This week You! has curated a list filled with cold-weather activities and fun things to do to take full advantage of the magnificent winters…
winter time
Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire.” The sunshine has mostly disappeared and the leaves have fallen off the trees, which can only mean that winter is definitely closing in. When winter comes around, especially during December, most of us crave the comforts of our warm and toasty homes. The winter months can be long, dark, and boring. The cold weather and short days can lead to unhealthy habits, like overeating, spending too much time on the internet, or sleeping too much. Instead of just hiding out under the covers at home and the beach weather to return, put on your winter shawls and take advantage of the change of season. Now, with the Covid situation finally calming down, there are quite a few activities for everyone to do instead of simply sitting at home. This week You! has curated a list filled with cold-weather activities and fun things to do to take full advantage of the magnificent winters…
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup on a cold winter day. So whip up one of your favourites and enjoy it with some crusty bread.
While winter camping requires more gear than it does in warm weather, getting outdoors has its own rewards any time of year. Think sipping hot coffee by a roaring fire, cooking yummy camping meals and cuddling with your main squeeze for warmth.
Turn off your devices and gather around a game board for some old-school fun: No electricity required. Teach the kids a classic or try a new release for brain-boosting benefits that don't feel like work.
Aromatherapy has great benefits for your mood, and makes your house smell wonderful. Many candles come at an affordable price point, so you don’t have to shell out much for comfort. Lighting a nice candle adds an air of hominess to your space too.
Make yourself a cup of tea, grab a comfy blanket and cosy up with a good book. Escaping into another world feels especially great when the weather outside gets frightful.
Nothing warms you up quite like a steaming mug of hot cocoa. Turn it into an activity by setting up a hot cocoa bar with mini marshmallows, candy canes, chocolate shavings and your favourite candies for topping.
Have you been trying to get yourself into shape for years now? Well, take advantage of the coming winter season, and stick to a regular workout routine. It doesn’t have to be a really difficult or challenging one. YouTube is filled to the brim with workout videos and channels, making it easy to work out for free at home. With workout styles varying from yoga and Pilates to dancing, weight lifting and even boxing, you are bound to find a fit for your fitness routine.
Let’s face it—we tend to get stuck in our same restaurant routines. eating at the same handful of places. Break out of that routine and try something new! Karachi has new and unique restaurants popping up every day. It could be a place similar to your favourite place, or an entirely different cuisine that you have never tried before.
Have an indoor picnic
Picnics aren’t just for the outdoors — clear a space on your living room floor and recreate a memorable dining experience. You can even pack a traditional wicker basket with your favourite picnic foods and enjoy the feast without going too far. If you want to set up an Instagrammable picnic, a cute red checker picnic basket makes for a good one.
Grab your sneakers, bundle up and take a walk. Getting out into the fresh air will lift your spirits, even in the cold weather. Make sure you have shoes with enough tread to keep you steady, and check the weather ahead of time for safety.
Some days just call for TV. Turn it into an event by popping a big bowl of popcorn or gathering a slew of snacks, putting on your pj’s (even in the daytime!) and leaning in to a movie marathon. Pick a theme, watch your favourite actor's whole repertoire, or let each family member take a turn choosing the next flick.
Cold winter air outside and artificially heated air inside can all dry out your skin, so your face will thank you for giving it some pampering. Wear a sheet mask or you can even look up DIY face masks and have fun with it.
Winter makes a great time to do some home improvement, since you're probably spending more time inside anyway. Take the opportunity to tackle that project you’ve
been putting off, refresh a room with a new coat of paint, or just rearrange some furniture to freshen things up.
Shake off those winter blues by turning on the tunes, cranking it up loud, and getting your groove on. Dancing can get your endorphins flowing, even if you have two left feet. Try turning on a dance tutorial, if you want to get even more out of it.
For beginner knitters, scarves make easy projects and can be worn in a variety of ways to cover up any silly mistakes. Plus, those who master the art, won’t ever need to buy Christmas presents again! You can find several different How-To videos on YouTube.
Random acts of kindness are some of the most fulfilling and most humane and human things you could ever do. Especially when it is done for a complete stranger.
• Donate some food.
• Go to an animal orphanage and help out for the day.
• Donate warm clothes or blankets to the needy.
The possibilities are endless.
