5 Tips to Create Socially Distanced Winter Fun with Friends
Winter will formally arrive on December 21, blanketing northern countries in a chill. Many people tend to keep warm inside, but going outside is preferable if you want to see friends and be social. Don't let the cold keep you inside; spending time with friends outside in the winter can be exhilarating, entertaining, and safe.
In these times of the coronavirus pandemic, medical experts advise that if you want to be with friends, you should go outside. According to Colin Furness, an infectious disease epidemiologist, being indoors in the winter can pose a higher risk of transmission. So, take care of your wellbeing and go outside.
While socializing in the great outdoors is a healthy option, there is an art to meeting winter up close. Here are five winter survival tips to help you stay healthy, have fun, and enjoy the season!
Maintain an optimistic mindset.
When it comes to learning how to welcome winter, look to the experts: the Norwegians, who even have a name for it. Open-air living is referred to as “Friluftsliv.” According to National Geographic, Norwegians are committed to living in the fresh open air of winter, whether camping, eating, or hiking. They'll be out in the heat, hail, rain, and snow, too.
The fact that Nordic countries spend so much time outside all year could explain their high ranking in the World Happiness Study. Indeed, according to a 2019 study published in Nature, spending two hours a week in nature improves one's mood.
So gather your pals and plan a nice fruit life. A park picnic, a bonfire meal, a patio gathering, or good old-fashioned sledding, snowshoeing, or skating are all possibilities. Check your municipality's pandemic guidelines, as some areas can ban food and drink at outdoor gatherings in the event of a pandemic.
Always remember to keep focused. Consider your winter hike in the woods as an adventure and a chance to try something different, and then rejoice!
Dress appropriately for the occasion.
Spending time outdoors in cold weather necessitates the proper attire and equipment. You'll need layered, loose-fitting clothing, according to wilderness experts.
Thermal underwear should be worn first, followed by a layer of padded fleecy, woolen, or cotton. Then you'll need a nylon shell to keep the wind, snow, and rain out. Starting with a thin liner and thick, woolen socks, wear two layers on your feet. A pair of gloves with mittens on top is also recommended. Make sure your head is protected and that you're wearing a scarf.
You'll be able to stay outside for several hours until you're wrapped up and have a hot drink and some comfort food.
Create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Now that you're all set, it's time to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere for your gathering. Consider purchasing a patio heater or a mushroom heat lamp if you plan on entertaining guests in your backyard. An outdoor fireplace or fire pit is also a good addition.
During campfire bans, there are also portable propane-burning fire pits that are legal to use. Take out the fleece blankets and a pillow for your guests to sit on, or ask them to bring their own sleeping bag to snuggle up in.
Bring some comfort food with you.
Cooked, nourishing food and steaming beverages are the highlights of an outdoor picnic. If you're having a picnic around a bonfire in a park or nature reserve, consider how you'll keep your food warm.
Picnic Lifestyle recommends purchasing an insulated food delivery bag or using your existing hamper. Wrap food in foil and put heat packs above and below the dishes if you're using a hamper. You should put the whole hot pot inside if you've cooked a stew in a slow cooker!
Winter is the season for warming soups and casseroles. Heather Nicholds, a nutritionist, recommends complex carbohydrates like whole grains to stay warm and energized throughout the winter. You'll also need a thermos filled with your favorite hot beverage. You can keep warm by adding a slice of fresh ginger or a sprinkling of cinnamon to your tea.
Be mindful
It's time to meet winter and reconnect with your friends now that you're dressed warmly and have plenty of comfort food. It's important to keep both the outside and the inside of your home warm. Instead of dreading the cold, Bloomberg suggests being aware of it. Pay attention to the feelings you're having. Recognize that you're cold, but don't dwell on it.
Of course, staying warm is better while you're walking, skiing, or skating. If you're sitting around, there's a good chance you'll be near a heater or a crackling fire, with warm food and friends nearby. This experience can also reawaken your winter warrior, inspiring you to spend more time outdoors and enjoy winter friluftsliv!
Read next: 5 Simple Tips to Have a Fun and Eco-Friendly Vacation
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