When winter comes, the cold can often be unbearable, especially in Wisconsin. Due to the chilly weather, we want to spend as much time inside where it’s warm. However, being stuck inside can get old fast, so here are some activities you can do for when it’s too cold!

1) Make Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is always my go-to during the cold, as it just warms you up from the inside out. Plus it tastes delicious too! Feel free to add your own personal flavor by adding lucky charms, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or more!

2) Cozy Up In A Warm Blanket

Nothing is better than curling up under a soft blanket, and taking some time to relax or take a nap.

3) Start That Hobby You’ve Been Procrastinating On

Whether that’s knitting, crocheting, drawing, creative writing, photography, or others, most of us have that one hobby we have been meaning to do or have started and never picked up again. Now is your chance! 

4) Read A Book

Do you have a book that you have been craving to read? Or maybe you have a book you haven’t quite finished yet? Now’s the time, read anywhere from a chapter to the whole book! Or books! I am personally re-reading “The Hunger Games” series in preparation for the new book.

5) Listen To Music – Even Discover Some New Artists!

Listen to holiday music, create a new playlist, look at other people’s playlists, or dive into a new artist. The possibilities are endless for your musical emotions and situations. Find something that fits you.

6) Brainstorm Gift Ideas Or Shop Online!

With the holidays coming up, most of us have gifts we need for our family, friends, and loved ones. Take some time to think of gift ideas, shop online, or even wrap gifts you have already!

7) Journal

Seasonal depression and struggles with mental health often peak during the winter months. One of many ways to help, that might be perfect for you, is journaling. Write about anything and everything, from how you’re feeling to what you did today, to ideas and thoughts you had. Self-care is always important, but it is especially important during the colder winter months.

If you are in need of other mental health resources, free on-campus resources are available through University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS) and Winther Counseling Services (WCS). Please visit the links above for more information and reach out if you are in need of any help.

8) Learn A New Game

Take some time to learn a new game! Maybe this is a board game, a video game, a social game, or something else entirely. We all want to have a good time, so find a new way to do just that. You can check out board games, video games, billiards, and more in Warhawk Alley! To learn more visit the Warhawk Alley front desk or check out https://www.uww.edu/uc/events_entertainment/warhawk-alley/games-to-play 

9) Do A Puzzle

Puzzles can not only be fun, but they also have many benefits for your mind, such as concentration, memory, and they even help release dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone! Pick out your favorite puzzle or an entirely new one and spend a few hour(s) making it.

10) Organize Your Space

We all can get messy and unorganized spaces. So why not take the time to make it look brand new! You can rearrange your bedroom, clean out your closet, organize your desk, and more. Sometimes a good change is just what we need.

11) Take A Warm Bath or Shower

One great way to instantly warm up is by taking a warm bath or shower, depending on your preferences. If a bath is more your style, even make it a bubble bath!

12) Embrace Your Inner Child – Build A Blanket/Pillow Fort

Most children love making a fort and hiding in it. Nothing says we can’t do this as adults! Make your own adult-sized fort using any pillows, blankets, and sheets that you can get. This can be your own little shelter from the bitter cold.

13) Redecorate/Clean Your Phone

Similar to organizing your space, a refresh of something you spend hours on can feel really good! Change your wallpaper up, clean out your photos and free up space, delete any old apps you don’t need, and make your phone new again. You can even theme your phone around the winter or the holidays.

14) Arts And Crafts!

Print out a coloring sheet and color, do some origami, make your own holiday decorations, make a paper snowflake, and so many more possibilities. Be creative! 

15) Listen To A Podcast

There are so many podcasts out there for everyone’s preferences. From narrative podcasts (my personal favorite) to interviews to true crime, find something that interests you. You can even multi-task and listen while you do other tasks. I personally love listening to podcasts while putting together a puzzle.

16) Have A Movie Marathon (With Popcorn)

As a film studies major I may be a little biased, but a movie or TV show marathon (with popcorn and friends) is one of my favorite ways to pass the time. Some of my favorites include The Hunger Games, Pirates of the Caribbean, Marvel/DC, and so many more. There is a movie out there for everyone!

17) Bake Cookies

Another way to warm up is by baking cookies! Bake some in the oven and decorate them to your heart’s desire with frosting and sprinkles. Of course, reward yourself after all that hard work with a deliciously warm cookie.

18) Have Warm Apple Cider

Similar to hot chocolate, hot apple cider is another great way to warm you up and feel cozy! While normally associated with fall, warm apple cider in a mug is a wonderful winter drink. You can even add some vanilla ice cream to make an apple cider float! 

19) Make A Gingerbread House

A staple during the holidays, whether you make one from scratch or put together a set, put your creativity to use and make a gingerbread house that is completely yours!

20) Make A Warm Bowl Of Soup

Last but not least, soup! Soup season is in full swing and there are so many options to choose from. Make some homemade soup, or just warm up a can.

Winter may bring freezing temperatures, but it also offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the warmth and comfort of indoor activities. From cozying up under a blanket to diving into creative hobbies, there are countless ways to make the most of the season while staying inside. So grab your favorite blanket, whip up some hot chocolate, and try out one (or a few!) of these ideas to keep the winter blues at bay. Stay warm, Warhawks, and remember to enjoy the little moments that make this season special!