10 Cosy Fall and Winter Activities

I often get an excited feeling around this time of year, Fall usually has this air of “new beginning” about it. But that feeling soon dissolves as the temperatures drop and the days get shorter and darker. Before I know it, I feel like this cold and dark period is never going to end. So to save myself, and hopefully you too, here’s a list of cosy fall and winter activities destined to be your remedy these next couple of months.

1. Read All the Books

This is the perfect time of year to catch up on all those books you’ve got on your “Want to read”-shelf on Goodreads. My list currently includes Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, The Brain that Changes Itself by Norman Doidge, Rising Strong by Brené Brown, How Yoga Works by Michael Roach, and Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthews.

2. Watch TED Talks

TED talks are a wonderful thing. And what better way to spend your down time than listening to something that’ll potentially inspire you to do more good in the world? There’s a great filter on the TED site, allowing you to find talks based on what type of talk you’d like to listen to (funny, fascinating, inspiring, courageous etc.) and how much time you have (from 5 minutes up to 60 minutes). I’ve currently got this TED talk by Brené Brown on my list. And as soon as it’s released you know I’ll be all over that TEDxAruba talk with Rachel Brathen (aka Yoga Girl).

3. Listen to Podcasts

I got really into listening to podcasts last Spring. It’s a great way to pass time on your commute to and from school or work, especially when it’s so dark outside that your normal scenic route is just a wall of darkness. I wrote a post on my favorite podcasts and episodes a while back, check that out for inspiration on where to start.

4. Fall in Love with Yoga

I am a strong advocate for doing yoga any time, anywhere, and for any reason. Yoga isn’t necessarily an activity that’s specific to Fall and Winter, but it is convenient in that it can be done at home (so you don’t have to go out in the cold). If you want guidance you can find a ton of videos on YouTube guiding you through a flow. oneOeight is also a good place to get a ton of great yoga videos as well as meditation and coaching videos. Another option is to take a class at a local studio, that’ll give you something to look forward to every week! I can recommend Bikram yoga if you’re feeling extra cold during this time of year, it’s guaranteed to defrost you.

5. Grab a Spatula and Try a New Recipe

Try a new recipe, bake your own bread, get into raw food, try some vegan recipes, get organised and make lunch boxes every week. Baking and cooking is a perfect indoor activity that is both fun and good for you!

6. Catch Up on Tv-series and Movies

If there’s ever a time for catching up on TV-series and movies (or going to the movie theatre) it’s during this cold and stormy season. We just finished watching Mr.Robot and I can highly recommend it! If you haven’t seen it yet, first of all: I’m so jealous of you. Second: who are you? Get on it!

7. Enjoy “You” Time

This season is all about getting cosy, so candles are kind of a given. Set the perfect scene for journaling by surrounding yourself with your favorite scented candles, blanket, pillows, and gems. Jot down your intentions for the week or month to come, write down your dreams or favorite quotes. I also like to write a letter to my future self via Futureme.org. I set it to be sent to myself a couple of months or a year in the future. It’s a great way to be reminded of what your intentions, dreams, and ambitions are – and to keep at them.

8. Take long baths

I tend to be very cold, the type of cold that feels like it’s seeping all the way into your bones. Some days I get so cold that the only thing that can save me is a warm bath. And we all know a bath must be accompanied by candles and a bath bomb or some oil, for that extra little bit of TLC. Go on, you deserve it.

9. Clean and organize your home and life

Let’s be honest, you’re just sitting around cooped up at home anyway, so you might as well make good use of all that time you’re spending inside. Get some cleaning and organising done! Go through your wardrobe and shelves, donate whatever you’re not using to charity. Clear things out and declutter, organize summer clothes into boxes and store it away for next season. Read about living a minimalistic lifestyle and then work towards decluttering your home and life. Notice how little stuff you actually need, and how much you have!

10. Drink and eat pumpkin spice everything

The second fall hits, you know it’s coming: The pumpkin spice craze. Don’t even bother trying to resist those pumpkin spice lattes. It’s fall, it’s cold, and this warm milky cinnamon brew is here to give you a warm hug and tell you everything is going to be okay. So embrace it, saviour every sip of it. Oh, and forget about Starbucks – make your own syrup and brew your own cup at home.