Today I’m sharing some fun ways to unwind on Winter nights. I don’t know about you, but “Dry January” feels like it goes on forever. A few of my friends are already complaining they don’t know how I cope, not drinking. So with that in mind, I decided to share some ideas of stuff to do to help you unwind during dry January.
Online Gaming
Online gaming means different things to different people. Whether you like to play free play games like I do, or join up with friends and play Call of Duty or FIFA, there’s plenty of other games as well. My friend has been playing Sims Freeplay every evening since lockdown. She absolutely loves it, and often shares her excitement on the group chat.
Personally, I like to unwind on Winter nights by playing either The Sims, Two Point Hospital. If I’m feeling confident, I’ll find a decent online poker bonus and try my luck for a few hours. Every once in a while, I win, and treat myself to something nice. I always make sure I gamble responsibly, though.
One thing I love about online gaming is there’s several games you can play online that let you socialise with loved ones, without leaving home. My daughter got a board game for Christmas called Outsmarted. It’s a brilliant game to play via zoom with friends and family. Each player plays on the phone app, while one person “manages the board”.
Jigsaws
One of my earliest memories is of my Nanna always having a jigsaw on the go. My Auntie has carried on the tradition in the past decade or so, too. She gifted me a puzzle last year, and I decided to complete it so I could send her a photo. It took me WEEKS! (Admittedly, I only spent 30 0r so minutes on it, a few times a week, but it was hard work)! I was pleased with myself when it was done though, and have now invested in a puzzle mat so I can store it safely between uses.
My auntie buys most of her puzzles from charity shops so she’s never too upset when there’s a piece or two missing. I would be though, so I only accept puzzles she’s completed first, or ones I buy new myself. I think I’d cry if I spent 20+ hours on a jigsaw, only for there to be pieces missing – do you agree? That wouldn’t be a good way to unwind on Winter nights.
Baking
I’ve loved to bake for as long as I can remember. My mum and I made large family pies at least once a week, and I’d bake jam tarts with the left over pastry. When my daughter was a toddler, I passed on my love of baking to her. Our no bake Creme Egg Cheesecake is an annual Easter show stopper at family events. Sadly, she became gluten intolerant in 2020, so now our baking involves a lot more research, and a fair amount of trial and error.
I love to experiment with new recipes when she’s at her Dad’s and the house is quiet. By baking in the evening, I avoid any disappointment when things don’t go to plan. I also find it a great way to unwind on Winter nights.
Painting
I have decided that I want to spend less time online in 2025, and one way I plan on doing this is by keeping busy and learning new skills. I’ve always loved to doodle. I’m not very good at drawing, and don’t claim to be. But I love to just switch off with a pencil in my hand, and see what happens.
When I saw tons of half price art supplies recently, I treated myself to some acrylic paint and a few canvases, so I can try to unwind on Winter nights by painting. I’ve not actually found time to paint yet though, due to poorly kids, extreme weather and a heavy workload meaning free time has been hard to come by. It’s definitely on my to do list for this weekend though.
Journalling
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ll know I’ve been dumping my thoughts here since July 2011. That’s 13 years now! My blog started as somewhere for me to share our adventures as a brand new family. I would unwind of an evening and record our adventures like an online diary, for non local friends and family to enjoy. Over time, it became my main source of income, and now I am amazed every day that my little blog pays the bills.
While that’s been an incredible experience for us as a family, it also means I spend most of my days sat at my laptop, so I don’t want to do the same when I’m off the clock. As a result, I’ve switched to a paper journal to jot down a few sentences each evening before bed.
I find that by recording one bad thing, one good thing and one goal for tomorrow in a paper journal each evening, I’m able to unwind on Winter nights much easier. It helps me close the door on today’s jobs, know what’s to be done tomorrow, and just enjoy my free time.
So there you have it – 5 great ways to unwind on Winter nights. Can you think of any more? Let me know in the comments.
