Winter is the toughest time to live in NYC. The days are gloomy, the streets are sleety, and the thought of leaving my apartment fills me with dread. As part of trying to redefine this season for myself, I’m trying to lean into the coziness of it all. After all, there’s no better excuse to stay indoors than freezing weather.
Here’s my guide for the perfect warm and fuzzy day.
Step 1: Wake Up and Go Outside
I know, I know. Didn’t we just talk about staying indoors all day? The thing is, I feel much better when I get some fresh air in the morning. A little sunshine a day keeps the seasonal depression at bay, if you will. Plus, the cold makes the warmth of your home that much sweeter.
Throw on a matching set to stay comfy and look put together at the same time. I love the options from sustainable brand Proto101—their hoodie and jogger set is super soft and comes in a bunch of neutral colors. Pair it with a puffer jacket, muster up the courage, and step outside. Bonus points if you can do something active, like yoga, a run, or even just a hot girl walk around the block. If you don’t have the energy or the time, that’s fine. Sit on your stoop or porch for a few minutes and people-watch.
Step 2: Hot Coffee and an Activity
Once you’re back inside, make your hot drink of choice. Mine is usually a cappuccino or a chai latte. Sit into the ritual of whatever you’re making and savor this time.
Take your mug back to the couch or dining table, and choose an activity. Ideally, it’s quiet, like reading a book or doing last Sunday’s crossword. But it’s also okay if you just want to watch an episode of your favorite show or listen to a podcast. If it’s a working day, do this for as long as possible. If it’s a weekend, rotate through your activities until you get bored and feel like doing something else.
Step 3: Set The Energy
When you’re ready to move on from the couch, take stock of how you feel, and set the energy in your space accordingly. For the ultimate cozy vibes, I love putting on lo-fi or jazz music and lighting a candle. With notes of sandalwood, bergamot, and amber, the Campfire candle from Outdoor Fellow is the perfect woodsy scent, especially when I want to pretend I’ve left the city for a forest upstate.
Leave the music and the candle on for as long as you can. I feel a bit lonelier in the winter, so filling my space with sounds and smells is exactly what I need.
Step 4: Make a Warm Meal
My favorite thing about winter has to be the recipes. I’m a big soup and stew person, so I love making things like Filipino sinigang or kimchi jjigae. When the sun starts to set, put on your apron (mine’s from PILLOWPIA, and I love that it doesn’t need to be tied) and get to prepping. In an hour or two, you’ll have the most comforting meal to end your equally comforting day.
