Winter is a time to snuggle up and take care of yourself. This list of self care activities is guaranteed to keep you happy and relaxed in the colder months.
Self Care For Winter
It’s that time of year again. The days are colder, shorter, and a little bit harder to bear. Self care is so important we need to be kind to ourselves and nourish our souls during these dark winter months.
Low mood is much more common at this time of year. This is thought to be due to the lack of natural sunlight, which affects our daily body rhythms.
We are much more likely to want to stay indoors during winter. Relaxation and rest are great for the soul but make sure you don’t sleep the winter months away.
Try to balance rest and activity. By all means, stay inside during the coldest times, but try to be as productive as possible.
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Your List Of Self Care Activities
Plenty of hot drinks
There’s nothing better than curling up with a steaming hot cup on a cold day. So grab your favourite mug and treat yourself to your favourite hot drink.
The possibilities are endless. Coffee, cocoa, and warming teas that are perfect for winter. My favourite at the moment is this gorgeous hot cinnamon spice tea the cinnamon and cloves make it perfect for the festive season. Then there’s everybody’s favourite winter warmer hot chocolate. Don’t forget the marshmallows!
Wrap up and go for a walk
Being invigorated is just as important as relaxing. So put on your scarf, gloves, hat, and warmest coat, and go for a brisk walk.
Fresh air has so many benefits and the winter sun is always beautiful. Take your dog, if you have one, walk with friends, or go alone and use the time to think.
I love walking in autumn and winter. The crunchy leaves, the beautiful colours and the chance to wear as many layers of clothing as possible.
Wear comfortable clothing
Go shopping, indulge yourself and buy some new comfy clothes and fluffy blankets.
Winter clothes are the best. Cosy jumpers wool socks, fleece pyjamas and of course everyone’s favourite furry boots.
Wrap up, keep warm, stretch out in front of the fire, and grow pleasantly drowsy. Perfect on a cold winter’s day.
Curl up with a book
In order to rest, relax and destress, how about grabbing some soft cushions, a fluffy blanket, and curling up with a book in your comfiest chair.
Reading is a great way to calm your mind. I do this often and I completely lose myself in the story. I cherish this time, even if it’s for as little as 30 minutes as it gets me out of the real world, if only for a short while.
Light some candles
Compensate for the winter darkness by lighting some scented candles. This is my favourite thing to do after a long day at work. It feels so cosy and is so good for your wellbeing.
You can get some great candles for relaxation. My favourite soothing scents are lavender, eucalyptus, camomile, and jasmine.
I am loving the Yankee Candle Midnight Jasmine range great after a long day at work.
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Treat yourself
You know what they say, a little bit of what you love…. No list of self care activities would be complete without a bit of indulgence.
On miserable winter days, cheer yourself up by indulging in your favourite sweet treats. No matter if it’s cake, pudding, cookies, or candy, a little will do you no harm. As far as I’m concerned, nothing solves a problem like chocolate!
Comfort foods like pies, soups and stews are also great at this time of year.
Pamper yourself
Make a day of it. Have a lovely hot bath, exfoliate, moisturise, paint your nails, or soak your tired feet. Show some self-love and boost your self-esteem.
Better still, invite some friends around and have a pamper party. Although spending time alone is great, being with friends and family has enormous benefits.
Make your surroundings as comfortable as possible
There are many things you can do to make your home a haven of comfort for winter. Have good lighting, add warm colours and hang beautiful pictures on the walls. Declutter and keep things fairly simple.
Add cushions, throws and blankets to sofas and chairs. Plants and flowers will make the room feel welcoming. An open fire is always great where possible but lots of candles will work too.
Surround yourself with things you love. For example, if you are an avid reader include a bookcase.
Be kind to your skin
The winter weather strips the skin of moisture, and heating in our homes pulls moisture out of the air. All of this causes the skin to be extremely dry, which results in tightness, itchiness, flaky skin and possible redness.
Luckily there are things that you can do to help. Always moisturise after washing and avoid products with petroleum-based ingredients. Wear scarves and gloves when outside to protect the skin, invest in a humidifier for your home and ensure you are properly hydrated.
Take the time to think and be thankful
Try to stop rushing around so much and take the time to spend alone with your thoughts. This helps you put things into perspective and calms the mind. Take time to think about the things you are thankful for.
Gratitude is thought to improve psychological health and help reduce toxic emotions. A good way to practice this is to keep a journal. Get yourself a pretty notebook and write down 3 things you are thankful for each day.
Read more about keeping a journal
here and get this amazing mental health journal guide using discount code linsey15.
Be productive
When the weather is bad and you are stuck indoors, use your time wisely. Try making something. Bake a cake, knit a scarf, paint a picture or do some sewing.
Being productive has various benefits. It cuts away at boredom, keeps your mind active and gives you a sense of achievement. Check out my top productivity hacks here.
Just remember, don’t let self care slide just because the seasons have changed and it’s dark and cold. At this time you need to show more self-love than ever. Use this list of self care activities to take care of yourself in the cold winter months.
You are worth it.
