It can be a VERY long 12 weeks of winter after the holidays, so here are 5 tips to help you survive Berlin winter like a pro.
Tip #1 Get out of the flat (€)
This is the most difficult, but probably the most important for me personally. Also, I divided this one into free and at a cost, because who can afford to go out all the time with these energy prices?
As much as you may not want to leave your cozy abode, it’s important for your senses to experience something different on a daily basis. Those who work from home, I’m talking to you! If you search for “workshops in Berlin” there are tons of fun things to do and learn – candle making, cooking, dancing, etc… Or maybe challenge yourself to explore a new neighborhood – try a new restaurant or cafe with friends or tak a good book.
Current Exhibitions — kid friendly ➠ MACHmit! Museum (tip from Kathleen: take “stopper socks” or slippers).
Workshops — There are SO MANY! I don’t know why, but candle-making is jumping out at me right now. Just seems relaxing…
Underground bunker tours (if you haven’t done them already) – they’re “outside” but sheltered from bad weather.
Tip #2 Get out of the flat (for free)
At the very least, a stroll around the block can brighten your mood in the darkest of Berlin greys. But there are still plenty of free things to do in Berlin that are maybe more interesting than your city block.
Free Museums – read Kathleen’s blog on the ANOHA Museum here (but don’t worry, they have lots of open slots these days!)
Have you visited the Reichstag yet? You just need a reservation.
Visit a new park and sip your thermos of coffee or tea in nature.
Tip #3 Plan gatherings with friends (nice dinner, games night, movie night)
I never feel like I have enough time for my friends during the holiday season. So I’ve decided to make plans in the new year instead. If there was ever a time of year in need of friends and cheer, it’s January to March! Invite your friends over for a fancy dinner (or yummy takeout). Organize a games night (call me old fashioned, but I like to play cards). Pop some popcorn, bake something yummy and watch a movie with friends. It’s self-care if it’s just you, if it’s a social event with friends – 2 for 1 activity!).
Tip #4 Schedule some self-care
Ahhhh, my favorite. Carving out time for self-care is allowed, and yes, you’re busy and you can say no to other invitations. (Repeat the last sentence out loud if needed.) It’s kind of necessary if you want to last in Berlin until spring. If you haven’t discovered Vabali yet, if money is no object and if you’re OK with being nude in front of strangers, it’s a pretty special place in Berlin.
Tip #5 Set a goal for March 23*
*the last day of winter
This idea came to me while writing this – there are 12 weeks of winter once we start the new year. That’s a good chunk of time to set a little goal. I find new years resolutions to be a bit overwhelming, but this is only a matter of weeks, not even a full season! Here are some ideas:
- Reading – set a reading goal and finish that book you ordered during lockdown and never finished (😅)
- Learning something new: Knitting? Sewing? Ukulele? The latest TikTok dances? A new language? There are YouTube tutorials for almost everything nowadays. Get to it!
- Movement challenge: If you lost your routine like me, this is a manageable challenge for me to re-introduce some sort of sport or movement into my life. Walks after a meal, steps, bedtime yoga, daily stretching practices… Urban Sports Club is a good way to soak up a whole range of Berlin courses with one membership.
- Bucket list: Make a list of activities (maybe ideas from this list??) of things you want to do before spring. Write it out by hand or type it up with pretty colors. I highly recommend printing it out – clicking a checkbox once you’ve done something isn’t nearly as satisfying as crossing it out with a pen.
Just remember, every day is brighter than the last 😊… Quite literally (until the summer solstice, that is!).
Any advice/ideas from our seasoned Berliners? Drop ’em in the comments below!
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