Winter can be the dullest of times, can’t it?
Cold and damp, wet and windy, slippery and icy. Not to mention getting dark around mid-afternoon no wonder the SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) symptoms can get you down.
But it needn’t be gloomy and depressing, there are a whole host of things you can do to keep away the blues. Although it can be difficult to know what to do during winter, there have never been so many winter activities to keep you busy and motivated.
Things to do winter-wise can be split into outdoor winter activities and winter indoor activities. Most things to do in the winter with friends involve some kind of sport. Skiing is one of the best of fun things to do in the winter with friends. Of course, you’ll need snow, and a ski kit, not to mention lift passes and accommodation – it can be the most expensive sports to do in the winter.
Fun winter activities needn’t be so sporty and active though. There are plenty of things to do on a cold day inside as well though.
Yes, surfing the internet, watching TV and playing video games, for a while, were certainly some of the winter activities during COVID but maybe there is more interesting stuff to do in the winter?
Maybe it’s a time to discover some hidden abilities and new interests, some good activities and fun things to do at home in winter.
Some imagination and creativity may go a long way to keeping your body and mind engaged. There are lots of fun things to do with friends in the winter and plenty of free winter activities too.
Yoga is popular, and one of the top winter activities. It can be done by yourself or with friends, at your home, or in a local hall or gym. It ticks all the boxes – it is healthy for mind and body, and a skill that can be progressively built on.
Cooking is another of those great winter things to do, either alone or with others. Again, this can be done at home or by searching for “winter activities near me” you may find groups or classes which are perfect as a good winter distraction.
As things in winter go, having a grand clear out of clothes, toys and other stuff you’ve been meaning to sort through is another valuable use of time. While it’s not exactly one of the most fun things to do on a cold day you’ll be glad of the space – and whether you sell or give away the things you find, you’ll get a great sense of satisfaction of a job well done.
Playing a game of pool or snooker is another great way of spending a snowy winter’s day inside with friends or family.
Pool snooker billiard tables come in a variety of sizes. A full size fitted pool table will need a large room with plenty of space to move around. 1/4 size table is a popular compromise for many people.
There are many pool table accessories you can buy to enjoy and maintain your table. The felt surface is something that needs to be protected and for this a pool table cover or pool table cloth is essential. Heavy-duty snooker table covers are available for those with young families or pets that might be able to access the table.
Pool table lights or pool table spots are other things to consider. These will enhance the atmosphere of your pool room. A dedicated billiard cue rack will keep not just the stocks and cue tips safe, but also the cue chalk, billiard or snooker balls and cleaning cloths tidy.
Cue cases can be bought to transport your favourite cues safely to billiard tournaments, snooker competitions, and other events where you need to protect the snooker or billiard accessories.
Another great way of enhancing your pool room is with the type of display cases used on exhibition stands by exhibition display services. These can often be seen at trade shows at exhibition booths. These are often frames or even custom-made exhibitions of team memorabilia or basketball jerseys or autographed programs or similar items.
Some of these expo solutions designed around your pool room will add a touch of glamour and pizzazz to somewhere that you will spend a lot of time over the years and helped to make the room a favourite with you and your friends and family.
You can use an exhibition showcase like this to show your support for your favourite team and players. A well lit and professional looking display will make your billiard room a tasteful and classy place to entertain during those long winter days.
If pool, snooker or billiards is not your thing playing cards or your favourite board game is another social activity which you can enjoy. Someone will always know a new game or rule to liven things up. Monopoly and Cluedo are huge favourites here. Trivial Pursuit is another common favourite.
As for card games, blackjack, poker, and bridge are just some of the hundreds of different sorts of card games you can play. All you need is a deck of cards and a group of people. If there is no one around, that’s not a problem either you can always play solitaire.
Learning a new craft like knitting, crochet, embroidery or macramé is another absorbing and interesting way to develop a skill. There are now many online videos and clubs you can join where you can share ideas and tips on how to make clothes, toys and all sorts of useful things.
Many of the forums and groups will have contacts for discounts on wool, fabrics and other items you’ll need and freely give advice if you get stuck.
Art and drawing is another activity that you can hone your skills at. This doesn’t have to be physically doing anything either. Whiling away days in local art galleries or museums is another way to keep yourself busy during the winter but getting you out and about at the same time.
Many museums and galleries hold special exhibits from time to time on specific artists or subjects and these can be a fascinating and rewarding new interest to pursue.
Whatever you decide on, getting through winter needn’t be boring or inactive – you just need to give it a go.
