Winter in Rhode Island has a reputation for being long, cold, and something to “get through.” But what if we looked at it differently? What if winter wasn’t about survival, but about thriving?
This season offers a rare invitation: to slow down, turn inward, care for our bodies, and find beauty in stillness. With the right mindset (and a few unexpected rituals), winter can become one of the most nourishing and inspiring times of the year.
Here’s how to truly thrive during a Rhode Island winter, mind, body, and spirit.
1. Embrace the Cold (Instead of Fighting It)
There’s something deeply invigorating about winter air along the Rhode Island coast. A brisk walk on a quiet beach—bundled up, cheeks pink, lungs full of salty air, can reset your nervous system like nothing else.
Try this:
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Sunrise or sunset beach walks in Narragansett, Jamestown, or Newport
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Short outdoor walks daily, even 10 minutes makes a difference
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Cold exposure rituals: end your shower with 30 seconds of cold water
Cold isn’t the enemy, it’s a natural energy booster that wakes up your body and sharpens your mind.
2. Create a Winter Wellness Rhythm
Winter is not the season to push harder, it’s the season to support yourself more deeply.
Focus on:
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Warm, grounding foods: soups, stews, bone broth, roasted vegetables
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Protein-forward meals to stabilize energy and mood
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Hydration (we forget this in winter!), warm teas count
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Early nights and consistent sleep routines
This is the season for nourishment, not restriction.
3. Do Things That Feel a Little Luxurious (On Purpose)
Winter thrives on contrast. The cold outside makes warmth inside feel even better.
Simple luxuries that elevate winter:
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Sauna sessions or infrared therapy
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Long baths with magnesium salts
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Candlelit dinners at home
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Weekly facials or skincare rituals
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Cozy coffee dates in quiet cafés when the crowds are gone
These aren’t indulgences,they’re winter medicine.
4. Try Unexpected Winter Experiences
Winter is when Rhode Island becomes quieter, and that’s where the magic hides.
Ideas most people overlook:
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Winter sailing or harbor cruises (yes, really—peaceful and stunning)
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Historic home tours when you can actually linger
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Art classes, pottery studios, or writing workshops
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Winter farmers markets and local food tastings
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Storm watching from oceanfront spots (safe, warm, mesmerizing)
There’s a different kind of beauty when the pace slows.
5. Move Your Body for Joy, Not Punishment
Winter movement should feel energizing—not exhausting.
Think:
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Strength training 2–3x per week
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Long walks instead of intense cardio
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Pilates, yoga, or barre
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Stretching while watching a movie or listening to music
Movement keeps your mood elevated and your body resilient through the colder months.
6. Tend to Your Inner World
Winter is a natural time for reflection, creativity, and clarity.
Use this season to:
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Journal and set intentions
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Read books that inspire growth
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Plan trips or future goals
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Refine routines and habits
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Reconnect with what truly matters
This quiet season is where clarity is born.
7. Reframe Winter as a Privilege
There’s something incredibly grounding about living in a place with seasons. Winter reminds us to pause, rest, and restore—so we can bloom again in spring.
Rhode Island winters aren’t something to escape. They’re something to experience fully.
When you support your body, nurture your spirit, and lean into the season, winter becomes not just tolerable, but transformative.
Final Thought
Thriving in winter isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what truly sustains you. Warmth, movement, beauty, nourishment, and a little adventure go a long way.
Winter doesn’t dim us.
It deepens us