As we enter this new season of frigid temperatures and the inevitable flu, I am craving some time at home wrapped in warm blankets, watching my favorite movies, and relaxing with some hot tea. Here are some things you can do this winter season in the comfort of your home that won’t break the bank.

Sip, soothe, and stay cozy

Starting off with one of my favorites: savor the season with a warm beverage of your choice. Whether it is hot chocolate, spiced cider (which in my opinion is never not in season), or an herbal tea, try some different drinks that are sure to soothe you in this cold weather. I really like the brand Yogi for tea. Two of my favorites are their Detox and their Elderberry Lemon Balm Immune + Stress. They not only taste good but also include added health benefits, which doesn’t hurt.

Relaxation starts at home

Have an at-home spa day. This could include a relaxing shower or bath, doing a face mask, or even sitting in silence for a little bit. If complete silence is too much, play calming music and allow all of your tension and anxieties to leave your system. Sometimes the most effective tools are the simplest. You can use what you have at home to create a spa-like experience. Purchase a few ingredients such as avocado, oatmeal, and honey to make a natural face mask, and you can also use other products you already have in your home to give your body the rest it needs. 

Out with the old, in with the cozy

Rotate your wardrobe. Cleaning doesn’t only have to be for spring. As the season changes, organize your winter sweaters and jackets so they are easily at hand. Consider decluttering and donating some items if possible. This will help you know your closet better so you can find new outfits for this winter using clothes you already have. Once you have gotten rid of some older clothes, you can then see where you might need to make a few purchases.

Enjoy a warm kitchen

Bake. Bake cookies. Bake bread. Bake anything and everything. There is nothing better than a home filled with the scent of something delicious being baked in the oven on a chilly winter morning. I recommend banana bread, chocolate chip cookies, scones, cinnamon rolls, brownies—all of it.

Turn resolutions into reality

Write your New Year’s resolutions on paper. One year I wrote each resolution on a separate small piece of paper, folded them up, and then placed them in a jar. You can take them out of the jar throughout the year to keep yourself accountable, then put them back. And then you can review them next year and see whether you fulfilled what you set out to do.

There are many other goal trackers you can use to gauge your progress and persistence. You can also make a calendar or journal for your resolutions to keep track of growth. Experiment with different options and see what works best for you.

Cozy up and get creative

Discover a new hobby. This could be painting, knitting, writing, baking, chess, crafts, finding a new podcast—there are so many options. Light a seasonal candle and start exploring. There are many ways to still have fun in the confines of your home and stay out of the cold. You could read a new book, find a new movie, and finally start that project you have been dreaming of completing. The winter months can be a time to learn—or to relearn if you’re like me and shouldn’t have stopped practicing piano.

Unplug for laughter and fun

Play board games and do puzzles. One of my favorite games is Telestrations, which, as the name suggests, is a game that combines telephone and an illustration aspect comparable to Pictionary. Instead of passing a word down the line, you draw a picture and have to interpret what the person in front of you drew. It is sure to cause laughter and also tends to expose some hidden artists in the group.

Also, you could start a puzzle that you can leave out for winter and come back to throughout the season. It’s a chance to get off your phone and work your mind in a different way, with the possibility of family and friends also being able to join in.

Hopefully, this list can inspire your own winter checklist. Please share your ideas in the comments below!