The cold weather makes each day feel slower. From the first breath of the day, the rare sunshine, to simple meals, this article offers ways to make each day warmer.
Getting through the cold days
December mornings aren't always pleasant. Many days, the first thing you notice is the chill seeping into your clothes, forcing you to huddle closer before you muster the courage to get out of bed. When you go outside, everyone shivers slightly, their breath turning into thin wisps, and their hands instinctively clenching to retain any remaining warmth. Mornings like these slow the start of the day, requiring everyone to brave the cold even before facing the challenges of work.
But it is in those chilly moments that we learn to care more about our bodies: putting on a thick coat, wearing a hat, keeping our hands warm, and not forgetting to breathe deeply to ease the tightness in our chests from the cold air. Health is not just about fighting the cold, but also about nurturing warmth from within – from a small joy, something that excites us, or simply the anticipation of good things to come in the day. When the heart is warm enough, the first breath of the day becomes gentler, helping us to bravely overcome the cold and begin a fulfilling morning.
Rare winter sunshine
In the northern part of Vietnam, winter brings days of sunshine that appear only as a fleeting promise. Weak sunlight filters through thick clouds, gently touching the ground before disappearing, making people cherish its brief appearance even more. These delicate morning rays warm the body, soothe numb hands, and lighten the mood.
Health experts often remind us that early morning sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, much-needed during the colder, more fatigue-prone months. Emotionally, this rare sunlight also has the power to uplift the spirit. We stand on the balcony for a few extra minutes, letting the light penetrate our thick coats, letting the chill dissipate. Just a brief moment of sunbathing is enough to remind us that winter is never entirely cold; there are always small warm spots for those who are willing to pause and appreciate them.
Grilled corn and simple joys
Nothing evokes winter more clearly than the smell of grilled corn carried on the cold wind. On familiar street corners, the glowing charcoal stoves, the crackling of the corn kernels, and the fragrant smoke rising are irresistible. Standing by the stove, hands gradually warm up, and faces soften after a busy day. A perfectly grilled ear of corn – sweet, nutty, and rich in fiber – is not only a gift of the cold season but also a healthy source of energy that warms the body from within.
Amidst the stressful pace of life at the end of the year, taking a few minutes to wait for the corn to cook, listening to the crackling of the charcoal, and feeling the warmth on your face is a way to relax your mind. Winter is sometimes healed by very small things, and grilled corn is always a warm memory that we want to cherish whenever the weather turns cold.