We've had a run of cold weather this year, already having nearly six days of snow. I'm a huge fan of the snow, but I also really like to stay warm. It's a fine line between the happiness that comes with looking at an incredible snowy landscape, and being cold when you get up in the morning. I have been thinking about how to stay happy in winter, and these are the top six tips I came up with.
#1 Be kind to yourself
January is a time when so many people go on diets or start a new exercise regime. It's not the time of year when you need to be harsh on yourself. Yes, you might (if you're like me), have put on a bit of weight over Christmas, but winter is a miserable time to be hard on yourself. For me personally, I have enjoyed getting back into a gentle routine of exercise, but this is part of me being kind to myself. I guess what I am trying to say is not to be hard on yourself unnecessarily.
#2 Read
Make time to read. I find that reading makes me feel calmer. For the past couple of years, I have made a huge effort to read more and I love how much a book can make an impact on how you feel. It's amazing being transported into a new world and using your imagination. I always have a pile of books waiting to be read, and I love to snuggle under a blanket, with a cup of tea, or even a glass of wine, and immerse myself into a book.
A cup of tea might not sound like a treat, but when you make sure you don't do anything else whilst you have that cup of tea, then it really is a treat. Pick a time in the day when no-one else is going to be around, so you know you won't be disturbed, and simply enjoy ten minutes peace and quiet. Perhaps use the time to meditate or just simply concentrate on your breathing.
Sitting in front of a fire is one of my favourite things to do in winter and it really helps me to stay happy. It keeps me nice and warm and ensures that when I've been out and about, I know I can warm up when I get home. An electric fire or radiator does the job just as well! To keep my feet warm, these Heat Holders lounge socks are absolutely amazing. They have a non-slip grip on the bottom and keep my feet toasty warm.
#5 Eat food that makes you happy
January and February can be miserable, cold months, so going on a diet isn't likely to help much. Eat food that makes you happy, but eat it in moderation if it's not particularly good for you. Fresh vegetables or chestnuts are a lovely treat in winter. If you're feeling indulgent, you could dip them in some cheese fondue too.
#6 Snuggle under a blanket
Snuggling under a blanket is what winter is made for. Heat Holders make the most fantastic blankets. Their luxury fleece blankets are the softest I have ever felt, and even better, they have a 1.7 tog rating. They are huge, so they're perfect for sitting on the sofa and snuggling up. We often use ours to sit on the sofa under when we are watching TV at night. It's nice to be able to keep warm without having to light the fire.
I hope you enjoy these tips and I am going to try and make sure I take my own advice and stick to them too. What would your top tip for staying happy in winter be?
