Winter warmers: Can you believe it’s already August?

If you’ve been feeling extra tired, unmotivated or just want to stay curled up in bed all day, you’re not alone.

Published on the 05 August 2026 by Jolin, THRIVE Student Intern

Jolin, THRIVE Student Intern

The final stretch of winter

Cold mornings and dark afternoons can really change our mood and energy, especially during busy college weeks. So, let’s talk about a few simple and heart-warming ways to take care of yourself as we power through the last month of winter!

"I pray this winter be gentle and kind — a season of rest from the wheel of the mind."

– John Geddes

Cook winter comfort foods

This cold weather calls for some comfort food that can warm and heal your soul. Well, for me, nothing is better than a bowl of warm soup after battling the strong wind outside. Let me share with you a few simple recipes I found online!

All about soup
Starting from Thai tom yum soup, tofu miso soup, egg drop soup and many others, you’ll get to discover amazing recipes that offers instant comfort to your stomach.
Hearty dishes
Now that we’re done with soup, let’s move on to the main course! These quick winter recipes take 20 minutes or less to make, perfect for a comforting meal on a busy day! If you’re looking for halal-friendly options, check out this collection from NYT Cooking. For vegan dishes, The Veg Space has many delicious plant-based recipes to explore.
Winter drinks
Are you trying to level up your usual hot chocolate or starting to get bored of it? This is your sign to get your mug ready and start making your own homemade drinks. Try something different and maybe it can be spiced apricot tea, peppermint mocha or hot apple cider today!
Desserts
There will always be a room for desserts, right? Just imagine the smell of freshly baked cinnamon roll or bread pudding filling up your kitchen. Find comforting sweet treats that makes spending your cosy winter at home so much more amazing as you snug up on the couch!

Warm at home

Winter is a great time to enjoy cozy activities at home and here are a few things you can try:

Get your blankets ready
Place all of your blanket within reach to add layers and softness that keeps you warm at home. Enjoy your warm drink of choice while wrapping yourself up in a fuzzy blanket!
Watch holiday movies
Play your favourite holiday movies like The Polar Express or Home Alone and get into the holiday mood. Even though Christmas is celebrated during the summer in Australia, that doesn’t mean you can’t get into the festive mood. Find out which movies are ranked the best Christmas movies of all time by Time Out!
Create cosy corners in your home
The key to finding the perfect cosy corner is placement. Can you think about any spot where you often spend your winter evenings in? Turn those small corners into something that sparks joy by lighting up a scented candle that reminds you of cookies, vanilla, and winter goodness. It can be placed beside your favourite reading chair, the coffee table where you sip tea or dark kitchen corner where you prep dinner on winter evenings. You can even create an evening routine to light up the candles as the daylight fades. It makes you want to come home earlier and relax in that tiny corner!

Love and appreciate the beauty of winter as it becomes a season of candlelight and quiet evenings. Watch the season slowly turn into spring and remember to take a gentle care of yourself so you can be fully recharged when the new season arrives with new adventures!