By Janis Love
Embracing winter is all about attitude. With the leaves fallen and that distinct chill in the air, it’s hard to be positive about the darkness of the UK winter months, but according to dietician and wellness coach Kathianne Sellers Williams, it IS possible. In an online article titled ‘How to Feel Better in the Wintertime’, Williams expresses her considerable dislike of winter and how she overcame it.
“I realised my complaining was only making me and those around me miserable. So I tried something new. I decided to embrace it. I couldn’t change that winter was going to happen, but I could change my attitude (and my behaviours),” says Williams.
In an effort to transform her attitude, Williams carried out ‘Operation Embrace Winter’.
“I didn’t let myself say anything negative about winter. I bought a very warm and stylish coat…and focused on winter’s gifts: drinking tea, sitting by fires, making soups, etc…Deciding to embrace the season is the best advice I can give,” Williams told workawesome.com .
Following Williams’ advice and seeking inspiration from friends makes it a little easier. Comfort food, snuggling under a doona, and drinking hot chocolate are all popular ways to enjoy winter.
Snuggles are nice, but if you can resist the temptation to hibernate under your doona for the entire season, embracing winter in London is easy. With the cold weather comes some relief from the throngs of tourists that flood the English capital every year, so embrace the space and discover (or rediscover) London.
There is so much to discover in this city that you’ll never be short of something to do. Museums and galleries will be less crowded and have some amazing displays and exhibitions. If retail therapy is more your thing, get your fix on a grand scale at Westfield London where you can shop till you drop then recharge with coffee, all without going outside.
Prefer outside activities over retail therapy? Then throw on your winter woolies, strap on some skates and hit the ice for some wintery fun. If you have trouble staying vertical on a pair of thin metal blades, perhaps try something needing a little less balance. Take your camera for a stroll around the city, wander along the Thames Path or explore Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens capturing the beauty of a wintry London.
For the ultimate end to a day spent embracing the freezing temperatures, grab some mates, find a cosy pub and settle in for an afternoon of mulled wine and mince pies. The wicked winter wind and 3pm darkness will happen whether we like it or not, so rather than curse and moan, try embracing winter. You may even find you like it!!
Do you love or hate the UK winters? Tell us below: