10 Self-Care Tips for the Winter Months

The winter season can give off a vibe that makes you want to cozy up, watch your favorite movie and drink peppermint hot chocolate. But the winter months can also be gloomy, filled with rain and cold temperatures that leave you feeling unmotivated, drowsy and dismal. There are days when you just don’t want to get out of bed and are feeling down, but whenever you’re stuck in a dreary mood, I’ve come up with 10 self-care tips for the winter months that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired even on cloudy days.

Self-care is extremely important and sometimes when it’s gray and more gloomy than usual, we tend to put our self-care aside. Establishing a self-care routine during the winter months can add something exciting to your daily rituals and uplift your spirits. 

So get creative, do things you love and embrace the potential the winter season has to offer. The best kind of self-care is loving yourself and doing what’s best for your health and well-being. You deserve it. 

1. Enjoy slow mornings 

I know at times waking up in the morning can be a grueling process, when all you want to do is press snooze 5 times and soak up every ounce of sleep you can get. But leaving only a limited amount of time to get ready and hurrying out the door in the morning starts your day feeling flustered and in a rush. I encourage you to set your alarm a few minutes earlier and just simply lay in bed. Taking the time to wake up slowly will make all the difference, from there you can start your day with a good book, enjoy a cup of coffee and make yourself breakfast. Your body and mind will thank you. 

2. Practice Yoga 

Incorporating yoga into your daily or weekly routine can leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. Whether you practice a gentle flow or meditation, starting your day with a nice stretch and deep breathing can be a great addition to your morning routine. 

3. Pamper yourself

One of my favorite ways of self-care is to treat myself to a “spa night” at least once a week. Whether you paint your nails, do a face mask or exfoliate, doing simple ways to pamper yourself can be so relaxing and therapeutic. Another favorite way is to have a long soak in a bath – I love lighting a candle, using a Lush Bath Bomb and lavender bath salts to create the ultimate relaxation experience.

4. Stay Hydrated 

Drink more water. Three words that we all tell ourselves, but it’s important to have that reminder. The winter season can often leave you more dehydrated than during the summer because you forget to drink water more frequently and alternating from cold weather outside to warm temperatures inside can easily drain your body. So before you brew your hot coffee in the morning, drink at least one glass of water to start your day and replenish your body. Adding a slice of lemon to your water is also a great health benefit that can add more flavor to your water and reduce bloat.

5. Journal

Journaling is a great way to clear your mind and get all of your thoughts out on paper. If you have a lot of thoughts flooding through your head, I highly recommend free-form journaling, which is the practice of writing down how you’re feeling or what you’re thinking and basically anything that comes to mind. Just simply write. You can also practice gratitude by journaling small things you’re thankful for that brings you happiness in each day. Another journaling technique I love is monthly reflections; on the first of every month, I write down the highlights of what the previous month was filled with. Whether its fun activities or struggles you went through, writing down what you did throughout the month is a great way to reflect. 

6. Moisturize

This is a huge reminder. Personally, my skin gets extremely dry during the winter, so moisturizing is a great way to keep my skin hydrated. You can pamper yourself by using your favorite essential oils, body lotion and even coconut oil on your face and body to ultimately moisturize your skin. 

7. Take your Vitamins

Taking daily vitamins can be a huge benefit to give you the extra boost you need during the winter. Especially when there’s no sun breaks or ways for you to feel energized, taking Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 can uplift your mood and help you fight fatigue. 

8. Go on a Hike

It may be chilly outside, but whenever there’s sun breaks or if you can  combat the cold, I recommend going on a hike. Getting some fresh air and spending time outdoors can be one of the best ways to fight winter depression. We tend to stay inside a majority of the time during the colder months, but if you start to get cabin fever or go stir crazy, going on a hike and immersing yourself in nature can be a major benefit to your mental health and soul. 

9. Read an uplifting book

When you are in the mood to stay inside and cozy up in a warm blanket, instead of watching Netflix or spending time on social media, reading an uplifting book can help you relax, de-stress and make you feel inspired. I love spending a rainy afternoon drinking a hot cup of tea and immersing myself in a good book. 

10. Surround yourself with people you love

When you’re spending a majority of your time indoors during the winter months, things tend to get pretty lonely fast. Grabbing a cup of coffee or brunch with your best friend is a great way to get outside and socialize. Be mindful and in the moment with that person and think about the things you admire most about them. Surrounding yourself with people you love can uplift your mood substantially and rejuvenate your soul by spending time with your favorite person.