Winter Post Christmas: Surviving The Most Difficult Time Of Year

Let’s face it: the period we’re in right now is nobody’s favorite. Arguably, the most wonderful time of the year is followed with the worst time of year. January and February – winter in full swing, cold & miserable weather, Christmas markets vanished. All of a sudden, the chill in the air we longed for during December is not so longed for anymore. I find it is usually the time people complain the most. When we start to crave some warmth and sunshine. But alas, it’s going to be a good couple of months until the weather starts to lighten and brighten – at least here in Germany. So today, I wanted to put together a post dedicated to mid winter – and how to embrace this time of year!

Stop thinking of winter as the worst time ever!

The first thing we should all do is change out mindset about winter. Unless you’re moving to the south of Spain or L.A. anytime soon, chances are you’ll have to endure another winter next year. And the year after. They are likely not going to go anywhere, and you’re not able to change that. What you can change however is how you think and feel about, as well as approach this time of year. If you focus on the negative, it will stand out. Meaning: if you focus on the cold and wet weather, it will likely bother you more. Instead, focus on the wonderful things mid winter has to offer!

Make life easier for yourself

I know that getting up and dressed early in the morning can be a real struggle in the winter months. It’s usually pitch black outside, and the sun won’t rise for a good couple of hours. Not the most inviting of times! To make winter life a little easier, try using a sunrise alarm clock. You have probably heard of them: they light up gradually for about an hour or so before you have to wake up. It imitates the rise of the sun and the gradual increase of light, waking our bodies up naturally. That way, getting up in the mornings can feel a lot easier!

Another great hack to do during the dark winter months, when you’re struggling to get going in the mornings, is to lay out your outfit the night before. You can even plan your outfits for the entire week, if that works better for you. Or, you can put together some outfit uniforms – bits and pieces of clothing in your wardrobe that will always go together. That way you don’t have to think too much about what to wear early in the morning, and maybe get to sleep a few minutes longer. Win-win!

Start a DIY-project or find a new hobby

During winter we naturally gravitate indoors, as the weather outside tends to be cold, grey, wet – simply miserable. But being stuck indoors all day can get old very quickly. So why not try something new? Give that hobby you have always wanted to try a go! It could be anything from creative work such as painting or knitting, to learning a new language or trying a new recipe. That DIY-project you have been putting up for ages? Now is the perfect time to get to it! Just because we’re stuck inside doesn’t mean it can’t be fun!

Get outside anyway

In a recent post, I wrote about my gratitude for this time of year. But to be fair, it’s easy to be grateful for a sunny winter’s day. What’s much harder is to appreciate the cold season when it’s raining outside. I am, however, a firm believer, that there is no such thing as bad weather. You’re simply wearing the wrong attire! And believe me when I say this, because I cycle to work most days and actually have to go outside as part of my job, too. So a good winter jacket and winter shoes/boots are absolutely essential! They can be expensive, but if you invest in good quality attire, it’s going to last you forever. Plus, if it makes getting outdoors that much more easy or even enjoyable for you, it is well worth the money in my opinion! Being outside, in nature, getting a little bit of natural light on your face, can do wonders for the soul. So bundle up and go!

Cozy up & hibernate

Winter is also the perfect time to recharge. Now that Christmas is over, the hustle and bustle has died down, it is time to curl up on the sofa and binge read your favorite blog. Or book. Or perhaps, you prefer to binge watch a show. I usually don’t watch a lot of TV/shows during the summer months – I actually save them to enjoy during this time of year. And I actually make an effort to still make my home feel super cosy, even with all the Christmas lights and decor gone. Light some candles, spritz your favorite homemade air freshener and wrap up into a woolly blanket. If you’re lucky enough to have a fire place, lighting that of course is the definition of cozy and I am very jealous of you!

The Mid-Winter Bucket List

Those are just a few ideas to help you get through winter. I’ve also created a bit of a winter bucket list below, so feel free to save it, add your own things to it, and start ticking away! Do make sure though that you let me in on how you are getting through this time of year.