With the frigid temperatures rolling in, your hiking boots have probably already gone into hibernation for the season. And after the novelty of the snow falling outside begins to wear off, you might realize that you miss those summer hikes — and picnics, and barbecues, and rooftop happy hours. Don’t panic. You can still enjoy the chilly months as long as you’re ready to get creative. Here are a few hobbies you can try this winter when cabin fever starts to set in!
- Practice Yoga in Your Living Room
When balmy summer temperatures lure you outdoors every weekend, some other elements of your workout routine might fall by the wayside, such as yoga. With its ability to warm the body and calm the mind, yoga is the perfect winter sport. Plus, you can do it right in your living room with a video pulled up on Hulu or YouTube — there’s really not a lot of prior experience necessary. Bonus points if you conduct your yoga session with seasonally scented candles flickering.
- Try out a Few New Pinterest Recipes
Do you have a backlog of dozens of Pinterest recipes that you’ve yet to actually try? Now’s the time. Dust off that crockpot and start cooking. Task yourself with learning a new recipe each week, perhaps attempting something outside of your comfort zone. You might try to use a new ingredient with each recipe or craft cuisine from different countries around the world. An added perk of taking up cooking for the winter is that you’ll save some dough (the money kind, not the cooking kind!) by cutting back on buying meals.
- Head to the Ski Slopes
Just because it’s chilly outside doesn’t mean your new hobby necessarily has to happen indoors. With the proper gear, you can still enjoy outdoor endeavors all season long. Has it been a few years since you’ve laced up a pair of ice skates? Make a plan to visit ice-skating rinks around your city this year. Do you regret never becoming a ski bunny? It’s not too late. Plan a ski trip to a nearby resort and drink in that fresh mountain air as you learn how to conquer the slopes.
If you’ve never skied before though, you’ll want to be very careful starting out, as this sport can be dangerous. This is one that you might want to bring an experienced friend along for — or hit up the cute ski instructor at the resort.
- Take up Knitting
If skiing sounds a bit too adventurous for you, maybe curling up on the couch is more in your wheelhouse. While you do, you can still test out a new hobby: knitting. This year, you can be the friend who handcrafts holiday gifts for your entire squad.
Start by rounding up all of your supplies at a local craft store (feel free to ask an employee for help finding the must-haves). Then head home and put on a pot of tea or whip up a cup of hot cocoa. Finally, settle onto your couch with a YouTube tutorial to help you get started with a small project, like a scarf or a potholder. You’ll have all winter to work your way up to crafting a cozy blanket.
- Play a Board Game
Do you have fond memories of gathering in the living room around the Monopoly board as a family while snowflakes fell outside? It’s easy enough to recreate this childhood memory using more contemporary entertainment. Plan a game night with your significant other or a group of friends, and enlist a mix of old-school and new-age games.
You might want to break out the Monopoly board and Chutes and Ladders, but don’t forget to bring some new fun with games like “What Do You Meme?” and “Cards Against Humanity.” Bonus activity: learn how to make eggnog or another festive adult beverage and then make whatever game you’re playing a fun drinking game.
Winter doesn’t have to be desolate! Go forth and find a new hobby. Even if it doesn’t stick, I guarantee you’ll feel more productive. With a bit of creativity and a willingness to try new things, your lineup of “downtime” activities can be just as jam-packed and fun as your summertime schedule.
Featured Image via Pexels.
