Winter Self-Care Ideas
Winter is officially here, and if you’re like me, you might already be feeling a bit fed up. The season has its charm, but the biting cold can be hard to endure.
Just the other day, driving home from work, I marveled at how breathtaking the landscape looked after a night of freezing rain. The trees sparkled like something out of a fairy tale, glistening in the sunlight.
But stepping out of the car, reality hit me hard — it was freezing! Winter has its beauty, but let’s face it, cold weather isn’t for everyone.
Sure, most days are manageable, but there are inevitably moments when layering up becomes tedious. You step outdoors, chilled to the bone, then walk into a warm store and suddenly feel the heat creeping in, only to battle the cold once more just minutes later.
For those with dry skin, the harsh winter air can feel like yet another restriction, like wearing an uncomfortable sweater that just won’t let up.
And let’s not forget one of the biggest annoyances: boots that let your socks slowly slip off your feet as you walk, all while trying to adjust them discreetly.
WINTER SELF-CARE
Winter self-care is essential, especially for those who find that dark, chilly days negatively impact their mental or physical well-being. Perhaps you notice less time with friends, a sense of being cooped up, or an unexplained dullness in your days.
Some individuals are simply more sensitive to these seasonal changes. Recognizing a need for extra self-care isn’t just normal; it’s crucial, especially during the dreary winter months. To combat a lack of sunlight and disrupted circadian rhythms, consider these self-care strategies:
GET ENOUGH LIGHT
The shorter, darker days of winter can intensify feelings of melancholy. With the Winter Solstice behind us, we are slowly gaining more daylight each day, though it may take some time before the difference is perceptible. During the winter, I often adjust my schedule by two to three hours to maximize exposure to daylight, enhancing my blog photography and overall mood. A travel app like TimeShifter can assist with such adjustments. To optimize natural light in your space, consider using light translucent curtains instead of heavy drapes or placing mirrors opposite windows. A brisk walk during the morning or lunch can also encourage some sunshine — weather permitting. Alternatively, you might want to explore light therapy with a HappyLight.
FOAM ROLLING
Chances are you’re not as active during winter as you are in warmer months. Dedicate some time to winter self-care that keeps your body feeling good through activities like foam rolling and stretching to maintain muscle flexibility. These activities can work wonders for your body — foam rolling, in particular, alleviates soreness and provides a soothing massage before or after workouts.
RE-ORGANIZE OLD PHOTOS
When was the last time you sorted through your phone or digital camera and printed out those cherished photos meant for framing or an album? I often fall behind on this myself. Going through old photos used to be a delightful pastime. My grandmother had an entire cabinet filled with albums and boxes brimming with memories. Nowadays, when we want to show someone a picture, we tend to just pull out our phones, which is fine, but it also means we miss out on enjoying tangible photo albums. Organizing and framing your photos can be a relaxing way to spend a cold winter afternoon, revisiting those special memories. You might even consider a Smartphone Printer to print Instax photos from your phone gallery.
DIY BODY CARE
Creating your own beauty treatments can be both enjoyable and soothing. However, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and perform patch tests, as the internet is rife with misinformation. Pinterest, for instance, contains stories of DIY beauty practices to avoid, like applying lemons or baking soda on your face. Some of my favorite DIY ingredients include oats, avocados, and coconut oil:
WARM-UP BEAUTY
Self-heating beauty products are a staple in my winter Self-Care Kit. I adore Patchology’s Perfect Ten hand and cuticle mask, Pixi’s Steam Facial, Hot Salt Body Polish from Bliss, and the Origins Warm Down Warming Lava Scrub. These quick treatments, usually taking ten minutes or less, are just what I need during winter.
HYGGE DAY OFF
Consider dedicating an entire day, or even just an hour, to a Hygge experience, filled with warmth, coziness, and simple joys. Ideally, you’d unplug for a day, but even turning off your phone for a couple of hours can be refreshing. Create a cozy nook for yourself with a cup of your favorite tea, a tasty treat, some engaging books, a candle or two, warm socks, a fluffy blanket, or your coziest sweater. Prepare your favorite meal, do some journaling or knitting, or simply relax with someone special — my dog, Blu, is my ultimate source of warmth. Finding joy in these simple pleasures enhances the richness of our experiences. It’s vital to be fully present during moments with loved ones, rather than being distracted by phones or lingering thoughts.
GAME NIGHT IN
During the frigid months, venturing out to socialize can be a challenge. Many of us may slide into hibernation mode or simply avoid the cold unless absolutely necessary. For those who need extra motivation to leave the house, socializing with friends is a vital form of self-care that enhances emotional well-being. Hosting a game night is an ideal winter self-care activity; it allows for warmth, companionship, laughter, and treats. I love pulling out my Instax to capture the moments, providing cozy blankets and pillows, and a few cocktail umbrellas for flair—no beach required!
BE GOOD TO YOUR MIND + SOUL
During your self-care routines, don’t overlook nurturing your mind and spirit. Even if winter blues don’t affect you, maintaining a clear, positive emotional space is crucial. Engaging in journaling, brain dumping, and list-making are some of my go-to methods to clear mental clutter and focus on uplifting thoughts. You can consider trying out a book or journal like this one that guides you through the process. Additionally, meditation and deep-breathing exercises are wonderful self-care practices to foster tranquility and happiness.
CATCH UP ON SOME ZZZs
Prioritizing quality sleep every night is ideal. If you struggle with sleep issues, consider focusing on healthy sleep patterns. In the meantime, catching up on sleep is never a bad idea. Sleep is one of the most undervalued aspects of wellness, and if you could choose one thing from this list to act upon, make it this. A consistent sleep routine is essential for overall well-being. Poor sleep increases the risk of health problems, mood swings, memory issues, and heightened stress levels. If you’d like to nap but have trouble falling asleep, consider using a guided meditation or hypnosis app like Deep Sleep.
