Self Care in the Winter
photos by Sarah Haimes - Shuttergram Portraits
Winter can be a wonderfully reflective and solitary time. The world seems to slow down, the days are short and I often feel more sluggish and introverted than usual. Winter is a time for recharging, relaxing and regenerating. To improve winter with self care can make this season even better.
Obviously, winter doesn’t stop us from being busy but I can’t be the only person who feels a little more hermitish this time of year. Not that I’m complaining. I like to spend the majority of my leisure time at home stimulating my mind and recharging my batteries. As an introvert, I crave these slow winter days.
Regardless of your winter pace, it is the perfect time to show yourself a little extra self-care. To put your comfort and well being first for a change and really take advantage of snowy days and the opportunity for inner recharging.
Check out these self-care activities that can help improve winter for you this year. They are perfect for cozy winter days, and productive days:
Spa Day
Winter can be a difficult time for skin care. With days spent outside in the bitter cold or in a stuffy office, your skin could be flakey and dry this time of year. Which is why a spa day is a perfect way to improve winter skin. Your skin will thank you and who doesn’t love to feel pampered and relaxed?
Grab a face mask, do some deep exfoliation, leave a hair mask in and just enjoy pampering yourself. You are guaranteed to feel rejuvenated and if all goes well you will end up looking refreshed too.
Bath and a Book
Is there anything better than warming up on a cold winter day in a hot bath? I think not my friends.
With some Epsom salts, bath bombs. bubbles and candles you can transform your ordinary bathroom into a winter steamy chalet. Grab a good book and spend as much time as you like warming up and melting away.
Wintry Walk with a Warm Beverage
If you are lucky enough to live in a snowy winter wonderland then this is a great self-care activity for you to take advantage of. Regardless of where you live, fresh air and days spent frolicking in the sunshine may be far and few in between this time of year.
So take advantage, grab your favorite hot beverage to help you stay nice and toasty as you reconnect with nature, get some fresh air and improve winter with a little physical activity.
Sunday Morning Yoga
Sundays are the perfect day for self-care. Sundays are also a great day to sleep in, laze around and do nothing at all, which is another useful form of self-care from time to time.
Other times it is nice to drag yourself out of bed to do something that is truly beneficial for your overall health and spirit. Why not wake up a little extra early on Sunday morning and go to a yoga class?
You will feel spiritually awakened and physically refreshed, which is what self-care is all about. As for the rest of the day, you can always go home and lounge in your yoga gear.
Nap & Meditate
Sometimes one of the best things you can do to care for yourself is to take a nap. Turn on a guided sleep meditation, lay back and let your breath drift you away to a deep sleep.
Adult Coloring & Favorite Movie
Adult coloring books are simply the best and I am so glad they are a socially acceptable way to spend your time. Turn on your favorite movie and relax as you create your own adultish masterpiece. This is a wonderful way to unwind and relax and improve winter and its long nights.
Begin a Gratitude Practice
Purchase a regular journal and begin a journaling experience that will improve your well being, confidence, and happiness. Every morning when you wake up or evening before bed write three things that you are grateful for. It sounds simple but this is potentially the most powerful practice on this list.
Start a New Budget
I tend to spend a lot less money during the winter… except on sweaters of course. The start of a new year and less spending combine to be a great time for planning for your future self. Nothing says self-care like budgeting.
Brunch with a Friend
Brunch is a great thing to do any time of year. However, bundling up with friends in a cozy cafe has to be the best way to spend a winter day.
Why not take your best friend on a brunch date and spend a few hours catching up and warming up with a big mug of steamy coffee?
Get a Massage
I do a lot less physical activity in the winter time. This tends to make me feel rather tense from my sedentary desk job. Getting a massage can be a great way to pamper yourself and also keep those tense winter muscles stretched and limber.
Cook or Bake Something Fancy
If you enjoy cooking or baking, winter can be a great time of year to do more of both. Trying new recipes can be a very therapeutic self-care activity to be enjoyed by not only yourself but your significant other, co-workers or whoever else you are inclined to share your treats with.
Filling your home with warm smells and belly with yummy food is the perfect way to improve winter.
Start Meal Prepping
Meal prep is a great way save money and spend a wintry evening.
Simply take a few hours to prep your meals and snacks for the week ahead. This will keep you eating well and save you time during the week as all your meals are all ready for you when you need them.
Check out my meal prep board on Pinterest for tonnes of ideas.
De-Clutter your Home
In winter we spend so much time at home why not make home a place of comfort and relaxation by clearing it of unwanted items and clutter?
