- Get some bright, summery flowers for your house. Sunflowers, daisies, tulips - they'll all do the trick. I was just thinking yesterday that I should get some for our dining table, and then my husband surprised me with an (early) Valentine's gift of daisies and roses. They smell great and brighten up the place a little.
- Go in a hot tub, steam room, or take a super steamy shower. Basically anything where you can feel the humidity in the air. I might just take my own advice on this one this weekend and head down to our indoor hot tub at our gym, which we sadly rarely use. Another great idea is to head to an indoor garden or bird sanctuary - they often feature warm, humid temperatures. And, of course, pretty flowers or animals.
- Eat your favorite summer treat. Whether it's an ice pop, a milkshake, or watermelon, enjoy something that you usually associate with summer. You may be eating that ice cream sundae bundled up in your living room instead of outside on a warm night, but it will still get you in the summer mood.
- Plan a vacation to somewhere tropical, even if you never go. The more exotic, the better. Go on Expedia and find a hotel on the beach. Look at pictures of people surfing and scuba diving. Or sitting by the pool, drinking a frozen cocktail, if that's your thing. Picture yourself doing those things. Bonus points if you actually book a vacation and give yourself something to look forward to (and a way to escape the weather, if only for a little while).
- Listen to some classic summer tunes. The Beach Boys always do it for me (and "Be True to Your School" always reminds me of the Full House telethon). There are tons of "Best of Summer Songs" lists, or look on Pandora for a great playlist.
- Get a (fake) tan. Use a gradual self tanner to give yourself a little glow. It's a longer-term payoff, but even getting a little color can make you feel less like a blobby snowman. And while I know it's horrible, I have, on occasion, used a tanning bed (I'm from Jersey, after all). Ignoring the cancer-causing issue, the warmth and the smell of the lotion really can make you think it's summer, even if just for a few minutes. I'd save that for if you really need a pick me up.
- Put the winter-scented candles away and bring out the summer ones. I lit a Sun and Sand candle yesterday - which basically smells like suntan lotion and salt water and is fabulous. Other favorites are anything that smells like the ocean, grass, or a "fresh meadow" (whatever that means).
- Go for a swim (if you have access to an indoor pool). Or even just go sit by a pool. The smell of the chlorine and the splashing of the water will bring you back to summer. Just close your eyes and pretend that you're outside and the sun is shining on your face. I also sometimes walk past buildings in the city that omit a warm breeze that smells like chlorine. I have no idea why this is - maybe the venting systems for dry cleaners? - and I'm sure that whatever they're venting probably isn't the healthiest thing in the world, but every time I walk by one in the city, I can't help but think of our summer vacations in the Poconos, where we hung out at the outdoor pool by day and the indoor pool at night.
- If you see the sun peaking out during the day, get outside. Even if you have to bundle up, go outside. Find somewhere to sit or take a walk and let the sun hit your face for a little while. Try not to think about the cold - focus on the sensation of the sun on your skin. Plus, you'll get some much needed vitamin D.
Tell me, are you over winter yet? What's your favorite way to bring a little summer to the January blahs?
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