By: Elise Goldstein
With Daylight Saving Time recently coming to a close, we find the air around us getting colder and the sun setting much sooner. The winter season can be difficult for many people because it often feels like there’s less to do — and the COVID-19 outbreak certainly does not help this annual feeling. Many people might assume that their screen time will drastically increase to pass the time, and we’re here to provide activities that can be productive and enjoyable, whether they require a screen or not.
Here are 10 ideas of things to productively preoccupy yourself with during this upcoming winter:
1. Bake or cook a new recipe
It’s always nice to find a new creative outlet, and it can be really relaxing to challenge yourself with a new recipe to eat. Whether you decide to make holiday cookies or a new type of pasta sauce, it can be really exciting to nourish your body with something different and knowing that you made it by yourself! Here’s a list of the top winter recipes by bon appétit. If you want even more of a challenge, try cooking a vegan meal and take the time to learn more about sustainability in our world.
Team member suggestions:
- Follow @HalfBakedHarvest on Instagram
- Our favorite recipes from @HalfBakedHarvest:
- Can’t decide between brownies and cookies? Bake brookies (brownie/cookies)
- Bake some classic chocolate chip cookies
- Spice it up with ginger miso yuzu kale salad
2. Learn a new card game
Maybe it’s time to break out the old deck of cards and start strategizing in your mind. Try picking up GinRummy (only needs two players) or Slap Jack. Here’s a list of the top card games to learn.
Team member suggestions:
- Learn how to play Spit (only needs 2 players and a deck of cards)
- Play your favorite games with a twist
- Spicy Uno: Regular Uno, but each time you are switching decks with someone else
- Try Paperback: word building meets deck building
- Download a new app
- Gottman card deck: get to know your loved ones better
3. Bundle up and take a walk
Sometimes taking a walk in the cold can be extremely refreshing for your mind. It’s soothing to see the leaves change colors and to observe how nature evolves throughout the different seasons. Zip up your coat, pop in your headphones and take a stroll in your home area. Take advantage of the Daylight-Saving Time and go early in the morning while it’s bright out!
Team member suggestions:
- Did you move recently? Take a walk around your new neighborhood on foot
- Take a walk to wave at a friend that lives nearby
- Explore any trails in your town (don’t let a little snow stop you)
- Take your pets on a walk with you, even if it means buying a cat stroller
4. Keep a gratitude journal
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, seasonal affective disorder exists and people may start to feel “down” when the days get shorter in the fall and winter (also called “winter blues.” A way to combat this is by keeping a gratitude journal, where you start each morning by listing five things you are grateful for. In the beginning, it might feel silly to write it down, but each day you will start to feel the impacts of being more grateful. Remember, there is always something to be grateful for — even if it’s as simple as waking up in the morning. To learn more about how to start a gratitude journal read our blog post, Good Days Start with Gratitude.
Team member suggestions:
- Grab an old notebook, your favorite pens and start bullet journaling
- Need inspiration? Try Pinterest
5. Create an indoor workout routine
If it feels too cold to venture outside, come up with a winter workout routine to do indoors. If you don’t have weights, you can use makeshift weights with jugs of water or milk. Get creative! There are several online workouts that you can do for free, such as Chloe Ting’s free workout program. You can also check out home workout options here.
Team member suggestions:
- Set aside 1 hour every day to try out different at home workout videos on YouTube
- Seriously, YouTube is a great place to find free workout videos
- Create your own circuit with items at home
- Use what you have: dumbbells, cans, stairs, etc.
6. Pick up a book and read
It can be daunting to start a new book, but it also can be one of the most relaxing things to do, especially after a long day. Maybe it’s time to crack open a new novel and just sit back and hear a story based on another life. You could explore and find new book options and best lists on Goodreads.
Team member suggestions:
- Winter in Paradise series by Elin Hilderbrand
- Untamed by Glennon Doyle
7. Check out LinkedIn Learning
If you are looking to expand your career skills and are not sick of your screen yet, try LinkedIn Learning and brush up on a skill that you’ve been meaning to learn for a while. LinkedIn Learning has over 16,000 free and paid courses for people to take in almost every soft and hard skill possible.
8. Learn how to use Canva
Another online skill that is helpful to learn is Canva. Canva is a graphic design platform with several templates for users to utilize. You can create your own cards, posters, and even Instagram stories. Learn more about this platform and get creative with your online presence!
9. Start listening to a new podcast
Check out Spotify or Apple Podcasts to get into the groove of listening to something to start or end your day. There are podcasts created for almost every topic that you could think of, and they can be extremely informative and helpful to listen to. Start getting into a routine of tuning into an episode daily and challenge yourself to learn something new!
Team member suggestions:
- Today Explained by Vox
- The Daily by The New York Times
- Land of the Giants by Recode
- Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard by Armchair Umbrella
- The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos by Pushkin Industries
- The Office Ladies by Earwolf & Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey
- Crime Junkie by Audiochuck
- The Rewatchables by The Ringer & Bill Simmons
- Gilmore Guys by Headgum
10. Learn a new language on DuoLingo
If you have the free time, take advantage of the DuoLingo app and try to pick up a new language! It could be really interesting to learn the culture and language of another country, and it could also excite you to look into places to travel to after the pandemic.
Miscellaneous
Team member suggestions:
- Start a band and live stream your concerts
- Try trapeze
- Put together a puzzle
- Take up crocheting
- Check out a few YouTube videos to learn how