How I get over my winter doldrums
11.2.2019
Translation: machine translated
No, as a Zurich resident, I'm not one of those people who currently spend their free time skiing in the sun. My recipe for combating the grey days in the valley is different.
The fact that a city like Zurich has everything to offer in terms of shades of grey in winter and the sun hides behind a veil of clouds for days on end doesn't make it easy for a sun worshipper like me to be in a good mood. Sure, I could go to the mountains to see the bright blue sky, but it's still cold. Because I prefer to save my holiday days and my budget for trips abroad and warm weather, I've found other ways to sweeten up the cold season.
Make coffee and cake dates
I can't believe it, but it's true: since I've been living in Switzerland, I've escaped the peer pressure of having to go skiing every winter. In the meantime, I've found like-minded people. What do we do instead? We meet up to have a cosy coffee and munch on cake. Instead of après-ski, we have a glass or two for a cosy chat.
Warm sports
Although I'm a keen jogger, it's too cold outside. Because not exercising is not an option, I do HIIT (high-intensity interval training) instead and then treat myself to a round of 'blackrolling' on the yoga mat followed by a hot shower.
Be inspired
Of course, I read regularly, but mostly on the go and less and less as summer approaches because I'm too busy with the bumblebees in my bum. In winter, I plan time to read and meet up with friends. From the comfort of my sofa, I can immerse myself in other people's homes and worlds and let myself be entertained.
Redecorate
It's no surprise that, as an interior design enthusiast, I take every opportunity to revamp my home or the homes of others. Most recently it was a long-awaited picture wall above the sofa, now it's friends who need help choosing their furniture. I'll do the same for you online: Leave me a comment on any articles of mine and I'll personally pick out the pearls from our range for you.
Celebrate self-love
Moments in which I consciously switch off work wonders. It doesn't always have to be the hammam. I feel good at home and have my own self-care strategies: a massager and face and body care products. The oilier I am afterwards, the better.
Becoming a "nerd"
Some people use this time to test new dishes, I use it to familiarise myself with the world of coffee because I'm not much of a cook. The name "Piarista", my milk foam and the design of my equipment are on point. Now all I need is the skill to draw patterns in the coffee with the foam.
Looking at things with different eyes
I expect first-class entertainment if I'm going to venture out of the house when the weather's haywire. Whether it's art exhibitions, comedy or poetry slam nights and concerts - the choice is huge. A change of perspective can also be entertaining. Sometimes I take my camera with me on the weekend to a neighbourhood that I rarely visit in everyday life and treat it like a tourist - without getting in the way of others with selfie sticks.
Drawing
I've loved drawing since I was a child. The activity quickly gets lost in all the socialising. Because everyone around me is hibernating or in the mountains, I get my sketchbook out. With music or podcasts playing in the background, I get started. The important thing is not so much what I create, but rather the feeling of losing myself in the process.
What makes you happy despite the winter blues? Leave your recipe in the comment column below or follow me for the next product launch by pressing the black button on my profile. I look forward to your plan.
Header image: I don't wait until summer to wear sandals and be in a good mood.
Pia Seidel
Senior Editor
Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.chLike a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.
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