on October 6, 2020
Winter in the Upper Midwest is hard enough as it is, but add a fear of COVID and several closed shops, restaurants, and gyms into the mix, and you have a recipe for a lot of malcontent. Undoubtedly, this winter will be tough on both mental and physical health. People will likely feel more isolated than ever, with few options to burn off steam or socialize. With cold weather looming in the future, it’s a good time to make a few health-related purchases. Consider these purchases little investments in your well-being.
Not sure what to buy? Here’s a quick list of ideas:
Home Gym Equipment
If you haven’t already, NOW is the time to set up your very own home gym. It doesn’t have to be elaborate–even a yoga mat and a few weights could do the trick–but it SHOULD reflect your interests and exercise goals. Purchase equipment and accessories that you’ll want to use. If you’ve never loved biking, for instance, don’t buy a stationary bike, but opt for a different piece of cardio equipment instead. It’s a good idea to have at least one cardio machine in your home gym (a treadmill, elliptical, bike, rowing machine), in addition to some resistance bands and weights.
Brain Stimulators
In the cold weather months, it’s easy to curl up on the couch and watch TV every night, but such a routine can get very old, very quickly. Make an effort to mix up your nightly routine with some brain-friendly activities. Try sudoku or star battle puzzles, play strategy board games with your family, or engage in a jigsaw puzzle. You might also chip away at that pile of books you’ve been meaning to read. Whatever your preference, make an effort to purchase a few of these brain stimulators before the snow flies.
Personal Spa Kit
What better way to combat winter blues than an at-home spa kit? If you type “Home Spa” into your browser, you’ll find any number of bath bombs, exfoliants, facial masks, scrubs, scented candles, massage machines, robes, foot baths, and lotions. Mix and match any of these products to create your very own at-home spa. Use whenever you need a little self-care!
Patio Heaters
If you’d like to socialize with friends, but feel uncomfortable meeting indoors, consider investing in a couple of heat lamps for your patio. You might also want to use a gas-powered fire pit or tabletop heaters. Put extra-thick cushions on your patio furniture, set out a few blankets, prepare warm beverages, and encourage guests to bundle up! With a little innovation and a few small purchases, outdoor get togethers are possible.
Outdoor Sporting Equipment
Snowshoes and skis, ice skates and sleds–no matter your interest, there’s probably an outdoor activity that’s right for you. Snap up your equipment now, before the winter rush. Embracing winter activities is a great way to stay active and release a few happiness-boosting endorphins.
BONUS: You can engage in many of these activities either alone or with friends or family. If you’re missing social interactions during the winter, why not propose a winter snowshoe walk?
Learning Aids
What better time to learn something new than in the middle of winter? Whether you’d like to learn a new language (with software such as Rosetta Stone), learn to meditate (with apps such as HeadSpace), try yoga, elevate your baking skills, or try your hand at wood carving, there are online courses and apps available to you. All you have to do is search for them and pay a (usually) nominal fee.
Hopefully some of these ideas will help you through the chilly winter months. Take care of yourself this winter and purchase a few items to help get you through the long, cold months. Spring will be waiting on the other side!