How I'm Embracing a Slow January
We’re halfway through January and after a few years of mild winters, we finally got SNOW this week.
I've been telling Luke that all I want is one good snow and I’ll be happy with winter.
And here we are, a few days after a little snowstorm (we only got a few inches, but I’ll take it). Vienna was slightly confused why the grass was gone and kept pointing to the house saying “Brr.” She wanted to go inside after only a few minutes. I can relate.
The snow paired with dark evenings can make January feel like a billion days long, but this year I’m trying to embrace a slow, cold January and find joy in the little things. “Romanticizing” winter, so to speak.
Most of my day hours are blocked off for my job (I work a 9-5), but the mornings and evenings are pretty free right now. Luke isn’t traveling tons for work yet, so he’s been home in the mornings and evenings which is lovely. I know this “season” of life will be short-lived come mid-February when activities ramp up and Luke’s work schedule picks up. In the meantime, here’s how I’m embracing a slow January:
Waking up early to enjoy the quiet hours. I’m not a morning person but I’ve been waking up earlier than usual to cuddle with Lucy (my dog) on the couch and read before Vienna wakes up and the day begins.
Cooking soups, stews, muffins, and all the warm comfort foods. Recently, Vienna has been a big fan of banana chocolate chip muffins and chicken noodle soup.
Painting my nails bright colors. In the winter, I typically gravitate towards dark reds and even grey, but I'm currently rocking bright pink nails and they make me happy.
Walking on the walking pad. It’s too cold to walk outside and lately I’ve been hit or miss with cardio/HIIT workouts, but a brisk 30-60 minute walk on my walking pad at night has been a bright spot in my evenings.
Drinking tea with honey. My favorites are Constant Comment in the afternoons or peppermint tea in the evenings.
Decluttering and organizing random places in the house. I do this all year long, but especially when it’s too cold to do much outside, I’ve been early spring cleaning and it feels amazing.
Reading. This is something I do all year (obviously), but I intentionally choose books in January that I KNOW I’ll enjoy so I can read for long periods of time and avoid falling into a reading slump.
Board games and puzzles with Luke. We’ve dragged out a few board games and puzzles lately to work on in the evenings together. It’s a fun change of pace especially on weeknights since we don’t watch TV.
Lots of cuddles with Vienna. Vienna has been extra cuddly at night lately and I’m soaking it up. I look forward to our “Books & Bottle” time where we relax on the recliner in her room, cozy up with a blanket, and read books together while she drinks her bedtime bottle.