Do you survive or thrive during an arctic blast?
Some of us were made to thrive in a blizzard, and some try to survive when temperatures dip below 40 degrees.
It’s not hard to spot a thriver in their puffy gear, snow blower, powder puff ski talk, and Subaru. But it’s rare to find survivors, as they stay curled up on the couch under piles of blankets, wondering how much longer the icy air will last.
Full disclosure—I was once a thriver, but having tucked myself away in the sunny Southeast, I’m now a survivor.
Growing up on the side of a mountain, I had no choice but to embrace the long winter season. Yes, there were big winter sports dreams and all that… but shoveling and clearing the driveway just to get to the slopes is a lot of backbreaking work. So is chopping and stacking firewood and preparing to keep a home warm for five to six months of frigid temperatures.
Even though cold-weather fashions are usually better, nothing tops a fully formulated sun-cloaked dream. On days when you’ve flipped your switch into survival mode, plan your escape to the tropics. Allow yourself to dream and visualize a warmer existence. Queue up the vision boards, people, and make way for 10 very tropical things to keep your thoughts warm during the winter.
1. Dance
Look, there’s no better or quicker pick-me-up than putting on your favorite music and dancing. Create a playlist of all your favorite dance songs and get dressed to dance it out. Change the beat to Reggae and mentally check yourself into the best tropical nightclub on the planet.
Try adding a light show for extra effect. I like this one.
2. Make tropical cocktails/mocktails
Sip on the taste of warm tropical sunshine. Shake up a margarita, blend a piña colada, Mai Tai, or mojito. If you avoid alcohol, mix up a mango or strawberry refresher with a slice of lime. There are plenty of wall art options on Etsy with tropical drink recipes to hang at your “mix” station.
3. Create an indoor oasis
Treat your eyes to a visual representation of what your mind wants by transforming your living space into a tropical oasis with beach-themed decor, tropical plants, and vibrant beach colors. Add a tropical-scented candle or essential oils.
If you have just one small space to escape to, try creating a cozy reading nook where you can add a plant, a scented candle, and a colorful pillow. Fill the space with excellent books set paradise. Let yourself be swept away by a story set in an exotic or tropical location.
4. Watch beachy themes shows or films
Do a themed movie night featuring tropical or beach-themed films. Think of classics like “Weekend at Burnie’s,” “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” “Couples Retreat,” “50 First Dates, “Moana,” or “Cocktail.”
You can keep the trend going throughout the week by streaming shows like “Baywatch,” “Outer Banks,” or “Million Dollar Beach House.”
You can find several great surfing documentaries too, like my favorite, “Riding Giants”.
5. Prepare a tropical feast
Put the chili bowl away for the night and transport your taste buds to warmer destinations.
Try Caribbean jerk chicken, Hawaiian poke bowls, or Thai coconut curry.
For a simple spread, go with a charcuterie board and add tropical fruit as a garnish.
6. Take a virtual vacation
Tune into a virtual tour or webcam of a tropical destination. Many places offer live streams of beaches, coral reefs, and wildlife, allowing you to escape to warmer locales virtually. Some of the best ones are:
Explore.Org is where you can find the Hawaii pipeline webcam. Click here
Skyline Beach- worldwide webcam. Click here
EarthCam is where you can find webcams from everywhere, including the flamingo cam in Miami, Florida. Click here
7. Create an indoor plant paradise
Bring the tropics indoors by adding tropical houseplants to your living space. Consider plants like palms, orchids, or birds of paradise to create a lush and vibrant atmosphere. See the plant guide blog here for help getting started. Be sure to visit your local plant store; they are eager to help customers build their space with thriving plants.
Read my plant guide here if you’re a beginner.
8. Get your summertime looks ready to go
Plan for warmer weather by creating a Pinterest board with beach and summer fashion you’d like to own or plan on buying. Pull your summer fashions out and wear them around the house. Donate items that do not belong in your future wardrobe.
9. Workout on the beach
Practice beach-inspired workouts. Whether it’s a virtual beach yoga class or a workout routine to tropical beats, get your body moving with a touch of the tropics.
Here are some good ones to try:
Yoga on the beach
Aerobics on the beach
10. Plan a tropical getaway
Visualize a perfect day and perfect sunset on the beach.
There’s no better time to plan a tropical getaway than when snow is pouring from the sky. Check out destinations and research lodging, prices, and attractions. Create an itinerary and dream about your future escape to paradise.
If cruising is your thing, check out various cruises.
Call my friend, Cindy Ross, who owns a cool travel agency, Stash Your Bag. She’s a world traveler and a serious lover of the beach and knows when and where to book a getaway.
Bonus: Tropical puzzles
Work on a tropical-themed jigsaw puzzle. It’s a relaxing and entertaining way to spend a cozy day indoors.
Here are some great ideas:
Buy them here:
https://www.seriouspuzzles.com/seychelles-1500pc-by-educa/
Get layered up and try a few of these tropical-inspired activities. Start with a Pinterest vision board and go from there. Keep your outlook positive and tropical until you see signs of warmer weather.
Here’s hoping you’ll add warmth and a touch of paradise to your cold days.