The weather outside may be frightful, but that’s no reason to mope around the house all day. Even during what many of us consider the dreariest time of the year, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do. The next time you’re feeling bored, try keeping yourself occupied with one of these 10 cold weather activities.
1. Move your body
Being snowed in doesn’t have to prevent you from working up a healthy sweat. Indoor exercises like yoga and the Feldenkrais Method are perfect for this time of year, so fill up your water bottle and get ready to feel the burn!
2. Get your game on
You’re never too old to enjoy some fun and games. Playing a board game or card game with someone you love or an online game on your own isn’t just a fun way to pass the time; it helps keep your brain sharp! Try one or more of the recommended games in our Games That Give You Brain Power article for an intelligence-boosting cure for boredom.
3. Cook up some winter treats
Everyone loves good food, and meals and snacks taste even more delightful when you make them yourself. Add some spice to your winter by putting on your chef’s hat and preparing one of the delicious and nutritious recipes posted on our blog.
4. Take a staycation
You don’t need to hop on a plane or train or drive for several hours to enjoy the thrill of traveling. Your hometown is most likely filled with plenty of sights to see, like museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks. Take a local day trip, either by yourself or with a loved one, and you might see your city or town in a whole new light!
5. Have a spa day
Cold weather can be rough on the body, but a little self-care can go a long way. Products like soothing lotions, bath bombs, foot soaks, face masks, and essential oils can bring any winter day from dismal to delightful. For bonus points, you and your spouse can massage each other’s backs or feet to make the whole experience even more relaxing.
6. Get lost in a book
From romance novels to murder mysteries to self-help-guides, there’s no shortage of good books to curl up with, whether you prefer to browse the shelves at a bookstore or library or download reading materials to your tablet. If you’re feeling especially inspired, you can even start a book club with friends to discuss the novels you read.
7. Host a movie night
Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu make it easier than ever to enjoy the art of cinema from home, and movies are even more fun when enjoyed with friends and family. Serve a bowl of popcorn and invite your favorite people over for an evening of entertainment.
8. Cheer on your favorite sports team
Winter is the primary season for sports like football, basketball, and hockey, so it should be no trouble to find a game to watch, either in person or on TV. You may even have a grandchild, niece, or nephew who plays one of these sports, and showing your support for them is often even more fun than watching a professional game.
9. Create something cozy
If you’re suffering from boredom and chilliness, knitting or crocheting a warm scarf, hat, or pair of socks can solve both of these problems. If you’re feeling incredibly ambitious, you can even try making a blanket to snuggle up in!
10. Snap some photos
As unpleasant as snow can be to walk and drive in, few types of scenery are more beautiful than a sparkling winter wonderland. If you live somewhere that gets covered in a thick blanket of snow during the winter, try capturing it on camera. Then compile your favorite photos in a winter photo album or scrapbook.
Trying these activities will certainly keep you busy this season and help prevent boredom during the cold weather. Also, be sure to check out our Event Calendar and join other members of the MyHealthAngel community for our December virtual sessions on Classic Cinema: The Greatest Romantic Movies of All Time, How Music Improves Our Health & Mood, How to Break Bad Habits, and many other interesting topics.