Winter brings many things. Amongst the package winter unloads on us is: rain, snow, wind, mud, and gunk. There are still a lot of outside activities outdoor enthusiasts can’t resist. But doing these activities may lead one to be cold, wet, dirty and smelly. Here are a few relaxing steps to warm the bones and settle back into your home.

The first step to warming up after playing in the weather is to cleanse your exterior. Remove any clothing that you have used outside and hop into a nice hot shower or bath. Relaxing into the hot water will make your skin thank you for the break from the icy chills outside. Once you are done drying off, dress yourself with the softest clothing you can find.

Now that the outside of your body is taken care of, it’s time for the inside. Warm up some soup you prepared from the veggies in your garden. Store bought soup will also do but there is nothing like warming up with the efforts of your hard work in the garden.

Make a warm beverage such as tea, coffee, cider, or cocoa. Divine’s family farmed cocoa delicious coco that supports coco farmers. Mix it with a just a little of Nielsen-Massey’s Pure Peppermint Extract for a perfect winter taste.

Finally, wrap yourself up in the biggest, warmest, softest blanket you have. Bonus points if the blanket brings back fond memories. Plop yourself in front of your favorite relaxing activity. This may be sitting by a roaring fire, watching your favorite show, or playing cards with your best friend. Whatever your activity may be, concentrate on the pleasantness of the moment.

Overcoming the winter chills can be a lifelong challenge, or just something to do until you go outside again. Relaxing is a great way to reset and unwind from old man winter’s wrath. Is there something you always do to warm up when feeling chilly?

 

Photos: Elizabeth Adan

By Jake Frazier

Jake Frazier is an outdoor enthusiast and the owner of Residential Ecology, a sustainable ecological resource management company. He uses existing natural systems to improve the quality of life for both humans and the Earth. Jake is interested in permaculture, living systems and exploring. Connect with him on LinkedIn.