Four cosy indoor activities to do when it’s cold outside

When the weather is cold, many retreat from the outside world and embrace the comfort of home. It’s the perfect time to curl up by the fireplace with some hot cocoa, snuggle up under blankets with loved ones and stay cosy for a little while. 

However, there’s also a risk of running out of ideas for what to do when the weather outside is frightful. So to avoid going out and suffering at the mercy of the wind and ice, it might be worth planning some fun things to do indoors.

This post looks at four indoor activities that are great for when it’s cold outside.

1. Snuggling up with a good book

Reading is a lovely way to stay warm, relax and enjoy the company of a different cast of characters and ideas. Even if there isn’t time to read daily, there are plenty of ways to enjoy reading when it’s cold outside.

Reading can increase brain power by adding cognitive stimulation, and can also help with unwinding from a long day and relaxing for a while. It also enables one to learn new things and expand their knowledge base.

For those who don’t have much time for reading due to work or family commitments, there are still ways to get some quality reading done without spending all day sitting in front of the computer screen! 

Here are some tips on creating a cosy reading space:

• Use a throw blanket to cover the back of the chair
• Designate a space for the book with a lamp, snacks and extra blankets
• Keep the overhead lights low while reading
• Invest in a good book light for reading at night or for when the room is particularly dim

2. Online games 

Online games are a great way to stay warm and keep the mind sharp during the winter. They can also offer opportunities to win and progress further. Below are some tips on how to play online games:

• Gain some knowledge of each game before playing it so there is no confusion about any rules.
• Avoid games involving risks.

3. Baking delicious treats

Baking is an easy, tasty way to stay warm on cold winter days. It also provides an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. This is a great activity for cold days because it combines two crucial elements: food and warmth. Baking can provide comfort, nutrition and entertainment for the whole family.

It’s also easy to make recipes healthy by including fresh fruits and vegetables packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients that help the body stay in top condition.

4. Watching movies or TV shows

Watching movies or TV shows can be a great way to spend time indoors when the weather outside is less than ideal. Families can find a movie or show that appeals and get snuggled in the living room or bedroom with blankets, pillows and snacks.

Below are the benefits of watching movies or TV shows when it’s cold outside:

• Watching TV is a great way to keep up with current events and learn about new things happening worldwide.
• Watching a movie can be an entertaining activity for all ages. It’s also a great way to relax after a long day at work or school, especially if the kids are tired from playing sports or doing homework.
• Some people like to watch movies with others; others prefer to enjoy them alone without interruptions from others around them while watching TV or movies on their smart smartphone/laptop computer (whatever device they use).

These suggestions can help with making the perfect small-screen experience:

• Research by reading reviews online, asking friends what they enjoy watching, and looking at pre-rented DVDs through sites like Netflix.
• Pick up one of those blankets with a built-in heater and use it as a blanket on the couch or chair. This will help keep everyone warm through all four seasons of the year.
• Grab one of those throw pillows from the couch and use it as an extra blanket on top of whatever blanket is used.
• Get creative with seating arrangements. Groups can try sitting next to each other instead of across from each other to maximise heat transfer between bodies and minimisze drafts (especially if there’s any wind out there). 

Cosy indoor activities don’t have to be special or hard to do. Many resources and options can be found at home, and they’ll help with unwinding and increasing a sense of comfort, whether temperatures are cold, warm or somewhere in between.

The editorial unit