Navigating the seasonal shift can be a real rollercoaster. One moment, you’re basking in Bahamas bliss, slaying at Brown Skin Brunchin parties, and bringing the party vibes to your uncle’s BBQ. Then, BAM! Like a winter whirlwind, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) sneaks in – that gloomy feeling tied to the temperature drop.
Columbia University spilled the beans: SAD hits over 10 million Americans, and guess who feels it four times more? Yep, you got it – our fabulous Black queens make up 60%. Now, some folks might need a hotline to happiness, but for most of us, a little tweak in our routine is the key to feeling fab again.
That’s why we decided to cook up a list of 26 must-try ways to romanticize your winter life as a Black woman – because ain’t no better way to kick SAD’s butt than showering yourself with some well-deserved TLC.
So, are you ready to romanticize your life this winter and turn the chills into your personal wonderland? Scroll down for all the deets and let’s soak up all that good energy!
1. Thank Yourself Out Loud
After doing your meditation ritual, take five to ten minutes to thank yourself for simply existing. You could say, “Thank you for working out today and giving your body the stretch or calm it needed.
You could also thank yourself for loving yourself a little more every day, nourishing yourself with colorful, vibrant, and body-building foods, or even finding that song that just seems to get you in the mood. The possibilities are endless!
2. Life Edits Are Necessary
You’ll be spending a lot of time indoors this winter. So why not romanticize your life by taking some time to reflect and manifest?
Grab your favorite journal, write down everything you were grateful for this season or year, things you learned about yourself, and script manifest what you want to achieve next year or season.
3. Channel Your Inner Lady Whistledown
Bridgerton is coming back – hallelujah! Now, in light of this news, why not channel your inner Lady Whistledown by writing your best mates a fall-love letter?
Whether that is a simple thank you note after the holidays or a cute Valentine’s love letter, a thoughtful message from you will show them how much you appreciate their presence and get them through the depressing moments.
4. Maybe, Just Maybe, Try to Explore Therapy This Fall?
Now, this might not be at the top of anyone’s mind when talking about how to romanticize your life as a Black woman, but therapy can help you cope with the holiday triggers and transform your mental health for the better.
And if working with a therapist isn’t possible (because therapists need a break, too), you can try reaching out to your most trusted friend or even give writing therapy a shot.
5. Make A Holiday Main Character Playlist
Spotify wrapped up your top songs of the year and favorite artists.
Now make your own wrapped by creating a playlist that speaks to your heartstrings, reminds you that you’re a beautiful Brown Skin Girl, cues in the waterworks (if you need to deal with some pent-up emotions), helps you romanticize your life as a single Black woman, or get you to channel your inner Rihanna.
And if you’ve listened to everything under the sun, Spotify’s Discover Weekly Playlist might have cool new jams.
6. Use The Nice Stuff
The China gifted by your grandma? The white pair of boots you’ve been gatekeeping all year? The $$$ bottle of wine you vowed to open on your wedding night? Use it, wear it, drink it!
Don’t wait for a perfect moment – that moment is now. Romanticize the heck out of your life rn, hunnay!
7. Eat Breakfast Like A Queen
There’s something about switching up your regular avocado and toast breakfast plate for some colorful grain bowl, bold smoothie, or bacon x eggs x fruits mashup that makes you feel like you can conquer anything the weather throws at you.
Not-so-organic works, too – salted caramel cake is my weakness!
8. Practice Intentional Socializing
If you’re an introvert, step out of your comfort zone and romanticize your life differently by making daily social interaction a goal.
Even just a five-minute phone conversation with a friend you haven’t talked to in a while or a one-minute chat with that cute Starbucks employee can make a world of difference. Not to mention, it can help reduce the symptoms of SAD (seasonal affective disorder).
9. Shake Up Your Sex Routine
If you’re all partnered up, let those spicy positions you’ve been pinning down in your secret sensual goddess gallery work their magic.
If you’re single, romanticize your sexual life by treating yourself to a new vibrator. Amazon has some really dope options that will make your chilly winter nights ones for the books!
10. Brewphoria Is A Thing People!
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Brewphoria: the feeling of immense joy, satisfaction, or delight experienced by tea or hot chocolate lovers when they indulge in a perfectly brewed cup of tea or hot chocolate!
Don’t know where to get the best teas? Check out this lovely Black-owned business.
11. Drive For The Sake Of Driving
Is there anything more romantic than driving around your town or city, playing your favorite album, and taking everything in?
It’s the most underrated form of therapy and no cap; you’ll be surprised by the number of things you can sort out by just getting in your car and heading out without a destination in mind.
12. Hallmark Movie The Heck Out Of Your Life
Instead of ordering veggies and fruits this winter, why not go out and shop for a meal in your local specialty grocery store?
Get yourself some apples, bread, butter, grapes, seafood, and maybe, just maybe, the cutest farmer you’ve ever seen! ?And with the way grocery prices keep shooting up, scoring yourself a farmer would be the most romantic thing you’d ever do for yourself (JK).
13. Miley Said It Best – Buy Yourself Flowers!
Don’t tell us you’re still waiting for Prince Charming to come and buy you a bouquet of lilies, peonies, and roses. Come on now, sis.
How do you expect them to romanticize your life if you don’t do it for yourself first? So get up and go to Trader Joe’s, pick up a fresh bouquet, and DIY your own arrangement (Pinterest has lots of suggestions).
14. Dress Up For No Damn Reason
If you WFH, then you know the temptation to work in your favorite undies and a T-shirt. But while that’s certainly welcome on some days, there’s a feeling that comes with putting on your favorite outfit. And that’s a feeling called bliss, self-confidence, and bursts of productivity.
Still on the subject of dressing up, don’t you think it’s time to swap out that high school soccer shirt for a luxe loungewear set like this one from ASOS? Trust me, even your dreams will shift from running into your exes to catching flights to your dream destinations. ?
15. Want To Know The Most Adult Way To Romanticize Yourself This Winter?
Having a wellness week.
It sounds boring and frightful, rightly so, but knocking out all your yearly doctor’s appointments in one week will make you feel so freaking good and grown up.
And, tbh, what is more romantic as a 30+-year-old than taking charge of your health and setting yourself up for a glorious, healthy future?
16. Did Someone Say ‘Everything Shower?’
This is one of the fewest Black Girl trends we’ll take with us into the new year. Do you know why? Because there’s no better way to romanticize your life as a Black woman than by honoring your body and feelings by treating yourself to an extra-hot or cold (if you’re that typa girl)’ everything shower.’
And if you’re lucky enough to have a bathtub, a snug, warm bath seamlessly substitutes an ‘everything shower’ any day! Add some bath bombs or salts for a pleasant scent, turn on your favorite podcast or movie, peruse through your favorite fall read, and enjoy! Just make sure nothing falls into the water. ?
17. Do Your Makeup
What can transform a meh day into a powerful, confidence-boosting day?
Makeup.
Yap. Even just wearing your favorite lippie or rocking a cat-eye look, makeup romanticizes your day like nothing else! And remember: this is for you, not anyone else!
18. Do A Nail Design Flip Up
There’s no better way to romanticize your life this winter than getting a fresh set of fall nails. But you know what is hotter? What is more unique than the iced coffee nails trend? Henna! Yeah, this definitely niche/cultural look is really underrated, but the results are always complements-fetching.
Just scroll through Pinterest and tell me if you shouldn’t add a henna nail date to your winter mood board right now!
19. Water And Immune Boosters Are Basic Winter Essentials
Another incredible way to romanticize your life this winter is by doing simple acts such as hydrating your body. Drink your H20 and combat the dryness that comes with the season with heavy-duty moisturizers and creams.
Getting sick during winter is very unromantic, so while not bring yourself some joy by booking an appointment to get your yearly vaccines, taking some vitamin C and omega 3 supplements, and prioritizing sleep with some melatonin capsules?
20. Please, For The Love Of God, Take A Photo Of Yourself This Fall
You haven’t taken a photo in, like, what now? Seven years? What if you died today? What would your people use as your portrait? That 15-year-old photo of you looking like crap after a night gone wrong on campus?
Girl, it’s time to challenge yourself and take photos capturing moments in your day as a winter princess. Channel main character energy and romanticize every single moment outside by snapping a cool-ass photo of you, or even just a goofy selfie – it’s all about loving you a little bit more!
21. Money Dates Are A Thing, Sis!
In January or early February 2024, purpose to take yourself on a money date. With the extra motivation every babe has in the new year to make better financial decisions comes the anxiety-triggering feeling of actually tackling your finances.
So, instead, romanticize your winter by planning a solo date out of facing your budget – light up your favorite candle, pour yourself a glass of that rare bottle of wine, and get to work, honey. You got this!
22. Switch Up Your Dating Routine
Now, we don’t mean that if you’re straight to go all Katy Perry on your BFF; we just mean swapping your regular date with your partner for something different. If all you do for date night is go to the restaurant, movies, or club, why not attend a late-night church service or go tubing? Or try Christmas roleplaying? Yes, it’s a thing. And a cool one at that.
And if you’re still single, try something new on the dating scene, like the wanderlove trend, or do the Ashanti X Nelly thing and spin the block with an ex. That last one might invite some cringe reactions, but all in all, winter is a fantastic time to romanticize your dating life a bit more.
23. Channel Your Inner Child And Play With Snow
One of the best ways to romanticize your life this winter is to go out and play with snow.
We’ve seen videos of parents in love doing it all season, so why don’t you channel your inner five-year-old and go out and play, too? And if that is not an option, ice skating is equally stimulating and romantic.
24. Go To A Matinee
Is it just us, or is there something incredibly romantic and soothing about seeing a movie at the cinema versus Netflixing all weekend? Maybe it’s the popcorn and random strangers doing weird shit?
25. Multi-Tasking? We Don’t Do That Here
In 2023 and beyond, we’re ditching multi-tasking and taking things one step at a time. And if you think multi-tasking is a flex, you really haven’t experienced the joy that comes with entering a flow state.
- Flow State – according to psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, this refers to a mental state of complete absorption and focus in an activity. It’s the state where one is fully immersed in what they’re doing, and everything else seems to fade away. In this state, people often experience joy, creativity, and heightened performance.
26. Do Absolutely Nothing
Finally, and this is a message to all anxiety-ridden, ADHD-pumped, always-so-busy beautiful Black girls, romanticize your life this winter by doing absolutely N-O-T-H-I-N-G!
Society has continuously glamorized and glorified being busy, which is the most toxic mindset ever, but in 2023, circa 2024, we’re shifting this mindset and channeling the doing-nothing energy.
So, for the next few weeks, take your time, slow down, and thoroughly enjoy the simplicity and pleasure that comes with having no plans.
