“Winter forms our character and brings out our best,” Tom Allen.

Last year, I wrote a blog post all about ‘How to Romanticize Reading This Winter’. The items in the post are still relevant but I wanted to take things one step further this year. Thus, I am writing this post on how to romanticize your winter, in general.

For many people, especially if you live somewhere with a cold climate like me, winter is a hard time of year – there’s less sunlight, it can be tough financially, it’s cold, and it can be hard to stay motivated.

There is, however, a beautiful magic within the stillness of the season, the sounds, and the ambiance. With that said, here are some ways you can romanticize the winter season.

Go on a Walk

I know what you’re thinking … I just said that winter is cold, why am I now suggesting that you go on a walk?

Getting fresh air is important year-round and planning to go on a walk, even if it’s to a bookstore or to get a cup of tea, will give you a good reason to get outside. Aside from this though, there is a lot of beauty outdoors during winter – freshly fallen snow, seeing animal tracks in the snow, listening to the wind, listening to the stillness and basking in the calmness.

Winter walks can be made even better if you find that sweet time when you know a walk will make you the happiest. For me, it’s after dinner when the only light is provided by the snow, moon, and streetlights.

Practice Journaling

Whether it be journaling your thoughts, what you’re grateful for, a to-do list, etc., there is something so special about journaling in general but especially in the winter.

Take this to the next level and make an event out of it – light a candle, make a delicious meal, get a cozy blanket, turn your favourite movie on.

Change Up Your Routines

During the spring and summer, I stay up later than I do in the fall and winter. As a result, I change up my morning and night routines accordingly. Now, I’m not saying to become a morning person if you’re not (or vice versa), however, I am saying to analyze your current routines so you can make the most out of your day.

Perhaps that 6 am run you loved in the summer isn’t as feasible in the winter. That’s okay, don’t be too hard on yourself! Maybe yoga or an at home workout would be more manageable?

Give Yourself Something to Look Forward to

I’ll admit that we’ve fallen out of the routine now, but a few years ago my mom and I started doing at-home yoga together every evening during the winter. I can’t remember why we initially started, but I do know that it quickly became something I looked forward to everyday, and having something to look forward to made some of those tough winter days a little bit easier.

Treat Yourself

Treating yourself doesn’t have to mean going out to eat or buying yourself something expensive. If that’s what you want to do than by all means, go ahead … I just know that for many people, myself included, winter can be tough financially, especially after the holidays! Here are a few ways I like to treat myself during the winter.

• Planning and having a cozy reading day (or evening) complete with hot chocolate, candles, and relaxing music
• Watching a nostalgic movie that reminds me of my childhood
• Having an at-home spa night
• Making a comfort meal (for me that’s usually some type of soup)
• Trying a new cookie recipe (or bake an old classic)

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