Written by Emma D'Arcy
Long walks along a windswept beach, baked Camembert with a bottle of Pinot Noir, cozying up on the sofa adorned with blankets in comfy warm socks with a novel – when I picture the scene, I really begin to look forward to wintertime.
After the spooky fun of Halloween with pumpkin carving and creating stand-out costumes (the more imaginative and outrageous, the better) winter has well and truly arrived at our doorsteps with the crunchy golden autumnal leaves. Leaving the house and arriving home in the dark, it can be a challenge to get motivated and feel good sometimes in the winter months, when all you want to do is hibernate! But, when the clocks change and the temperatures drop, it’s time to wrap up, get cozy and make the most of this time of year.
One of my favourite things to do in the winter – even when it’s chilly outside – is to embrace the cold weather, wrap up warm, and head outside to appreciate nature – either for an exhilarating hike or gentle winter stroll – so I feel good inside. Being close to nature and enjoying the great outdoors always raises the spirits and releases those feel good hormones. Whatever sport or exercise you prefer, making time for it (even when you’d understandably rather stay in doors!) is always worth it for the feel good factor.
The best bit about getting outside and exercising is heading home with rosy cheeks, glowing from the inside out, returning to the warmth for a hot mug of your favourite comforting drink, or a glass of something stronger! At this time of year, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to indoor relaxation, dining and entertainment. This year, in the run-up to Thanksgiving and Christmas, we’ll be able to take full advantage of the cultural calendar as restaurants, theatres, galleries, and shops reopen their doors for the festive season once again.
From inviting country pubs to visiting family or festively decorated hotels, there’s nothing like walking inside from a winter night into a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Roaring log fires, scented candles, soothing baths and cozy sofas to curl up on – in recent years the world has taken inspiration from hygge, the Danish concept that describes cozy feelings of warmth, contentment and wellness. Think of time spent alone appreciating indulgent moments by yourself curled up with a book whilst it pours down outside, or enjoying the good things in life with loved ones, like a hearty homemade meal in excellent company – it’s a combination of those warm feelings of contentment and wellness associated with the season. Bringing a little hygge-style warmth and contentment to your lifestyle doesn’t require major changes either. It’s often the little touches that bring moments of happiness to our everyday lives, whether it’s adding cozy velvet throws or blankets to your living room, or introducing yin yoga to your winter mornings, there are some simple adjustments you can make to your lifestyle inspired by this popular Scandinavian concept.
With that in mind, it’s worth jotting down all of the fun winter activities, recommendations, ideas and recipes you’d like to enjoy this year, whilst introducing some of those hygge-style touches that bring a little seasonal contentment into your home and lifestyle, so you’re ready to embrace the season and what makes it so special, in style.
