The colder months of the year can be a total drag. We know this. From seasonal depression to frostbitten fingers, it’s easy to feel more like a damsel in distress than a pampered princess.
As someone who loves all things dreary, like rain, sleet, and snow, I can tell you firsthand that it is possible to romanticize your life, even when the summer warmth and hard-earned tans have both faded away. You might not be soaking up the sun anymore – that’s been long replaced with worrying about your grades or that one upcoming test – but you can still find simple ways to bring the whimsy back into your life. Let’s take a look, shall we?
DISNEY 101: BECOMING AN ANIMAL WHISPERER
As anyone knows, a good princess needs her animal companion. Could there be any better choice than your own beloved pet?
Even though you’re busy this school year, it’s important to remember that animals can miss us, just like we miss them, and that spending time with your pet can be a much-needed destresser. Take a bre
ak from studying or doom-scrolling to find your pet (or pets) and give them some love! As the weather gets chillier, this becomes especially important – there’s nothing like a good snuggle-fest to keep you both warm. Isn’t that one of the sweetest things ever?
MUSIC MADE FOR THE MAIN CHARACTER
Music is an integral part of human culture. In fact, it’s just as important as language, and what’s a princess without her theme song? You can brighten the gloom with a playlist made to make you feel like the main character. This could be anything: your personal favorites, a playlist with a theme, or even one made to tell a story! Feel free to take inspiration from any playlists you find on the web. That’s what it’s there for!
SURVEYING THE KINGDOM
With a playlist tailored to you, a cold walk can quickly become a princess’s promenade! It might be tempting to stay inside and hibernate, but getting fresh air can boost your productivity. Especially around this time of year, fall colors are in full swing, and the approaching winter means that hopefully some snow should transform the world.
Additionally, walks can be a great way to socialize. Whether you’re griping about the cold or clutching hot mochas, you can bring the spirit of friendship along on your stroll with a companion.
SLAYING THE DRAGON, FINDING THE TREASURE
One of the most famous forms of self-care is simply going shopping, also known as retail therapy! A new outfit or trinket can often be enough to turn a bad day into a good one. You can turn any shopping trip into a quest with a specific goal in mind, and even bring along another princess – or a knight in shining armor – to assist you!
Going shopping can also provide a break from the cold. Malls, especially, tend to offer many different stores to explore, and if you’re lucky, you can grab coffee or a hot pretzel from a food court to keep yourself warm.
GETTING YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP
If all else fails (or if it’s simply not the day to seize), you can always get some shut eye. School can be draining, as can the upcoming rush of holiday shopping. Sometimes, what a princess really needs is to curl up under some blankets and rest… just be careful you don’t get cursed to sleep past any alarms.
There are plenty of ways to make your life feel less boring without changing your entire lifestyle. This winter, make sure to enjoy the little things, and stop to smell the roses every once in a while. After all, it’s hard to know what you’ve got until the adult world comes at you full force. Make the most of your free ride while you can!
