Winter can be a challenging season for many people. The days are shorter, the weather is colder, and the stress of the holidays can take a toll on mental health.
Self-care, specifically winter self-care, has become more important than ever.
There are many self-care practices that can help you feel more grounded and centered during the winter months when focusing on your physical, emotional, and mental health is more important than ever.
So with that in mind, here is a collection of unique winter self-care ideas to make the most out of the colder months and keep your spirits high.
15 Winter Self-Care Ideas
1. Read a Cozy Winter Book
Reading a cozy winter book offers a multifaceted approach to self-care, addressing emotional, mental, and social well-being. It provides a gentle, enjoyable way to nurture your mind and spirit, making it a valuable addition to your self-care routine, especially during the winter months.
If you are looking for some book ideas, check out this list!
2. Create a Winter Self-Care Playlist
Music has the power to uplift your mood, so create a playlist that resonates with the cozy and reflective vibes of the season.
Curate your favorite winter-themed songs; they could be holiday ones or just music that reminds you of winter.
Whatever it is, make a playlist that resonates with you this season.
3. Journal by the Fireplace
If you have a fireplace, create a cozy corner with blankets and pillows. Spend quiet evenings journaling your thoughts, dreams, and reflections while enjoying the warmth of the fire. Consider a unique set of winter journal prompts.
And, if you don’t have a fireplace get a lovely scented candle and a cozy blanket and create a journaling corner someplace in your home where you can spend some time writing and reflecting.
If you are looking for a free collection of journaling prompts too, I’ve got you covered with my coffee-themed journal prompts. Just sign up to my email list below to get your free copy!
4. Plan a Future Adventure
Use the winter months to research and plan your next travel adventure. Whether it’s a cozy cabin retreat, a beach vacation, or a cultural exploration, the anticipation of future travel can bring excitement and anticipation during the colder days.
5. Volunteer or Give Back
Dedicate some time to volunteer for a local charity or community organization. Helping others can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling, bringing warmth to both your heart and those you assist.
6. Moisturise Your Skin
Cold winter air can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, flakiness, and sometimes even irritation. To combat the harsh effects of winter weather on your skin, it’s crucial to prioritize proper moisturization.
Use a rich, moisturizing lotion or oil to keep your skin soft and hydrated. My favorite is the Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream.
7. Enjoy a Warm Beverage
Enjoying warm beverages is not just a winter indulgence; it’s a form of self-care that can bring numerous benefits to your overall well-being.
Hot drinks like herbal teas, coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced cider provide comfort and relaxation as well as offer hydration and even health benefits. Herbal teas in particular can provide benefits like soothing digestion or boosting your immune system.
8. Spend Some Time in Sunlight
Spending time outdoors during daylight hours and soaking in natural sunlight is a vital aspect of self-care, especially during the winter months. Sunlight exposure is a natural source of vitamin D, a crucial nutrient that supports various bodily functions, including bone health, immune system regulation, and mood balance.
Additionally, sunlight exposure stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and stress relievers, which can improve your mood and overall sense of happiness.
9. Practice Healthy Eating Habits
One of the most important aspects of physical self-care is maintaining a healthy diet. During the winter, it can be tempting to indulge in comfort foods and sweets, but it’s important to balance those treats with nutritious meals.
Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help boost the immune system and provide energy to combat the winter blues.
10. Delegate Tasks
As a parent winter months and winter self-care can often be more challenging because you can’t go outside as much. It’s either too cold or it gets dark too early. You are often inside more with the kids than you are any other time of the year.
So, don’t hesitate to delegate tasks to other family members or ask for help. Share responsibilities, including with your kids if they are old enough to contribute to household chores. It reduces your workload and allows you time for self-care.
11. Get a Fun Advent Calendar
I love advent calendars because there are so many options now. As moms, we often think about getting an advent calendar for our kids, but really you should get one for yourself too!
In 2022 I purchased the Copper Cow Coffee Advent Calendar and I loved it! But, there are so many advent calendar options for adults in general.
Here are some of my favorite advent calendars:
- The Onyx Coffee Advent Calendar
- Holiday Movie Chocolate Advent Calendar from Chouquette
- Friends: The Official Advent Calendar
12. Clean up Your Email Subscriptions
Digital clutter can be never-ending and making time to clean up your digital clutter for your mental health is important.
I’m sure you are subscribed to dozens of websites and newsletters (I know I am!). How many do you actually regularly open or even need? Unsubscribe from mailing lists you simply don’t read or ever open; it’s good for your mental health and inbox!
13. Go Through Your Photo Gallery
Another good winter self-care idea is to clean up your photos and videos. Do you really need 20 pictures of your toddler that look the same? Okay, maybe you do (because I get it!). But, there are probably duplicates or pictures and videos you just don’t need anymore.
And, while you are at it, find some of your favorite pictures from the year and get them printed! Update picture frames or put them in a photo album and reflect on your favorite memories from the past year.
14. DIY Spa Day
Create your own spa experience at home. Experiment with DIY face masks, body scrubs, and hair treatments using natural ingredients. Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day without leaving your house.
You can even make a coffee face scrub using leftover coffee grounds!
15. Decorate for the Holidays
Decorating your home for the holidays can lift your spirits and create a sense of excitement and anticipation.
Bright lights, colorful ornaments, and festive décor can trigger positive emotions and bring a smile to your face, boosting your overall mood and well-being.
Holiday decorations also offer a creative outlet. You can craft your ornaments, design unique centerpieces, or create handmade wreaths. Engaging in creative activities can boost self-esteem, enhance problem-solving skills, and provide a sense of accomplishment, all of which contribute to improved well-being.
It is important to remember that winter self-care ideas are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Self-care is about finding activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and fulfillment.
Feel free to adapt these winter self-care ideas to suit your interests and preferences, and embrace the winter season with positivity and self-nurturing activities.
More seasonal self-care guides:
