“Winter is coming.” Okay, it’s already here. But America is experiencing some insane winter storms this year, and it’s as important as ever to take care of ourselves. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a real thing! This is the time to not only practice self-care but to practice extra self-care. Every now and again, get yourself a prize! Winter can be just as much of a time for play as the spring or summer.
A toasty home
“Oh the weather outside is frightful / But the fire is so delightful.” These famous lyrics describe the ideal winter home. Treat yourself and cozy up! Do you have a fireplace in your home? This is the time to light it up! If you don’t have a fireplace, you can also light candles. They won’t really warm up the place, but they will give it a cozier feel. If you don’t have carpeted floors, grab some rugs and put them out. Ideal places are right by your bed and couches, so that when people put their feet on the floor, they don’t get a shock! And, of course, put out throw blankets for you and your guests to wrap up in.
You could even treat yourself to an electric blanket. Winter is also a great time for baking. Treat yourself to new appliances, if it’s time. You might even invest in a luxury oven, refrigerator, or dishwasher. Some of the newest appliances are “smart,” which means you can control them from your phone without leaving the warmth of your blanket! And make good use of it! Your stove and oven will help warm up the house, and the smell of baking food just makes everyone happy.
A getaway
Believe it or not, winter is an excellent time to go to a resort! For instance, you can go to a ski resort, such as Northstar Ski Resort, which is part of the Welk Resorts chain. A good ski resort–or snowboarding location, for that matter–will let you enjoy the snow and winter weather with an easy escape to the cozy indoors. Usually, these lodges are pretty luxurious, with great lounges, indoor theatres, and high-end amenities.
On the other hand, you may really want to be a snowbird and head to a more tropical climate. Maybe it’s time to go to a beach in a warmer area and spend a week. Perhaps you have family down South. This could be a great time to visit them and spend some quality time, while also not freezing. There are plenty of wintertime cruises as well. Some go tropical. If you do one of these, do some research on the stops the cruise takes. Cruises that stop in Mexico and other Central American locations can be unethical, because the tourist industry actually keeps them trapped in poverty! Try out an Alaskan or European cruise. These are a lot more ethical, because they’re not taking advantage of poor countries, and you can see some unique and beautiful sights along the way.
