Photo by Bohdan Bevz.
This is the time of year when all living things rest and replenish. It’s a pattern as ancient as life itself, and we’re better off if we don’t try to fight it too hard. Cut yourself a bit of slack. Be kind to your body and mind. In just a few weeks, the days will start getting longer again, and if you pay attention to the planet’s rhythm during this dark and chilly time, you can emerge refreshed and ready for rebirth.
Meanwhile, there are tactics that will help you not simply survive, but thrive, gracefully and happily. Here are some tips that will help you thrive and enjoy.
Photo by Konstantin Yuganov.
lighten
• Layer up and get outside for a walk in the morning or at midday, when the sunshine is at its peak.
• Raise the shades, throw the curtains wide.
• Make yourself a comfy spot to sit outside, preferably in the sunshine and out of the wind; dress up warm and get out there with your coffee, tea, or cocoa.
• Consider new lighting options for the spaces you use the most—full-spectrum daylight bulbs can make a big difference.
• If you struggle with your mood this time of year, consider a light therapy lamp or box.
Photo by Mikhail Nilov.
Photo by Nico Wagemans.
Photo by Alexy Almond.
Photo by Taylor Heery.
Move Around
• Take a walk around the block or down the rail trail. Bring your camera
and capture the stark or snowy scenery. It can be especially wonderful
while the snow is actually falling. Look straight up. Try catching
some on your tongue.
• Consider checking out a movement modality: yoga, Pilates, tai chi
walking. Do it because it feels good; don’t fret about fitness resolutions
or the ultimate beach bod.
• Feeling blah? Crank up your favorite jam and dance in the living room.
• If you work sitting down, whether at a desk or behind the wheel, take
a break every hour or two and move. March in place, swing your arms
around, dance. Do a couple of stretches.
Heat It Up
• Take a sauna, visit a steam room, book a hot stone massage.
• Dip into a heated pool.
• Find yourself a hot tub or draw yourself a warm bath at home.
• After you’ve finished your day’s obligations, take a hot shower and slip into a cozy robe with a cup of tea.
soothe your Aches
Photo by Engin Akyurt.
• It’s the perfect time of year to treat yourself to a wellness experience. We’re incredibly lucky in the Hudson Valley to have a broad and deep selection: acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy, reflexology, and more.
• Soothe your face: get a facial or a mudpack; try out a lymph brush.
• Try something new and different: floatation, infrared healing, time in a salt cave—our culture may consider these “alternative” practices, but thousands of years and thousands of reviewers swear by them.
• Stock your pantry and fridge with good wintry things that are rich in vitamins, protein, and fiber. Break out the crockpot and make yourself a soup or a stew that you can nosh on more than once; it’ll only get better as the flavors mingle.
nest and rest
Photo by Liudmyla Honcharova.
Photo by Tanaphong Toochinda.
• Treat yourself to something for the house that will make you happy when you touch it. Cozy throw? Fresh pillows? New storage solution of some sort? (Sorting things that bring back memories can be a lovely and productive way to spend a long evening.)
• Get into a craft. YouTube is a wonderful source of instructional, inspirational videos about almost anything, and working with fabric, yarn, paint, or glitter can be wonderful fun.
Photo by David Lezcano.
Photo by Paulo Prado.
• Pick up a book. Reading a book is relaxing to your mind and your eyes in a way that screen time can’t possibly equal, and we have some great local booksellers who’d love to find you the perfect choice.
• Do some journaling. Write your dreams, either the ones you had last night or the ones you’d like to see come true, or both. If there’s something bugging you, try sorting it out on paper.
• Make plans. Plan your garden. Plan a trip. Plan a renovation of that part of the house you’re tired of. Planning ahead can make the long nights pass faster; before you know it, it’s time to get ready!
gather
Photo by Daniel Frese.
• Check your local media for something fun to do—a play, some music, a meeting or talk that focuses on a cause you support.
• Plan a game night with a friend or three. Old-school board games or cards were beloved for a reason—they’re fun!
• Have a movie night and share an all-time favorite or something cool and new over snacks and beverages.
• Meet some friends for some sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, or just a winter wonderland wander. (See our story on outdoor activities.) Follow up with a meal together, either at home or in one of our cozy restaurants.
