In the last blog post, I suggested 5 outdoor activities to spark enthusiasm for the season of winter. However, when you are finished outside, you might want something fun to look forward to so you don’t spend another evening fighting to stay awake.
Winter affords us the opportunity to take advantage of the darkness and set a mood of relaxation among our activities. Let’s explore 5 indoor activities that can light up our winter days.
INDOOR ACTIVITY #1:
READ A BOOK
This is one of my favorite activities no matter what the season. By reading, you can escape into someone else’s world, learn a new skill, find poetry, explore new recipes, or learn about an event or someone in history. The choices are endless. In today’s world of constant digital bombardment, reading a book can be a welcome diversion. With so many genres to choose from, you should be able to find something that will spark your interest. You don’t even have to go out and spend a bunch of money on books to read; simply pay a visit to your local library. It is a great place to explore, find a book that will interest you and perhaps even locate a cozy nook where you can get acquainted with your new adventure. Other often missed places to search for a new story that you can keep is a library book sale or a local thrift store. The choices are wide and you might even score a great deal in the process. While reading, you can enhance the mood even further by lighting your favorite scented candle and curling up with a cozy blanket. During the holidays, I love to sit and read by the light of the Christmas tree. All of these options can make for a great evening of reading or escape if you will.
INDOOR ACTIVITY #2:
DO A PUZZLE
How many of us can remember doing puzzles as a child with our parents? Secretly, we were learning how to problem solve, but more importantly it was exciting to see the picture unfold as the pieces started to come together. As an adult, I love to spend hours sitting by a puzzle as I watch the picture come to light. There are so many fun designs available and many different sizes of puzzles. If you are looking for a puzzle that will not take quite as long to complete, you could go for a 100 or even a 300 piece. Wanting it to be a bit more of a challenge, search out the 500+ pieces. My sister and I love to puzzle together. We will drop in by each other and spend an hour or perhaps an afternoon sitting and doing the puzzle. Another added benefit is we get to spend time together enjoying each other’s company. Hours slip away as we puzzle together. That’s the great thing about doing a puzzle, it can be a solitary adventure or an activity that you share with someone; you get to choose. Happy puzzling.
INDOOR ACTIVITY #3:
TAKE AN EXERCISE CLASS
I love to exercise. Some of you might be thinking, “Are you crazy?”, but if you keep an open mind, I might even change yours. There are so many different options for exercise that there is surely something for everyone. If you like low impact, a few options are Yoga, Pilates, Pound, Barre and PiYo (a combination of Pilates and Yoga). If you prefer to strength train, Body Pump, CX Worx or others with resistance bands and weights might be the ticket. Being a cardio exercise fan could lead you to a spin class, aerobics, circuit training or swimming. The benefit of exercising in a group setting first and foremost makes you accountable to attending. Studies have shown that when you are in a group setting, more endorphins are released which is the “feel good hormone” in your body. This not only helps you mentally, but also physically. You may even find other people that you enjoy spending time with. If you haven’t done much exercise before or if you are looking for something different, I encourage you to try something totally new. About a 1- ½ years ago, I tried a short month-long class of Body Pump. It was something I had never tried before, and I discovered I absolutely loved it. I found something that has changed my life in so many ways. I am physically and mentally stronger besides finding so many great people that I would have never met before. Don’t hesitate—try a group class today.
INDOOR ACTIVITY #4:
FIND A NEW RECIPE TO MAKE
Whether you are an avid cook or just a newbie, cooking is a great way to spend an evening. Perhaps you like to bake more than cook, try to find a new cookie, bread or cake recipe. There is fun in sharing your new treat with family or friends. If you like to cook, maybe making a dinner around a certain theme or perhaps you have perused a recipe book and found a dish that sounds like a sure winner. If you normally cook for one, invite family or friends to join you in this adventure. Food always tastes better when shared with others. You never know, you might find something worth keeping and sharing.
INDOOR ACTIVITY #5:
DO A CRAFT OR LEARN A NEW SKILL
Pinterest is a great place to start to find something that might be of interest to you. Many links on Pinterest will take you to websites that show you how to make a particular craft or project. All you need to do is visit your local craft store or order online to find the supplies that you might need. Community Education programs or an Art Center also offer a menagerie of classes to choose from where you could learn a craft. It might be an introduction to a new skill that you can continue to perfect over time or it might be a one-day class where you will walk home with a completed project. Not only will you have fun doing a project, but you can enjoy the company of others who are learning just like you. It’s a great way to spend a day or evening doing something out of the ordinary. You never know, you might even find a new hobby in the process.
So, this winter, try a few of these options. Your week might even turn into something exciting instead of mundane. Before you know it, you might actually be looking forward to your winter days and evenings.