My cold threshold is as high as the pile of a worn out carpet. All I want to do is sit at home with the fire on. The cat loves curling up by the fireplace. Quite often, I want to join her right there on the floor. However, i know what will happen. My midlife middle aged spread-tummy will become larger, my joints will stiffen up and I will become a bored midlifer.
I force myself to go out for three walks a day and I have taken up indoor walking. There are numerous indoor walking videos on You Tube lasting anything from 10 minutes to an hour which you can follow. I do yoga stretches which helps with my flexibility. I try and visit a new place every weekend even if it’s a local gem.
My advice as the winter months settle in is not to let the cold become a barrier to new experiences. Embrace the season with a diverse range of activities, not just to invigorate your days but also to nurture your physical and mental well-being.
Here are 10 ideas tailored for the midlife journey that promise a dose of vitality. The point is to keep moving and stretching your mental and physical capabilities.
- Explore Nearby Gems In the winter quiet, explore nearby towns or urban hubs. Engaging with different cultures and environments can be a boost for your mental health during the colder months.
- Elevate Your Culinary Adventures Dive into a world of flavors and cuisines. Experiment with new recipes or savor an evening at an exotic restaurant. Engaging your taste buds in novel experiences can significantly impact your well-being.
- Indulge in Art and History Take shelter in the warmth of museums. Watch a movie at a cinema. Local cinemas are much cheaper than ones in the centre of cities. Wander through art galleries or historical exhibits—these cultural escapades can be a balm for the mind during the chilly season.
- Connect with New Faces Winter need not be isolating. Reach out to neighbors or rekindle old friendships over a warm cup of coffee. Social connections are essential for mental health, especially during the colder, darker months.
- Pedal into Nature Brace the cold with an invigorating bike ride. Fresh air, exercise, and natural light are essential for maintaining both physical and mental wellness.
- Discover Day-Trip Delights Even in the colder months, a day trip can be a breath of fresh air. Exploring nearby areas, sampling new cuisines, and wandering through unique shops can elevate mood and mindset.
- Unleash Your Creativity Engage in arts and crafts to counter winter blues. Creating something new can act as a mental tonic during the darker, colder days.
- Host an Al Fresco Gathering If the weather allows, an outdoor get-together on a sunny afternoon can be a powerful mood-lifter as long as everyone is wrapped up well. Hosting a lunch or spending quality time with loved ones can elevate spirits.
- Retail Therapy Reinvented Whether indulging in shopping or finding treasures in thrift stores, the joy of discovery can significantly impact mental health during the winter months. I often visit charity shops at the weekend.
- Revive Memories with Scrapbooking Revisit cherished moments through scrapbooking. This not only brings warmth but also inspires the creation of new memories, combating the winter lull.
