Five Things to Do This February
Photo by Raquel Reyes.
February is here! The somehow endless month of January is over and we are more than ready for what the next month has to bring. You made it! Pat yourself on the back and celebrate. Whether you achieved a great many things in the past month or simply managed to keep going, the important thing is to be kind to yourself. For us, February means many opportunities for embracing the last, overcast days of winter around us, from settling indoors with a cozy activity to celebrating love in all its shapes and forms. For the more cold-climate loving among us, it can mean walks about town as the temperatures begin to rise in anticipation of spring. Whatever the month brings for you, we hope you’ll share it with us over on Instagram (tag us! #winterattheattic), and if you’re looking for inspiration, here are the five things we’re doing this month...
❅
Take Time to Do Something for Yourself
The entire November through January season — holiday after holiday and finally new year — feels like an endless marathon at times, full of social events and societal pressure, and often, by the end of January, we’re exhausted. Take time this month to check in with yourself. Prioritize your needs. Do you need to spend an entire weekend indoors, napping to recharge your batteries? Do it. Make the doctor’s appointments you’ve been putting off. Check to see if you’ve eaten a vegetable recently or if you’re taking your vitamins. Get the haircut you’ve been dreaming of. Do whatever you need to do to get ready for spring.
❅
Show Appreciation for Your Loved Ones
February is often seen as “Valentine’s Day” and nothing more. So why not embrace the spirit of the season and show appreciation to the people you love? We love love here at The Attic on Eighth, whether it’s platonic, familial, or romantic, and we believe there’s nothing wrong with expressing it. So do the same. Write a note to the friend you miss. Call your grandmother. Take your best friend to dinner. Tell that person that you love them. Then show appreciation for a few others. Thank the colleague who helps your workload with a coffee. Message that author whose book you love. Spread some love!
❅
Learn Some History
February is Black History Month, and though we don't believe learning on the important struggles, accomplishments, and contributions of the Black community should only be tied to a single time of year, now is the time to start if you haven't already. As our Editor in Chief has said, “[literature] acts as a window into the world, allowing us to learn from and empathize with people from all different backgrounds,” so pick up a new read, whether historically relevant or new and anticipated. Pick up another one. Watch a few films. Support BIPOC makers if you can, and share information that might inspire others to help as well.
❅
Read A Love Story
If February is the season of love, then what better to read than some romance? Classics, Contemporary, Sonnets... Pick a poet and read a poem or two every day. Make your way through them slowly, savouring every word. Read it aloud to someone you love, or yourself, or your pet. Cry your way through a drama or laugh your way through a romantic comedy (don’t worry, we’ll share some favorites soon). Fall in love with characters and root for them against all judgement, refuse to let them go at the end and pray to the literary gods for a sequel.
❅
Visit A Museum
While the appeal to stay indoors wrapped up with some books and valentines candy all month may be particularly strong as the frosty winter days continue, there is no better time to seek out some culture, and support the places we love going through that dreaded slow season. Many museums offer events and lectures you could attend if you’ve already made your way through every exhibition, or free family days open to the public. If you’re more than ready for springtime, museums (and libraries!) are the perfect way to spend one less weekend bored indoors.
Olivia Gündüz-Willemin is Editor-in-Chief of The Attic on Eighth. She is dedicated to reading her way through the world and trying to stay as calm as possible.
Raquel Reyes is Creative Director at The Attic on Eighth. She enjoys styling photo shoots, dramatic hair accessories, and old fashioned cocktails.