For many, the year 2021 is looking a lot like 2020. COVID-19 is still prevalent, and while several versions of a vaccine have been made, countries have been very slow to distribute to doses to the public, Canada especially.

In the winter I like to shut myself off from the world, but I’m doing that even more due to the province-wide lockdown and stay-at-home orders that have been extended to at least February 9th in Ontario.

Therefore, I’m leaning in the notion that if/when we as a society arrive at the “new normal”, it will no longer be acceptable for introverts such as myself to engage in solitary activities over social ones.

And so, if we are to endure an isolationist winter, we may as enjoy it and hibernate the right way.

Here’s how you can embrace your inner hermit with this 5 tips:

1. Embrace Hygge

I’ve talked about the concept of hygge before, but it bears repeating. For those not familiar with the term, hygge is a Danish word that encompasses all things cozy.

Think snuggling inside your living room during a heavy snow storm, sitting in front of roaring fire and drinking hot cocoa. That’s the kind of feelings hygge conjures. And even if you don’t have all the accoutrements of the fireplace, you can still emulate the ambiance by illuminating your space with candlelight, and investing in a thick fabric blanket and wool socks. Perfect hygge.

2. Binge-watch all the things and rewatch classics

The pandemic is the only time I would ever endorse the practice of binge-watching, but when else in our lifetime would we ever have an excuse to just sit down and watch TV for several uninterrupted hours at a time?

Right now, my fiancé and I are getting through The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix, but the lockdown has also afforded us time to get through shows that would have otherwise taken ages to watch (mainly due to myself and my anti binge-watching ways).

Some other great shows for binge-watching include HBO’s Westworld, Netflix’ Big Mouth and Puella Magi Madoka Magica (that last one is a personal choice I’ve watched multiple times, but I highly recommend it as some of the best 12 episodes of anime you will ever see).

3. Go to Bed Early

Channel your inner bear and catch more z’s during the winter season.

I chose going to bed early over sleeping in, because many of us are still working during the pandemic, and don’t have the luxury of slowly rousing at our own pace with the sun.

Plus, I believe sleep is another one of those things we’ll have to unfortunately bargain to enjoy once social gatherings become an option again. If you ask me, I’d prefer going to bed at 10 PM and getting up at 5 AM so I can start my day off fresh and well-rested, but that luxury will be comprised with the advent of late-night parties and concerts.

4. Play Video Games

Before COVID-19, I would feel very guilty using my free time for games. Unless you are playing a multiplayer or party game, why would you stay cooped up in the house and not get any fresh air or visit friends?

Video games have been a major solace during the pandemic, and I’ve found myself relying heavily on our Nintendo Switch and its library of titles. Animal Crossing: New Horizons became a big hit for the family after Christmas, but we often revisit such games as Mario Kart 8, Super Mario Odyssey, and the slew of retro games found in Nintendo Switch Online.

Over the months, I’ve become more interested in the indie game (“Nindie”) scene, playing titles like A Hat in Time and Coffee Talk.

Coffee Talk is especially therapeutic because it’s like a fantasy coffee shop AU fanfiction of a much better 2020.

5. Be Selfish

This may be a controversial stance, but if there’s any silver lining to glean from the horrors of the COVID-19 pandemic, at least it affords us the opportunity to indulge in our own self-interests.

The government is essentially encouraging us to avoid other people, so what better time is there than right now to be selfish and do what we feel like (within proper safety protocols, of course)?

You want to spend the day curled up in bed reading that book? You read that book!

You want to watch Youtube videos for 8 hours straight? You watch those videos!

You want to cook a big batch of soondobu jjigae and stink up the house? You cook that tasty Korean meal! (But maybe crack a window after, or you’ll smell it in your hair for days…)

I think the greatest personal tragedy for an individual who did not contract COVID-19 would be to look longingly back at this odd time in history and have regret that they didn’t take advantage of the newly-found time to take care of themselves.

So mourn that you can’t hug or be with your loved ones. Then turn around and do whatever the hell you feel like, because the opportunity may not come again in our lifetime. It’s up to you if that knowledge is a boon or a bust.

So to recap, here is how you can hibernate during a COVID-19 winter:

• Embrace Hygge
• Binge-watch Shows
• Go to Bed Early
• Play Video Games
• Be Selfish

Do you agree? How to you intend to spend your winter? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!