Believe it or not, I actually love winter. It brings a welcome pause to my demanding work schedule and social life. My house is warm and ablaze with pine-scented candles, and it’s socially acceptable for me to hang twinkle lights from every perceptible surface. I see it as a perfect excuse to hibernate, which I find incredibly soothing. But I know not everyone feels this way.

Winter can be a challenging time for many of us. The long bouts of darkness, the unwelcoming winter air, the pressures of the holidays, and complicated family dynamics. While it’s easy to focus on the downsides of winter, I believe this season can be deeply nourishing and enjoyable. The key is to stop resisting what is universally true — that there is medicine in quiet and darkness.

“While it’s easy to focus on the downsides of winter, I believe this season can be deeply nourishing and enjoyable.”

Below, you’ll find 99 ideas to help you embrace and romanticize your time spent inside. Whether you’re in the mood for productivity, socializing, crafting, or deep relaxation, there’s something for you here. Use this time indoors to care for yourself. And remember, spring will return eventually. If we missed your favorite winter activity, share it with us in the comments! 

If you’re feeling crafty

“Handwrite some of your favorite quotes, song lyrics, or poems into a little notebook. Doodles and squiggles are also welcome.” 

  1. Make your own candles with essential oils, dried herbs, or winter spices.
  2. Try needle-felting or punch-needle art.
  3. Upcycle old sweaters into mittens, leg warmers, or pillow covers.
  4. Make homemade infused oils or vinegars (garlic, rosemary, citrus peel are great options).
  5. Press dried flowers and frame them.
  6. Make clay ornaments or tiny trinket dishes.
  7. Knit or crochet something simple like a scarf or mug cozy.
  8. Build a DIY bird feeder to hang outside your window.
  9. Make homemade granola or spiced nuts to gift to friends.
  10. Craft paper stars and hang them up with string lights.
  11. Start an indoor herb garden.
  12. Make your own botanical incense bundles with rosemary, pine, or lavender.
  13. Make a batch of homemade elderberry syrup or fire cider to support immunity.
  14. Try an adult coloring book.
  15. Bake your own bread. Try this no-knead recipe if you’re feeling a bit intimidated. 
  16. Practice sewing. My Grandma started me out with pillowcases when I was young. It’s pretty easy!
  17. Make a seasonal wreath.
  18. Tap into your inner Rupi Kaur and write some poetry. There are no rules, but here’s some inspiration if you need it.
  19. Make your own pasta.
  20. Write a letter to someone you love who lives far away.
  21. Start a scrapbook of memories from the past year.
  22. Make a retro fleece tie blanket. Remember those?
  23. Practice your at-home barista skills. 
  24. Try watercoloring winter scenes or botanicals.
  25. Build a little winter altar with candles, greenery, and meaningful objects.
  26. Handwrite some of your favorite quotes, song lyrics, or poems into a little notebook. Doodles and squiggles are also welcome. 

If you’re feeling productive

“Tidy up your space. Focus on a single area or room that could use extra TLC. Set the mood with your favorite music and lit candles, then clear out unnecessary items, making the space work better for your present needs.”

  1. Tidy up your space. Focus on a single area or room that could use extra TLC. Set the mood with your favorite music and lit candles, then clear out unnecessary items, making the space work better for your present needs.
  2. Grab your journal and sit down for a life edit: reassess what’s working and what needs releasing.
  3. From there, you can set goals for the next year or next season.
  4. Or, for something a little less colossal, create a winter wellness plan. Think movement goals, sleep intentions, nourishing recipes, and rituals to help you feel grounded through the season.
  5. Batch cook a few freezer-friendly meals for future you. 
  6. Wake up with the sun and take your coffee outside to enjoy the sunrise. But wear a jacket!
  7. While you’re at it, you can practice some yogic Sun Salutes (Surya Namaskar A) to wake up the body and create some heat.
  8. Take a free online course to learn something new. Lots of prestigious universities offer digital courses for free. You can emerge from winter having completed a course from Harvard.
  9. Practice a new language. You can use a digital resource like Duolingo, or opt for analog by borrowing language learning workbooks and tapes from your local library.
  10. Start dreaming and planning about future travel. Perhaps the promise of the future sun will warm you up. 
  11. Try an energy-clearing herbal floor wash to reset the energy in your home.
  12. Research your family tree. Sites like Ancestry.com are good resources, or, just ask your family!
  13. Clear out your closet and sell or donate things you don’t love anymore. (Then, see #70)
  14. Rearrange your furniture for better energy flow and winter coziness.
  15. Do a pantry audit and get creative with the ingredients you already have.
  16. Have a money date (either solo or with your partner.) Light a candle, pour a cup of tea, and review your finances and set goals with compassion, not stress.
  17. Create a vision board (digital or physical) for the upcoming season.
  18. Update your bookshelf. You can style it with a color theme, family photos, and special trinkets.

If you’re feeling cozy

“Create your own at-home winter spa, complete with a fluffy robe, warm socks, your favorite mask, and a foot soak.”

  1. Have a movie night with nostalgic winter classics.
  2. Simmer a stovetop pot of cinnamon, clove, orange peel, and star anise to make your home smell magical.
  3. Create a cozy “wintering” playlist with songs that make you feel warm and cozy. Burn it to a CD if you’re feeling extra. 
  4. Do a puzzle — they rival the benefits of meditation!
  5. Make a cozy stew, soup, or curry. Nothing is better on a chilly winter day.
  6. Reread one of your favorite books from childhood (or tweendom).
  7. Or, try a new book you’ve been curious about.
  8. While you’re at it, build yourself a reading nook with cozy blankets and big pillows.
  9. Steam your face over a bowl of hot water and herbs like rosemary, eucalyptus, or lavender.
  10. Revisit old journals or photo albums and reminisce on your past selves.
  11. Start a comfort-movie rewatch series (Harry Potter, LOTR, Studio Ghibli, Twilight — your call).
  12. Or try a cozy nature docu-series. “Planet Earth” is always a hit.
  13. Bake something slow and fragrant, like banana bread or apple crisp.
  14. Create your own at-home winter spa, complete with a fluffy robe, warm socks, your favorite mask, and a foot soak.
  15. Throw in an at-home mani-pedi if you have the time.

If you’re feeling social

“Invite friends for a “bring a board” night: dessert boards, cheese boards, breakfast boards, board games? Get creative.”

  1. Host your friends for a movie marathon. Might I suggest “Freaky Friday,” “Pitch Perfect,” or “13 Going on 30”?
  2. While you’re at it, try a curated wine and takeout combo to accompany your cozy night in. (Or choose a similar non-alc option!)
  3. Have a paint and sip night, solo or with friends.
  4. Host a game night.
  5. Have friends over for a virtual concert viewing party (the new Eras tour concert film, anyone?). 
  6. Host a themed dinner night (snowy cabin, Mediterranean winter, cozy Nordic, etc.) For copious amounts of inspiration, I suggest checking out the Instagram series Dinner at Isabelle’s.
  7. Throw a winter mocktail or cocktail night with seasonal ingredients (pomegranate, ginger, or rosemary are great for this).
  8. Use your libations to power a karaoke party.
  9. Host a favorite things party. They’re most popular during Christmas, but can be done any time! 
  10. Host a book swap.
  11. Or try a clothing swap. (See idea #39)
  12. Have a “creative hour” together. Everyone works on their own project at the same time with good music.
  13. Spend an intentional evening with your partner and a deck of conversation cards. 
  14. Call or FaceTime a loved one.
  15. Host an afternoon tea party.
  16. Invite friends for a “bring a board” night: dessert boards, cheese boards, breakfast boards, board games? Get creative.
  17. Organize a winter solstice gathering with candles, journaling, and intention-setting.
  18. Host a potluck brunch with cozy morning foods: Cinnamon rolls, egg bakes, baked oats, and bevvies.

If you’re feeling low-energy

“Take a nap. Yes, you heard me. You deserve it.”

  1. Sip a warm herbal tea and listen to a good audiobook or a podcast.
  2. Try a gentle somatic shake-out or humming practice to reset your nervous system.
  3. Practice Yoga Nidra, the yogic sleep meditation. 
  4. Rest under a weighted blanket and focus on slow belly breathing.
  5. Try a slow, grounding winter bath with lavender, Epsom salts, or eucalyptus.
  6. Cuddle with your pet, or borrow a friend’s pet for an hour of comfort.
  7. Practice Pranayama, or yogic breathing, to reset your nervous system.
  8. Write some positive affirmations on sticky notes and place them around your house where future you will see them. 
  9. Put on an ambient fireplace video and journal.
  10. Make a gratitude list, it’ll help you tap into an abundance mindset and boost your mood.
  11. Do a DIY facial massage with warm oil to release tension.
  12. Play a cozy video game like Stardew Valley, Cozy Grove, or Animal Crossing.
  13. Try a cozy, candlelight restorative yoga class at night.
  14. You can also try a simple hand-mudra practice to calm your mind (like Anjali or Hakini). 
  15. Try a digital detox. Put your phone away for the whole evening and just relax.  
  16. Take an “everything shower.”
  17. Cozy up on the couch and binge one of your comfort shows. No guilt necessary. 
  18. Practice Tratika, a fire gazing meditation. It’s a simple way to hone your focus if you struggle to meditate regularly. 
  19. Find a recipe for an old favorite comfort food and recreate it. A Crunchwrap Supreme hits a lot harder when it’s homemade.
  20. Lie on the floor with your legs up the wall. Close your eyes. Spend at least five minutes here and let your whole body soften.
  21. Put on a cozy winter playlist and stretch intuitively for five minutes.
  22. Take a nap. Yes, you heard me. You deserve it.

Sierra Vandervort is a writer and yoga teacher based in Portland, Oregon. When she’s not writing about wellness, culture, or travel, you can find her at a concert, reading a good book, or hiking in the beautiful PNW. Say hi on Instagram or Substack!