November might seem like a long and dreary month but there’s more to like than you might think
We love hearing from our readers and we’re lucky that many of you choose to email or DM us regularly to tell us what you love or would like to see more of in the print publication and online.
This month, we received an email from a lady named Anita in Meath who shared some of her top tips for bringing more joy into her life in the gloomy months of winter. We loved her list and wanted to share the main ones with you – along with a few of our own!
Invest in a weather-proof wardrobe
We need light and fresh air more than ever in the winter months. So, in the interest of enjoying the outdoors, whatever the season, it’s vital that you have the right clothing to suit the situation. There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad preparation! (Well, that might be pushing it but you know what we mean.) If you’re not sure where to start, check out our style section for recommendations and excellent Irish brands.
Use the good candles
If you’re guilty of holding on to your fancy candles for a special occasion or when you have guests, we’re here to tell you that you’re worth the wick. Light it up the next time you have a few hours to relax in front of the fire or a good movie and take a few deep breaths. You’ll be so glad you did!
Lean in to the darker evenings
To quote LeAnn Rimes, you can’t fight the moonlight, and the sooner you accept that it’s going to be dark at 5pm, the better off you’ll be. Set your alarm a half an hour earlier and try to get as many jobs done as possible before dusk appears. This becomes even more pertinent when you have dogs to walk – if you can only do it after 6pm, we recommend getting a high-vis waistcoat for yourself and an LED collar for your pet!
Make memories
You don’t have to be going on an exciting trip or far-flung location to experience something worth documenting, either through a photo, video or journal entry. If you can’t travel far, find things to do in your local area that you’ve never done before or haven’t done since you were small. There are little moments of joy in every day.
Chat more
This isn’t an easy one for introverts but it’s one that can be so rewarding! During the cold weather, our aim is usually to get from A to B as quickly as possible without getting cold or wet. However, if it’s a bright, crisp day and you have the time, stopping for a chat with a neighbour, the postman or someone you meet while walking the dog. Nine times out of ten, it will leave you feeling better than had before and you never know, it might be the only time they speak to someone that day.
Embrace warm and hearty meals
Winter is the season for layers – tights, boots, scarves, Aran knits. While we’re not suggesting you totally change your eating habits or consume a load of calorific stodge, this is definitely the time to appreciate home-cooked or beautifully prepared warming dishes like lasagne, shepherd’s pie, beef and Guinness stew, winter berry crumble and of course, turkey and ham. Check out our food section for lots of inspiration.
Create a cosy custom
Whether it’s baking your favourite cookies, taking an hour to have a hot chocolate in your local café with a pal or listening to a playlist of comforting classics as you make dinner, do something for yourself that’s new to your daily routine and brings you joy.
Schedule some reading time
Many of us want to read more – and there’s certainly no dearth of exceptional books available – but we let the busy-ness of life and the convenience of streaming TV side track us on a regular basis. Not this winter. There’s literally nothing better than curling up in a warm room with a great book while the rain hammers on the window outside. Add your favourite snack or beverage to the mix and you’ve got the perfect evening.
Make a plan
If you’re dreading the long winter ahead, take a look at your calendar and plan some fun days out for yourself. It could be as simple as a trip to the cinema or visiting a Christmas market, meeting up with a family member to shop the sales or booking an arts and crafts class that you’ve always wanted to try.
