10 Winter Self Care Ideas to Keep You Feeling Your Best

Last Updated on August 4, 2022

The winter season can be a tough time for many people. The days are shorter, the weather is colder, there is less natural light, and it can be difficult to get out of bed in the morning. Some folks call it the winter blues, and it can even turn into seasonal depression.

Even if the colder months are your favorite season, the cold wind and temperatures can be hard on your body, so these self-care activities will come in handy for you, too, my friend.

A winter self-care routine can include some simple, daily activities to keep us at our best while we’re stuck inside. Our emotional health is always a priority, especially during the cold weather months. Our physical and mental health can take quite a turn at this time of year.

So if you’re feeling the effects of the winter weather, make yourself a cup of hot chocolate and dive into these ten winter self care ideas to keep you feeling your best, while still staying safe and warm.

10 Winter Self Care Ideas

1. Get Enough Sleep

First and foremost, winter self-care should always start with getting enough sleep. This can mean different things for everyone. Some people may need more rest than others.

The winter months are long and dark, so it’s important to get as much shut-eye as possible in order to feel your best during these cold winter days. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day to help regulate your body’s natural sleep rhythm.

Soon, you’ll see that you feel more rested and alert during winter.

2. Stay Warm

Another key to winter self-care is staying warm. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on your preference. Some people like to stay indoors as much as possible, while others enjoy bundling up and going outside for a walk when the temperature is just right.

No matter what you do to stay warm, make sure you’re taking the necessary precautions to avoid getting sick. Wear layers of clothing, cover your head and ears, and drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated.

If staying indoors is your winter self-care idea, you can also make sure that your home is heated at an appropriate temperature. A space heater may help keep certain rooms in the house warmer than others, and you can use blankets to stay cozy while watching television or reading a book.

3. Stay Active

It’s easy to let our exercise routine fall by the wayside during the winter months, but it’s important to try and stay active. Not only does exercise help improve our physical health, but it can also boost our moods and help us fight off feelings of depression or sadness.

Even if it’s cold outside, there are plenty of activities you can do indoors or outdoors to get your body moving. If you’re struggling to find time for your workout, try using a fitness app to track progress throughout the day. You can also make it fun by doing yoga, dancing around in your house or going for walks with family members. Check out my indoor walking workout. It’s perfect for times when you can’t get outside.

Staying active during the winter months will help you feel better about yourself and keep those winter blues at bay. It’s a self-care practice that is just too important to let go.

4. Get Outside Regularly

If winter self-care means getting outside regularly, then do it! Even though the cold weather can make us want to stay inside all day, getting outside for a little bit each day can help improve our mood and keep us from feeling so down.

There are plenty of winter activities that can be enjoyed outdoors, such as sledding, skiing, snowboarding, and skating. One winter self-care idea is to get outside for at least 15 minutes every day (if it’s safe). You can also bundle up and go for a walk around the neighborhood or take your dog out on an extra-long leash if you have one of those.

5. Eat Healthy Foods

A healthy diet is important all year round, but it’s especially important in winter. When it’s cold outside, it can be tempting to reach for unhealthy comfort foods. However, try to resist the urge and stick to a healthy diet instead.

Eating nutritious foods will help keep your energy levels up and your body warm. Some winter-friendly foods include fruits and vegetables like oranges, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. Winter superfoods such as winter squash, pomegranates, and kale are also great choices for winter nutrition.

Eating more fruits and vegetables can help boost your immune system, which will in turn make it easier to fight off colds or the flu during the winter months.

6. Take Breaks During the Day

If you work at home, winter self-care can mean taking breaks during the day. Whether it’s a short walk around the block for some fresh air before lunch or just sitting down with a book for an hour, these small moments of rest will help you recharge and get back to work refreshed.

For those who work in the office, taking a winter break from work can be a great way to relax and rejuvenate. This break can be used for catching up on winter chores, taking a trip to see family and friends, or just relaxing at home.

Taking breaks is also important if you’re feeling stressed out about winter weather conditions like snowstorms or ice. When it’s too dangerous to go outside, take a break from work and relax with a good book or your favorite television show. Just don’t look out the window for a while. 😉

7. Manage Stress Levels

As we all know, winter can be a very stressful time of year. Between the holidays and trying to stay warm, it’s easy to let stress levels get out of control. One winter self-care idea is to find healthy ways of dealing with winter stress, such as taking a hot bath, reading a book before bedtime, or having some bedtime rituals that help you decompress after work each day.

If you’re struggling to manage winter stress, it may be helpful to talk with a therapist or other mental health professional about your concerns. They can help you find healthy ways of coping and give advice on how best to deal with the stresses in your life during this time of year.

Sometimes the lack of sunlight and vitamin D can lead to seasonal affective disorder, and that needs to be addressed. If you think this might be an issue for you, be sure to speak with your health care professional for guidance.

Remember, you’re not alone! There are plenty of other people who have been through what you’re going through right now. It may be helpful to reach out to friends and family members for support during this time.

8. Spend Time with Family and Friends

Spending time with family and friends is a great way to enjoy the winter season. Whether you get together for a big holiday party or just have dinner once a week, quality time with those we love can help make winter more enjoyable.

Make sure to take advantage of any opportunities to spend time with your loved ones, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. Studies have shown that people who spend time with friends and family are less likely to feel depressed during winter than those who don’t see their loved ones as often or at all.

If you’re feeling down, try calling up some old friends and catching up over coffee or tea. Getting out of the house for a while can help improve your mood and make winter feel a little bit warmer.

9. Indulge in Calming Activities

Activities such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing are great ways to relieve stress. These activities can help you relax your mind and body, provide some much-needed quiet time, while also promoting good health by lowering blood pressure, reducing anxiety levels, and improving overall moods during the winter when it’s cold outside.

Remember your skincare routine, too, as the cold weather and heated indoors can lead to dry, flaky skin. Give your body some extra pampering, no matter your skin type.

If you’re looking for more ways to keep yourself busy this winter season but don’t want to add stress to your life, consider taking a warm bath instead of showering, lighting scented candles around your home, or reading before bed each night to unwind from the day’s events. You may find that they are great ways to relax after a long day or help you fall asleep more easily at night.

10. Try New Things

If you’re tired of doing the same thing every day, try something new this season! For example, join an art class or start learning how to cook from scratch with fresh ingredients instead of frozen meals. Trying something new can be a fun way to get out of your comfort zone and explore new hobbies or interests.

Not only will you have fun trying something new, but you may also find that you’re really good at it! What a self-confidence and self-esteem boost that can be. Who knows, you might even decide to make your new hob a regular part of your winter routine.

Have you ever considered journaling, volunteering, or even taking a trip to somewhere new? All of these activities can be great ways to spend your time during winter and help you feel more connected to the world around you.

Final Words

Enjoyment is one of the most important things when it comes to self-care and winter. It’s always a good idea to take time for yourself and do things that you enjoy during this season because it can make all the difference in how well your body responds to the cold weather changes around us.

I hope you enjoy these winter self-care ideas and find at least a few that work well for you, both physically and mentally. And if you need additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family members, or mental health professionals for assistance. Have a happy and healthy winter!