The 11 Best Winter Activities to Keep Yourself Occupied
Even though I grew up in Buffalo, NY — best known for chicken wings, losing sports teams and tons and tons of snow — I have always watched winter approach with a pit in my stomach. Cold weather brings to mind short, frigid days and long, dark nights, with the sun setting long before my workday even ends. But this year, I have resolved to find joy even on the slushiest days and not just by watching an endless stream of comedies huddled under my coziest blanket. Science shows that keeping busy can help stave off the blues, because your brain has less space to dwell on the doldrums when focused on something else. That’s why we rounded up a selection of the best winter activities, regardless of your attitude toward the season. Whether you see the snow start to fall and can’t wait to grab your winter boots and get out there, or would rather hide from it with some distracting indoor fun (like these cute indoor activities for kids). And if we forgot some of your favorite techniques to make the most of one-quarter of our seasons, let us know in the comments. Maybe you can convince me that snowy weather isn’t so bad after all.
1) Go Sledding
Sledding packs a wintery double whammy: Not only is sailing down a snowy hill the perfect blend of exciting and terrifying, but hiking back up to go another round is great cardio exercise. Don’t forget to stop for cocoa to warm up afterward.
2) Try Ice Skating
The first date I ever went on was to a local ice skating rink, and I won’t tell you what the soundtrack was, lest you learn how long ago that was. Ice skating will help you work up a sweat and learn a new skill, even if you start out about as graceful as an elephant on ice.
3) Camp in the Snow
While winter camping requires more gear than it does in warm weather, getting outdoors has its own rewards any time of year. Think sipping hot coffee by a roaring fire, cooking yummy camping meals and cuddling with your main squeeze for warmth.
4) Go Skiing
Nothing feels as good as the wind whistling through your hair as you slalom down the slopes in sparkling winter sunshine. It’s good exercise, too. If you don’t have enough elevation where you live, try cross-country skiing instead.
5) Drink Hot Cocoa
Nothing warms you up quite like a steaming mug of hot cocoa. Turn it into an activity by setting up a hot cocoa bar with mini marshmallows, candy canes, chocolate shavings and your favorite candies for topping.
6) Bake a Batch of Cookies
Baking cookies fills your kitchen with a better aroma than any candle ever could, and it will keep little hands busy on long snow days. Not to mention, you get to eat cookies at the end. Even if Christmas has long since passed, holiday cookies taste great any time.
7) Write a Letter
Unplug for the afternoon and write some good, old-fashioned letters by hand. The grandparents, a faraway friend or even soldiers deployed abroad would all appreciate a handwritten note. Writing out your sentiments by hand will make you feel closer to your loved ones, even from time zones away.
8) Read a Good Book
Make yourself a cup of tea, grab a comfy blanket and cozy up with a good book. Escaping into another world feels especially great when the weather outside gets frightful.
9) Light a Soothing Candle
Aromatherapy has great benefits for your mood, and makes your house smell wonderful. Many candles come at an affordable price point, so you don’t have to shell out much for comfort. Lighting a nice candle adds an air of homeyness to your space too.
10) Take a Hike
Grab your boots, bundle up and take a walk in the woods. Getting out into the fresh air will lift your spirits, even in the cold weather. Make sure you have shoes with enough tread to keep you steady, and check the weather ahead of time for safety.
11) Go Beer Tasting
Taprooms and breweries feel even more welcoming in the winter, when the comforting smell of hops, yeast, and malt beckon visitors inside. Grab a designated driver and go taste some beer — you may find a new go-to.
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