Winter Survival Plan 2026
It didn’t make the list but playing records is such a nice winter activity
It’s that time of year again when it feels like it is dark too many hours of the day and it’s cold and the rain is coming…. Last year a wise friend recommended making a list of things to do, buy or plan for the winter to help make it less terrible or maybe even fun? I found the list last year so helpful. And while I didn’t do everything on it, I did refer to it alot and it kept me on track. I carried over quite a few things from last year that worked so well.
6am walks - I still don’t know about the weighted vest but i’m not ready to give up on it yet. We’ve also added stairs and squats to our walks. I got goretex runners (these ones) last year and a longer rain coat. But really the best part is starting the day moving and yapping with friends.
Good boots - I wore out my last pair of boots so this year I invested in these. I hope they will work for a few years. Also hope I remember to add a protective coating on them for the rain.
Latte art - is a struggle but I am very happy with how my coffee is tasting. Planning to host some more brunches so I can do a bunch of coffees in a row. I might also look for a local class! Still happy with my small espresso machine even for the space it takes up in my tiny kitchen.
Candles - I’ve said this before but one of my favourite things in a small space is that I only need one good candle to fill up the whole space! Some of my favourites are Merge (both scents or so good and last long), Homecoming (coconut and santal is my fave) and Flamingo Estate (heirloom tomato). I also love a taper candle for special nights.
Family Show - so we watch alot of famly TV on our projector. I like watching a family show, it’s something to look forward to, a way to unwind together and then we have more shared jokes etc. It can be tricky to find shows to watch together at the kids’ ages and every family is different. A few that have worked for us are Modern Family, Brooklyn 99 and Ted Lasso.
Red Light Mask - I was really consistent with my red light mask last year and I feel like it is paying off. I think my skin is more resilient, less red and less crepey than it was a couple years ago. I also generally find is relaxing at night after I wash my face. I had the series 2 from Current Body and I loved the simplicity of it. I now have the Series 3 and I am still learning all that it can do but sometimes when I have more time I do another round of 10 mins of brightening.
Do something I am a beginner at - I have now gone to 5 beginner dance classes. I am not a dancer and these are the first dance classes of my life. The class is so fun and the teacher is incredible. I on the otherhand am pretty terrible, I struggle to learn the choregraphy and I can’t seem to get out of my head and into my body. And if I am asked to move my arms and legs in different directions while also rolling my hips and serving face, well you lost me at moving my arms and legs in different directions. But I am trying and I think there is an important lesson in here somewhere about being uncomfortable and vulnerable. I’ll let you know if I make some sort of breakthrough.
As always would love to hear what helps you get through the winter where you live! Someone mentioned sauna-ing regularly and that sounds really wonderful! Would like to figure out how to add that into my routine as well. Another friend mentioned monthly facials and another monthly acupuncture. What else?
