Smart activities to make the most of your time indoors this winter + save!

Last updated on 29th June, 2023 at 02:49 pm

Ah, the colder months… what better time to sit back with a steaming cup of hot chocolate, your sheepskin-slippered feet up on the ottoman, your favourite series on the go. Self-improvement can wait until spring… But should it? What if we told you that winter is an excellent time to work on your physical and mental wellbeing – and that you don’t even have to take off your fluffy robe!

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In this article, you’ll learn:

• Why the chilly season is the perfect time to boost your brain with informative, interesting online learning courses.
• How to get out of a boring TV rut.
• How to reduce stress by tackling home admin.

Try a different kind of learning

Winter is the perfect time to focus on learning – no one is standing outside having a braai, so you can pack away the FOMO and unpack your notepad and pencil. While you may have a particular learning area in mind, have you considered focusing on a broader topic like social and emotional learning? This type of learning can help you thrive in the work environment and personally, and help you maintain positive relationships. Using your Online Education by Boston benefit, which includes a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programme for children and adults, you can take advantage of learning in categories such as self-awareness, self-management and responsible decision-making.

The brain boost

Learning new things challenges your brain and helps it develop new neural pathways. This can improve your cognitive abilities, including memory, problem-solving and critical thinking.

Relax with the best entertainment

Even if you don’t want to hit the books, getting exposure to different perspectives and ideas can inspire new ways of thinking and problem-solving – and what easier way is there to see fresh ideas, than to stream them? But instead of lining up S1 of your favourite show yet again, try watching something out of your usual range. Try documentaries on subjects you’re curious about, get stuck into movies and shows in different languages, and dabble in a genre you’ve never watched.

The brain boost

Instead of passively watching, engage with the content by asking questions, making connections, or reflecting on what you’ve learnt. This can help you process and internalise the information more deeply.

As a Sanlam Reality member, you can enjoy up to 5 months’ streaming of the best movies, series, sports, kids’ entertainment and more – on us! Activate your benefit now.

Tackle that to-do list

If you want an instant sense of achievement, make a list of every tedious home admin chore you’ve been putting off – and then actually do it. Write down everything you need to do, then break it into manageable tasks and priorities.

When you have a to-do list, you have a clear plan of action for what needs to be done. This can give you a greater sense of control over your life and reduce feelings of uncertainty or stress. To get yourself going, start with something simple, such as organising the Tupperware drawer or finally filling that crack in the wall. You can even turn this into a competition with your partner to see who can tick off their list first – and the winner gets a treat of their choice!

Your free Personal Assistant benefit is a great sidekick when it comes to ticking off your to-do list. Try it now!

The brain boost

By methodically working through your to-do list and crossing off completed tasks, you can gradually reduce your stress and feel a sense of accomplishment – and as you complete tasks, you may feel a sense of motivation and momentum that can carry over to other areas of your life.

Whether you’re using data to catch up on your Showmax to-watch list, go back to the books, or use your convenient Personal Assistant benefit straight from your Sanlam Reality app. Plus, save up to 20% on RSAWEB fibre to your home.