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Incorporating winter self care techniques into your routine as the days get darker and the weather gets colder is essential for nourishing your mind, body, and soul.
Having go-to self care ideas during the winter is a great way to make the most of what tends to be a slower, cozier time for us all.
So, if you’re ready to improve your mental health and take exquisite care of yourself this winter season, check out the must-have winter self care tips below.
This post is all about winter self care.
Winter Self Care
If you’re anything like me, you know winter can feel like a drag.
Between the frigid temperatures, lack of social events, and dwindling daylight, it can feel challenging to stay motivated and positive.
You’re not alone; however, there are simple self-care tips for surviving winter you can put in place to keep your self-care a top priority!
Whether it’s establishing a consistent winter morning routine or integrating wellness habits into your life, there are endless possibilities to come out of hibernation and glow up this winter.
That’s why below, you’ll find over 30 (!) effective tips for winter self-care to ensure you’re happy, healthy, and inspired to stay ambitious and joyful this season.
So, ready to learn how to take care of yourself during winter?!
Winter self care ideas
Here are 35 self-care ideas for winter to promote good mental and physical health this winter:
1. Make the most of the sunlight
First of all, be sure to leverage daylight hours to the best of your ability–it’ll encourage you to get outside and boost your Vitamin D intake as much as possible.
While going outside can seem much less appealing when the temperature is below freezing, spending time outdoors is just as (if not more) important in the winter as it is in the warmer months.
- Go for a brisk walk outside for thirty minutes
- Bundle up and sit with the sun on your face for ten minutes
2. Have a winter self care day
If you really want to pamper yourself, consider having a self care date one winter day and treating yourself like you would a romantic partner!
Here are some inspiring winter self care date ideas:
- Take yourself out to dinner at your favorite restaurant
- Spend an afternoon crafting
- Cook yourself breakfast and read your favorite book in your cozy pjs
3. Keep a gratitude journal
Another excellent strategy for overcoming the winter blues is maintaining a regular gratitude journal.
By using a wellness journal like The Five Minute Journal, you’ll be more apt to recognize what you’re thankful for and find simple pleasures throughout the winter months.
Learn more about how this self care tool can guide you through the season below:
4. Stay hydrated and moisturized
Taking care of your body during the winter is equally as important as taking care of your soul!
Be sure to stay hydrated in order to increase your melatonin levels and promote good digestion.
Lastly, as dry skin is super common during these months, keep your body moisturized as soon as you get out of the shower!
The winter air can seriously act like a moisture vacuum, so be sure to lotion-up flaky areas.
5. Stick to a consistent workout routine
Especially if you’re wondering how do you keep yourself healthy in the winter, having a regular exercise regimen is key.
There are plenty of ways to workout indoors and give yourself a break from sitting and stresing about work.
Decide what types of movements make you feel the best, and whether you prefer to workout at home or in the gym, and stick to it!
Not only will you reap the benefits of boosted endorphins afterwards, but you’ll be taking care of your physical appearance at the same time.
6. Plan a spa day
One of the more fun winter self-care ideas is to have a weekend spa day.
Treat yourself to a massage and mani pedi, and enjoy the comforts of your cozy robe and a glass of champagne… the vibes will be so peaceful.
7. Meditate weekly
During the winter, it’s more important than ever to connect with your spiritual self–and meditation is a great way to accomplish this.
Set a goal of completing a mindfulness activity once a week to keep your emotional wellness in check this season.
8. Reconnect with friends and loved ones
Additionally, boost your social wellness by intentionally scheduling plans with the people who bring out the best in you.
Since these months tend to be slower for us all, why not go out of the way to catch up with a distant relative or friend you haven’t seen in a while.
Schedule FaceTimes or calls with the people you can’t see in person–quick check-in can go a long way.
9. Pursue your passion project
You can also use this season to kickstart your passion project.
If you’ve been dreaming of starting a blog or launching an online shop, put your head down and get grinding away at it!
By summer, you have no idea where your life will be… all you have to do is start.
10. Cook a seasonal stew
Cultivate a cozy atmosphere for yourself by playing your favorite playlist, sipping on a glass of wine and cooking up a delicious one-pot winter dinner.
Here are two must-have winter cooking items to keep in your home:
11. Be present and enjoy the snow
In addition, a winter self-care challenge idea can be actively encouraging yourself to be more present this winter–and more joyful throughout the darker days.
Whether it be celebrating the snow (instead of dreading shoveling) or be super in tune with your thoughts, there are so many ways to stay grounded this time of year.
Most of all, in doing so, you make the winter something to smile about–and in turn, you’ll experience the most growth.
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Winter self care routine
Below are some of the best winter self care ideas that relate to setting consistent routines:
11. Winter morning routine
- Generate your winter morning aesthetic by decorating in a way that makes you feel warm and cherry when you first wake up
- Consider waking up earlier in the winter and using these extra daylight hours to spend time in nature
- Give yourself enough time to take care of your mind and body before launching into work
- Avoid the temptation to stay in your cozies all day and put on an outfit that makes you feel alive (and productive)
12. Winter night routine
- Fuel your body by maintaining a healthy diet full of whole grains and leafy greens
- Unwind earlier than usual, to help yourself fall asleep father
- Boost your vitamin intake to improve your mood and energy levels
- Perfect your own winter night routine aesthetic with the skincare products, pajamas, and self care items that feel most authentic to you
13. Develop a winter self care aesthetic
No matter morning or evening, set a vibe for the winter months by deciding on how you want them to feel and look in your space.
This doesn’t have to be costly–simple ways to do this include:
- Playing songs or podcasts that inspire you
- Flicking on a fireplace video to stimulate coziness
- Drinking your favorite hot tea
- Dressing in clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable
Winter self care activities
There are other experience-based ways to improve your winter self care–and we have a few of our favorites listed below:
14. Self discovery exercises
The first of many winter self care tips in this section is really diving into your personal growth journey during this season.
By using FREE resources like journaling prompts to explore your past (and future), you ultimately build the relationship you have with yourself.
Overall, winter is the perfect time to get clear on your beliefs and enact real change in your life.
15. Listen to motivational podcasts
Another activity that will benefit your mental health is listening to inspiring podcasts on spiritual healing, self growth, and confidence building.
You can play them as you drive to work, tidy up your home, or complete assignments at work.
16. Soak in a bubble bath
If you’re still asking yourself how can I take care of myself in winter, one extremely relaxing way to do so is sitting in a bubble bath.
Bring your favorite magazine and candle along, and allow your body to unwind and destress after a long day!
17. Adult coloring books
One of the more unique winter self care activities is doodling in an adult coloring book.
Not only will time fly as you design your sketch, but you’ll be more observant of your thoughts–and how blank your mind becomes when you’re fully concentrated on your artwork.
This is an adult coloring book I’ve used for years and *highly* recommend purchasing:
18. Sort through your winter clothes
Additionally, one of the greatest tips for self-care during the winter that doesn’t always come across as “self care” is doing a winter closet clean up.
Overtime, we’re all guilty of accumulating items we no longer need (or wear).
During this slower season, make it a point to take inventory of what you already have, especially before adding to your collection.
You can also consider listing your winter clothes on sites like Poshmark to make a little extra money while you’re at it.
19. Bake a yummy treat
Take care of your cravings by picking out a delicious winter dessert recipe and cooking up the treat of your dreams.
Seasonal bake offs are a cute way to celebrate the season while letting yourself disconnect from the stressors in your life and having a little fun in the kitchen.
20. Create a vision board
Also, winter is the perfect time to use vision board prompts to curate a roadmap for where you’re headed through the rest of the year.
Your vision board should reflect your dreams and ambitions, as well as pictures and quotes that resonate with your mindset and values.
21. Go ice skating
If your town or county has a public ice skating rink (or, even better, if you can find an outdoor one), call a friend and spend the morning skating.
You’re sure to have some laughable falls–and a delicious cup of hot chocolate while you’re at it.
22. Have a pajama day and slow down
In addition, while it’s important to stay busy during the winter, it’s just as important to kick back and let yourself rest!
Especially in January, after the holidays are done, designing your perfect “free day” and lounging around to the tune of a movie marathon is so liberating.
23. Walk around your favorite bookshop
The last winter self care activity for this section is to get dressed in your favorite winter outfit and walk around a local bookstore.
Not only will you discover some new reads, but you’ll also be surrounded with fellow bookworms.
This indoor, weather-proof activity is sure to bring a smile to your face this season.
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Winter self care for mental health
If you’re asking yourself how do you mentally get through winter, you’re not alone–the season can be a rough go for many of us!
Luckily, I’ve specifically listed out some of the best ways to enhance your mental wellness during the winter months:
24. Learn a new skill
Online sites like Coursera and UDemy make it easy to spend a couple hours earning a certificate for a new, industry-related skill.
When we’re actively engaging with new topics and growing our brains, we tend to feel more accomplished and successful.
This does wonders for our mental well-being, making us feel like we have something to be proud of.
25. Invest in therapy
Additionally, one of the greatest winter self care tips of all, especially for your emotional health, is to go to therapy.
With online therapy sites like BetterHelp, speaking with a licensed professional about your feelings and working through your traumas is simpler than ever.
26. Journal every morning
You can also consider jotting down your thoughts for ten minutes a day–letting them flow from pen to paper.
If you don’t know where to start, check out this post with over 110 self growth journal prompts to kickstart your practice.
27. Read for 20 minutes a day
As you all (probably) know, I’m a huge advocate of reading to expand your emotional intelligence–and think you’d benefit heavily from setting aside time for daily reading.
To help you get going, I’m sharing this must-read booklist for young women in their 20s, as well as more information on my creative nonfiction book, Self-Assembly.
28. Organize your space
Whew, I hope you’re loving these winter self care ideas!
Another one is to intentionally declutter your space during the winter–which will ultimately help you feel more comfortable in your living environment.
- Dust off any high-touch surfaces
- Vacuum your carpets
- Get your home office documents organized
- Go through your digital files
- Unsubscribe to email chains that don’t interest you
- Come up with an organization system that suits your needs
29. Set a good sleep schedule
Avoid the temptation to alter your sleep schedule in the winter–power through the darker times by avoiding bright lights at night, setting an alarm, and winding down earlier than usual.
In doing so, you make it more likely you’ll feel empowered and energized in the mornings.
30. Take more Vitamin D
Supplements are also super essential in the winter.
Especially if you aren’t able to get much natural sunlight, stocking up on Vitamin D is a must.
Here are two wellness supplements to consider incorporating into your winter routine:
31. Repeat daily affirmations
Additionally, a great winter self care challenge idea is to regularly affirm yourself.
Pick a few phrases that help you feel less lonely or down in the winter, and repeat them to yourself as soon as you wake up.
- I am the main character of my life.
- I am confident in myself.
- I am the master of my own ship.
32. Tend to a house plant
Another great way to boost your mental health during these months is by getting a house plant.
Not only will they make your space brighter, but you’ll get so much satisfaction out of watching your plant baby blossom.
33. Light a scented candle
Bring a warmth and radiant light to your home when it’s dark outside. Did you know scent is extremely impactful on your mood and energy?
By burning a candle that compliments your environment, you are helping your brain stay concentrated throughout the day.
34. Take inventory of your goals
As you work through these winter self care activities, keep in mind your short and long-term goals and make adjustments as necessary.
In doing so, you make it easier to stay on track for becoming the woman of your dreams.
Winter glow ups don’t just “happen”: they’re the result of concentrated, consistent effort towards whatever you are seeking to manifest in your life.
35. Disconnect from social media
Finally, in order to boost your mental status this winter, consider signing off social media (and dating) apps.
There is no need to be comparing and judging your life to everyone else’s.
Scrolling excessively and curating the perfect highlight reel for your accounts has proven effects on your morale and self-confidence.
Instead, choose to focus on your own personal development journey and nourish yourself this winter–I promise you’ll see more progress this way.
Winter Self Care Checklist
Keep this winter self care list handy (and Pin it to your profile) for when you’re in need of extra inspiration:
Winter Self Care: Wrapping it Up
What is the one winter self care idea you’re trying this season? Let me know your favorite self-care ideas for winter in the comments!
And remember to check out our FREE resources page for more templates and guides to become your most authentic self, no matter what season of life you’re in.
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