The Danish have got it down pat—all you need to survive winter are the five elements of Hygge: warmth, togetherness, simplicity, comfort food and nature. But don’t stop there. Add one or all of the following to your family’s fall to-do list and you’ll find the darkening winter days all that much brighter!
Create a cozy winter atmosphere
Make your home a warm and inviting space by adding cozy touches. Use soft blankets, warm lighting and scented candles to create a warm and comfortable ambiance. Read books together, play board games or watch movies in your winter cocoon.
Embrace winter activities
Take advantage of winter-specific activities. Depending upon where you live and what’s close at hand, consider ice skating, sledding, skiing or even puddle jumping! Not only do these pursuits provide exercise but they also create lasting memories.
Set goals and plan projects
Why wait for New Year’s Eve?! Use the winter as an opportunity for personal and family growth. Set individual and collective goals or embark on projects that align with your family’s interests. Learn a new skill, plan a trip or work on a hobby together.
Stay physically active
Encourage your family to engage in physical activities regularly, even during the colder months. Indoor activities like dancing, yoga or home workouts can be fun and keep everyone fit.
Eat nutritious food
Eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Seasonal produce can be a great addition to your winter meals. Experiment with cooking hearty and healthy winter recipes. And cook together—not only is this a way of teaching healthy eating habits, but it’s fun, too!
Stay hydrated
It’s easy to forget to drink enough water in colder weather but staying hydrated is just as important now as it is in summer. Herbal teas or hot water with lemon are options as is an occasional mug of hot chocolate!
Get enough sleep
Keep a consistent sleep schedule for everyone in the family. A good night’s sleep is as important to kids as a winter’s hibernation is to bears! Head to bed a little early and snuggle up to read.
Practice good hygiene
Encourage regular handwashing and personal hygiene to prevent the spread of illness, especially during flu and cold season.
Bundle up for the winter
Dress appropriately for the weather. Layers can help regulate body temperature, and don’t forget to wear hats, gloves and scarves to protect against the cold.
Get enough Vitamin D
Since there’s less sunlight in the winter, think about talking to your doctor about taking vitamin D supplements. This can help with mood and overall health.
Take care of your mental health
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a real thing and can have a huge impact on mental health. Consider light therapy lamps and encourage kids to talk about and express their feelings and emotions.
Plan fun indoor activities
To help combat boredom and cabin fever, make a list of your family’s favourite indoor activities and games that you can enjoy together.
Stay connected over the winner
Keep connections with friends and family, even if it’s through video calls. Social interaction is essential for mental well-being. Host a potluck or a movie night.
Keep active minds
Have reading, puzzles and educational activities on hand to keep everyone’s minds busy during the winter.
Remember winter specific safety
Have an emergency kit, including blankets, flashlights and non-perishable food, in case of power outages or extreme conditions.
Practice gratitude
Encourage a sense of gratitude by sharing things you’re grateful for each day. At dinner time or before bed, have kids list three things that happened in the day that made them feel grateful.
Volunteer for winter activities
Giving back to the community through volunteering can be a fulfilling way to spend the winter and teach children the value of helping others.
Plan for winter holidays
If you celebrate holidays during the winter, start planning early to reduce stress. Consider simplified and meaningful celebrations. And make gifts or exchange experiences instead of buying more stuff.
