Now that winter makes the days shorter, colder and darker, it’s more important than ever to make self-care a part of your regular routine. And I’m not talking about Instagram #selfcare that requires fancy bath bombs or expensive lotions. I’m talking about the 21st easy ways to relax and unwind this winter – which is especially important if you have a chronic disease as I do! (Good morning fibromyalgia And celiac disease!)
Some of these self-care ideas may seem obvious, but others may surprise you — and many of them are scientifically-backed ways to combat stress. So no matter how busy you are this holiday season, check out these 21 ways to add more self-care to your happy-go-lucky life.
1. Make yourself a warm and inviting drink.
On cold winter days, it probably seems natural to look for something cozy to warm you up. If you’re really looking for help relaxing, fill your cup with tea. Research discovered that drinking tea can help reduce people’s stress levels. Plus, it can be really delicious! (If you suffer from celiac disease, make sure it is gluten free).
2. Watch a holiday-inspired show or movie.
Sometimes we don’t need an award-winning movie or TV show to entertain us. At least a few times this winter, embrace your silly or sentimental side by watching a bad Hallmark movie or bingeing your favorite holiday baking show. (And if you eat chocolate while doing it, that’s obviously worth bonus points).
3. Buy cute and comfortable winter clothes.
Updating your wardrobe for winter doesn’t have to hurt your wallet. Instead, make searching for cozy hats, mittens, or scarves a fun adventure by heading to your local thrift store or shopping second-hand online!
4. Be your own masseuse.
The massage was watch to reduce people’s physical tension and mental stress – and if you have a chronic disease or chronic pain like me, a good massage is always a good idea! You also don’t need to hire a high-end masseuse to enjoy some of these benefits. Instead, treat yourself to a massage by rubbing your own muscles while applying lotion after a shower or using a tennis ball or foam roller to break up knots and tension. Pair this massage with a relaxing bubble bath and you’ll have the makings of a perfect date night.
5. Schedule extra time to read a book, just for fun.
I know winter can be a busy time with friends and family, but don’t forget to carve out some alone time in your schedule. Add one good book into the equation, and your quiet night will be even more enjoyable.
6. Prepare something festive!
Besides eating a delicious pumpkin or apple-inspired treat, you’ll feel nice and cozy when your kitchen is warm from the oven and smelling like the holidays.
7. Get outside (outside or to a local gym).
Depending on the weather you live in and how your body reacts to colder temperatures, walking outside may not be an option. Even if you have to walk around inside, your brain will still thank you. Research discovered that exercise can significantly improve people’s health Mental Healthand even just walking will reduce the frequency of “bad days.”
8. Take up a new indoor hobby.
And if being outdoors really isn’t an option, starting a new hobby that takes place indoors is ideal. Start putting together puzzles, learning cross stitch… or even taking up rock climbing, like I did last year! Who knows, you might end up finding a hobby that you enjoy doing year-round.
9. Try yoga.
I believe there is no better escape from winter weather than a relaxing yoga session, filled with mantras and stretches. And thanks to the magic of YouTube and online courses, you can do it from the comfort of your living room!
10. Light one of your favorite candles.
More research still needs to be done on the benefits of aromatherapy, but the science seems suggest that certain smells can help us relax. Find a scent you like, like lavender or peppermint, and experiment by burning different candles and see which scents suit you best!
11. Purge your social media feeds.
You’ve heard of spring cleaning, but winter is another great time to get ready for a fresh start in the new year. If you’re spending more time than ever on social media because it’s too cold or too gloomy to go out, pay attention to how you feel about each account and ditch the ones that aren’t doing you any favors.
12. Be crafty and let your inner child out.
Create a wreath to hang on your door, use colorful pens and paper to create homemade cards, or simply doodle in a notebook. These types of creative activities have been related to improve your mood and creativity the next day… plus, you might end up with some really nice gifts to give this Christmas. Win-win!
13. Treat yourself to a face mask.
I only started using masks last year, and the hype is worth it. My favorite is a simple mixture of honey and cinnamon that I apply to the “problem areas” for about 10-15 minutes before washing it off, but there are tons of safe (and even delicious!) mask recipes that you can find online. No fancy or expensive ingredients or products are required. Plus, dry skin in winter will definitely thank you for the extra attention.
14. Dust off your slow cooker and experiment with a delicious new recipe.
I know I’ve definitely been lax with using my slow cooker lately, and it can be hard to feel motivated to start making dinner first thing in the morning. But your future self will definitely thank you for the little prep you did earlier, and winter is the perfect time to whip up something warm and gooey.
15. Have a sleepover.
Whether you’re hosting a solo party or enjoying some social distancing time with friends, have a full, enjoyable day hanging out in your pajamas.
16. Do something nice for someone else.
Acts of kindness have actually been scientifically proven to improve physical condition and Mental Health, so passing it on this winter is actually a win-win. Donate to a local toy drive, send a care package to a soldier, or pay for the next person’s coffee at Starbucks. Small acts can have a big impact.
17. Start a gratitude practice.
If you’re the journaling type, you can start writing down what you’re grateful for each day in a notebook. Otherwise, sticky notes or simply thinking of two things you are grateful for each morning or evening will always be give yourself a boost of positivity!
18. Set aside time to play your favorite “pointless” game.
Whether it’s Sudoku, Words With Friends, or a video game you played for hours every day in high school, give yourself permission to sit down and play for a little while. I know that for most of the year I’m a big multitasker and every time I play a game it’s because I’m traveling or waiting to start another chore. So relaxing (pun intended) with myself as a gamer during the winter is one of my favorite ways to unwind.
19. Declutter at least part of your home.
In addition to purging your social media feeds, on days when the cold keeps you home, you can also try purging cluttered corners. Decluttering can not only improve concentration, but it can also improve your mood, reduce your stress levels and give you a better night’s sleep. And if you’re listening to your latest Netflix binge, your favorite podcast, or an epic holiday playlist in the background, you can also make decluttering a lot more fun.
20. Stretch your body.
At least for me, finding the motivation for hard training is much harder when it’s cold, dark and gloomy outside. So on days when you’re feeling down but don’t feel up to a full workout, do some gentle stretching instead (even from the comfort of your own bed!). It can relax your muscles, reduce your stress, and might even help you be more productive at work.
21. Choose a mantra for the coming year.
Obviously, you shouldn’t spend all winter hoping for spring… but it can’t hurt to spend a little time thinking about what you expect from the months to come. In 2018, my word or mantra of the year was “discomfort.” In 2019, it was “open» and in 2020, it was “the change”. And while I haven’t yet decided exactly what word I want to keep in mind as we begin 2021, I think something similar to “flexibility” will eventually win out.
What is You want to get out of this spring? You still have a few cold weeks left to help you find your answer!
Winter Self-Care Essentials
As the days get colder and our social schedules get busier, it’s easy to let self-care fall to the bottom of our to-do list. However, I know from personal experience that you can’t run on empty…and when you get better at taking care of yourself, you also empower yourself to be a better friend, a better family member, and a better person in general !
How are you taking care of yourself this winter? Give me more of your own self-care ideas in the comments below!
