Five Ways to Stay Cozy This Winter

By Meghan Leigh

Recently, I bought a new puffer coat – the kind that zips all the way down to my knees.  As I admired my poofy silhouette in the store mirror, my mind wandered off to all the ways we keep ourselves cozy in this dusky season.  As we slowly shift from the bluster of Autumn into the extended chill of Winter, those comfy commodities become ever more important.  And although not everybody will be fighting the same Wisconsin blizzards as me, we can all use a boost of warmth once in a while.

Here are some of my favorite ways to heat up your body, mind, and soul!

1. Get Steamy

We’re starting with a classic: treat yourself to a nice long bath or shower.  I don’t mean the daily “get the grime off” arrangement.  I’m suggesting to soak with intention.  Find the essential oils you got from your mom.  Dig out that bath bomb you bought months ago & have been forgetting about.  If your Epsom salts are anything like mine, they’ve turned into a brick of sadness from neglect.  It’s time we turn our attention to a little pampering.  Put it on your schedule.  Don’t have time until next week Tuesday?  Great!  Write “spa night” on your calendar and make it an unbreakable date with yourself.  Just knowing that you’ve got a toasty evening planned will give you something to look forward to in the meantime.  

2. Turn Up the Heat in the Kitchen

Bring heat into your home by baking something tasty.  One of the quickest ways to feel both snug and satiated is to make yourself a nice loaf of bread or a tray of cookies.  And nobody says you have to be a professional who makes everything from scratch.  Your local grocery store is full of box mixes, chilled cookie dough, and frozen rolls.  What counts is that you turn on that oven and wait for the magic to be served up piping hot.  One of the best things about baking is the ability to share your creations with friends and family – spread the love!

3. Simmer Down Now

This one also starts us off in the kitchen but soon extends its reach throughout your house.  I’m talking about the simmer pot.  Pinterest is full of fantastic recipes for constructing your own simmer pot.  I personally think that a good simmer pot is far superior to candles or incense.  It’s a simple way to add humidity to your environment during the dry winter, while simultaneously creating a welcoming aroma that wafts from room to room.  If you haven’t tried this yet, what are you waiting for? Click here for 7 Cozy Simmer Pot Recipes from frosting & confetti.

4. Grab a Cuppa

This may be my most controversial suggestion but hear me out.  Broth.  And this isn’t about having us linger any longer over the hot stove.  There are times when it just feels too late for coffee (and really, decaf?  Meh.)  Some days I’m just not feeling in the tea mood.  And hot chocolate?  I don’t need the sugar overload.  With this in mind, I like to keep a nice bone broth or soup stock on hand for just such an occasion.  There are so many decent premade options nowadays, you can always have some in your home pantry.  It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying.

5. Make a Swap

My favorite of today’s list is what I’m calling the “Sweatshirt Swap.”  We live in a world where feeling lonely and disconnected is far too common.  This can be especially true during the days of truncated sunlight and hibernation weather.  So:  trade sweatshirts with your best friend.  Exchange scarves with your aunt.  Switch stocking caps with your significant other.  I don’t care what piece of clothing you choose but make this a ritual with the people you love.  Every time you wear that swapped item, you’ll not only feel the physical warmth, but you’ll feel the spiritual warmth as well.  It’s a tangible reminder of the connections we have in the world, a reason to smile, and one of the best ways to thrive through the colder season.

Which one of these are you going to try? Can you think of any other ways to stay cozy and warm during the colder months? Let us know in the comments below and go get your cozy on, biddies!