It’s that time of year again when all the excitement of the holidays has passed, and it’s too cold and dreary to enjoy your favorite outdoor activities for a few months. Unfortunately, this is also when the winter blues can set in for many folks. That’s why it is a great time to have some hobbies and other engaging indoor activities planned to bring a little fun inside this winter…and beat those winter blues.
Are the Winter Blues Even Real?
Yes, the winter blues are real! If you’ve found yourself feeling a little sad or noticing a change in your mood during the winter months; you may be experiencing the dreaded winter blues. Shorter days and lack of sunshine can wreak havoc on your body’s natural clock. In fact, researchers have been studying the winter blues for more than three decades and have even found some things that can help you ease the winter blues and have a little indoor fun instead!
8 Indoor Activities to Beat the Winter Blues
1. Cooking or Baking
Making a delicious dish for you and your family is a great indoor hobby - especially during the winter months. It’s a creative and practical hobby to have and is not only delicious but also helps save money versus food delivery for dinner and even allows you to eat healthier. Look online for helpful videos and delicious slow cooker recipes for meals that match your cooking level and make the whole house smell yummy this winter.
2. Learn a New Language
The winter months are the perfect time to explore indoor activities like learning a new language. Choose from a variety of online apps or online language lessons where you can have fun while practicing a new language each day – a benefit that will last a lifetime.
3. Tackle Home Improvement Projects
If you own a home; there is definitely a project of some sort that needs to be tackled! Make the most of this time spent indoors and complete those home improvement projects that you’ve been putting off. Not only will it increase the value of your home, but it will give you something new to enjoy in your home during the winter months inside. Winter is a popular time for homeowners (and even renters) to tackle painting projects, so go ahead and wear your DIY hat and get creative.
4. Play Video Games
Playing video games can be a good thing when done in moderation. There are actually many benefits of playing your favorite electronic game including cognitive stimulation, stress relief, spatial reasoning skills, enhance problem-solving skills, and more. Setting aside a limited amount of time every day to indulge in playing a video game is also a great way to decompress and take a mental break from your cold surroundings.
5. Start a Reading Challenge
Challenge yourself, your family, your friends, and even your co-workers to read more books while relaxing at home this winter. Not only is it a great escape from reality, but it allows you to learn new words, teaches you new things, and even helps you sleep better by reducing stress. Make it a fun challenge where winners are rewarded to keep folks interested.
6. Start a Podcast Club
Podcasts are the latest trend and if you don’t already have a favorite – you should! Join your podcast-loving friends to create a podcast club where you listen to members’ favorites and discuss the topics and episodes just like you would do with your favorite books in a book club. No matter what your interest or hobbies are, there is sure to be a podcast out there that will be a good fit for you. This is also a great activity to help you stay "connected" with friends and family that you may not be able to meet with during the winter months.
7. Take Interesting Online Classes
Think about your interests and check to see if there are any fun online classes you can take to learn more about the subject. This new class may just spark a new hobby or career that you will enjoy in the future. Make sure to do some research on course providers, you may find that the class you want to take may be on sale allowing you to get a better deal.
8. Do Puzzles
If puzzles are your thing, the winter months are a great time to indulge. Puzzles are a fun, challenging, and educational hobby that is also a great exercise for your brain. Puzzling can help with problem-solving, refine critical thinking skills, and even train your brain to engage in visual-spatial reasoning… all while improving your short-term memory. Challenge yourself with a massive puzzle and get your family involved to help with the completion.
Making the Most of the Winter Months with These 8 Indoor Activities and Hobbies
Once the temperatures drop, and we pull out our fuzzy socks, light a fire, and start feeling the winter blues sink in, It’s a great time to enjoy one, (or two, or three….) of these fun activities to keep you, your family, and friends entertained. Whether you start a podcast club and learn to bake cakes, or finally paint the living room and learn a new language – keeping your mind and body engaged is the key to beating the winter blues and enjoying your time inside.
