Top 7 Winter Activities for NDIS Participants!
Fun and Accessible Winter Activities for NDIS Participants
As the colder weather starts to spread across Australia, it’s completely normal to feel a little slower, less motivated, or even a bit down. Rainy days can put a pause on your usual outdoor walks or community outings. The grey skies may not always inspire energy, and staying in bed can feel a little too tempting. But winter doesn’t have to mean missing out, going into hibernation or getting off track from your goals. If you’re feeling the chill or noticing a change in mood or energy, let your support worker know. Together, you can make a few small adjustments so you can still enjoy meaningful, winter supports that lift your mood, keep you connected. And, even create new wintertime routines you’ll love. Read on to discover our favourite winter activities to do with our participants from the comfort and warmth of your home.
1. Indoor Movement Sessions
When going outside isn’t an option, bring the movement in! You could try gentle stretching, guided yoga, or a fun dance-along video. If you’re used to doing mobility exercises in the pool, talk to your physiotherapist about exercises that have the same effect indoors. If your goal is to hit a certain amount of steps every week, set up a walking track around the house. Ask your support worker to help set up a mini movement session at home. Turn up the music and shake out that sluggishness!
2. Art & Craft Time
What’s our favourite way to combat the winter blues with our participants? Painting, clay modelling, scrapbooking, or even building a vision board – we like to use the wintertime to get creative indoors. It may involve braving the cold for a quick supply run, but then we can get cosy in the warmth of your home while you create a masterpiece!
3. Cook Something Warm Together
Comfort food is a real thing. There’s nothing that warms us up faster than a delicious soup or freshly baked cookies. Cooking can be therapeutic and a great way to bond with your support worker or housemates. You can even plan a new recipe each week as an NDIS goal for your winter supports!
4. Movie Afternoons or Series Nights
We’ll never forget the winter one of our participants asked to create an indoor movie theatre. Her support worker had so much fun helping her set up a cosy blanket fort, getting the snacks ready, preparing the pillows and blankets and enjoying a cosy afternoon watching a great movie. Now, it’s become a tradition and every winter they work to make the blanket fort better than ever!
5. Indoor Gardening or Herb Growing
We understand that gardening becomes difficult during the winter. If you love spending hours tending to your garden, and worry about how the rainy days will interfere – we have a solution. Bring the garden inside! There’s nothing to stop us from working together to start growing herbs on your windowsill or setting up some small indoor plants. Bring your safe space indoors and pour the same love into your temporary garden!
6. Music Therapy or Home Jam Sessions
Let’s create a playlist of all your feel-good, favourite songs to . Music has a magical way of lifting our spirits, no matter the weather!
7. Indoor Games & Puzzle Time
Can you solve a puzzle with 1000 pieces? Winter is the time to find out! Puzzles, card games, board games, or even online trivia can make gloomy days fly by. We would have so much fun helping you rise to the challenge and beating you in a game of cards!
Don’t Let The Winter Blues Get In The Way Of Your Supports
Winter brings a shift in energy, mood, and routines, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Your support workers and supports are here to help you adjust, adapt, and even enjoy the cosy season ahead.
If you need help planning your winter supporta, updating your support routines, or adjusting your goals, just reach out. We’re always here to make sure you feel supported — no matter the season.
