ideas of things to do for this winter quarantine, so that no one is bored. In the meantime, think about a project that might suit you for this second lockdown. I’ve been toying with the idea of creating an interview series on the blog, and think that having one interview a week could be a great project to keep me going. Find something that will give you purpose and run with it! Set yourself a schedule or a goal so that you stick with it. Or tell people in your life about it so they can hold you accountable.
Collect some cold weather recipes to try.
Nothing screams preparing for winter like stockpiling some of your favorite cold weather recipes! The chilly temps definitely call for heartier dishes. In the summer I really enjoy going to the farmer’s market each weekend to buy my produce for the week. I try to continue eating seasonally in the winter, and some farmer’s markets actually remain open during the winter months which is nice! Squash and root vegetables are definitely on the menu, and so are pumpkin pies and Christmas cookies. I’ve also almost perfected my carbonara, so I’m feeling pretty good about that. If you don’t like to follow recipes (me, lol) then I highly recommend watching cooking videos on IGTV to figure out the basic timeline of a dish, then try it out on your own.
Create a new routine for the winter months.
This is definitely last but not least on my list of preparing for winter. It might be the most important thing! With daylight savings time and colder weather, our routines are forced to change to accommodate the season. In the summer I love going on longer walks at night, because it gets dark so late. In the winter then I always have to adjust and make sure I get my daily walk in during the day so that it’s not cold and dark! I add hot cups of tea into my routine, extra skincare measures, and cozy time before bed diffusing essential oils like peppermint and rosemary.
Prioritize your daily walks or exercise.
Like I mentioned, I like to move my walks to midday in the winter when it’s the warmest. Instead of just foregoing the walk and staying cozy inside, I’ve made it a priority to bundle up and I truly look forward to this time each day. There is nothing like the crisp winter air and crunching on top of the snow. Especially when I get to wear my new boots! This has been a nice change for me as last winter I just went to walk on the treadmill during the winter. Since gyms aren’t very safe at the moment, walking outside suits me just fine. Now if only I had a sauna at home like the gym does…
Incorporate more yoga.
This is something I always love to do when it gets colder, because there’s really nothing like hot yoga on a cold winter day. Instead of going to the studio, I am now reconnecting to my yoga practice from home. This is key for convenience! I can choose exactly what kind of practice I want, and I love that so many teachers have moved online so they can stay connected to their students.
Get takeout or coffee once a week.
It could be stopping at your local coffee shop in the morning to take a coffee to-go, or skipping cooking one night to support a local restaurant. Either way, the small businesses around you will be so appreciative of the support during this winter. If you do go out, eat outside if it’s possible. Avoid the igloo tents at restaurants as they are not well ventilated.
![È buio il mattino che passa
senza la luce dei tuoi occhi
☁️
[Pavese]
#pavese #roma #alba #poesie #parole #amore](https://theartfuleveryday.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)