Five Things to Do This February

Photo by Olivia Gündüz-Willemin.

February! January is finally over, and it feels like we can finally give 2021 another, fresher start. Though it may not seem like it right now, spring is around the corner and before we know it, our favorite early flowers are going to bloom out of their bulbs. Sunlight is becoming more abundant and colors brighter. We know better than ever that time is unpredictable and the world is well out of our control, but these little things that we can count on remain a source of joy. 

A month for celebrating love in all its different shapes and forms, we’re dedicating this February to reconnecting with both ourselves and our loved ones after a long winter.  

♥︎

Check In with Yourself and Treat Yourself However You Need

This wave of the pandemic seems to be hitting everyone harder than the previous ones. It’s gone on for almost a year now and collective grief continues to be everywhere, with a potential end only cautiously in sight. It’s cold out; it’s overcast; and it’s no surprise that making the best of even more time spent in isolation is feeling harder. 

As we settle in for a few last winter weeks at home, we’re choosing not to worry too much about taking on big projects or trying to make the most productive use of our time. Instead, we’re checking in with ourselves and hope you’ll do the same. How are you feeling? What is bringing you comfort and joy? What would make things better? Listen to your mind and your body and take care of yourself. Spring-Clean your mind a few weeks early. Share self-care reminders with yourself. Pick some soothing scents to surround yourself with. And turn towards all your favorite comforting things. 

♥︎

Show Appreciation for Your Loved Ones

It may be difficult not to be able to see our friends and loved ones at the moment, and the energy to organize and go through with video calls and catch ups may be difficult to find, but one thing we find never exhausts is sending a quick note to express your appreciation for a friend and letting them know we’re thinking of them. Write a kind word on paper. Get out your favorite pens and send some snail mail. Text out your feelings, or write an overdue email to a friend on the other side of the world. It doesn’t have to be more than a sentence or two, but a little love at this time of year goes a long way. 

♥︎

Learn Some History 

February is Black History Month. What we said last year still stands: even if 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 renew your efforts if you haven't already. Pick up some new reads.  Watch a few films. Support BIPOC creators if you can, set up recurring donations if your finances allow, and share information that might inspire others to help as well. Likewise, if you find anything you’d like us to share, send it our way! Our DMs are open. 

♥︎

Watch Some Period Dramas

We’ve been rewatching our favorite period dramas over the past few weeks and finding them to be the perfect balance of cozy and romantic… and far removed from our world, where a sudden cough might be a sign of tuberculosis and not COVID-19. The more familiar the period drama, the better. Watch the 1995 Sense and Sensibility for the 100th time and take it in as a sign that though so much has changed this year, our favorites are there to watch and rewatch time again through the decades. Play last year’s Emma. yet one more time and appreciate its aesthetic and witty perfection that’s brought so many of us joy over the past twelve months. 

♥︎

Brunch It Up (Solo) 

We’re spending a lot of time working from home these days, so why not make mornings even more special when we can? Just because you’re still sitting at your computer working all morning doesn’t mean that you can’t have a stack of pancakes or waffles at your side or a pot of your favorite coffee there with you. 

---

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.