The gray skies, cold weather and shorter days can take a toll on our sense of purpose and self-worth. Fortunately, a good winter self care routine can help boost your mood.
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Winter Self Care Tips
I actually enjoy the first two weeks of January. I use the time to relax after Christmas, get the house back to normal, and settle into a daily rhythm. My days feel very intentional and productive. But by the middle of the month, winter blues symptoms set in and it’s harder to stay positive and motivated.
Practice Journaling
Journaling is one of my favorite ways to practice emotional self care, not just in the winter, but year round. It’s like pulling a plug and letting everything that’s been bottled up bubble forth.
Try free writing, writing whatever comes to mind, first thing in the morning. You could also use your journal to practice gratitude. Take the time to write two or three things that leave you feeling grateful.
I’ve even used my journal to write down the good things about winter. I was surprised by how many positives I could find in my least favorite season. Reframing winter this way has helped me appreciate what the season has to offer.
Journaling always leaves me feeling more lighthearted and focused. You don’t need anything fancy. Any blank notebook will do. My favorite is the Moleskine Classic Notebook.
Wait to Set Goals
A few years ago, I decided to do my goal planning in February. Delaying this task take a lot of pressure of of performing during a time when you’re just not up to it.
Instead, use this time to look inward and identify your values and priorities. Let your value system inform any goals you decide to make for the new year.
Find a Creative Outlet
I tend to like to get creative in the kitchen during the winter. I guess the colder weather lends itself to cooking warm meals. Anything that makes you feel creative will work.
If you’re looking for ideas, try MasterClass or CreativeLive to learn a new skill or pursue your passion.
Establish a Daily Routine
A regular routine can help you give your days purpose and a sense of accomplishment. You can start slow with a simple morning routine for winter.
Your routine doesn’t have to look the same everyday. Just pick a few things to focus on that you need to feel like you had a good day, and go from there. My personal “must do” list is:
- get dressed
- make the bed
- my one thing – whether it’s a home project, chore or work task. You can up this number to two or three things if you have the energy.
Move Your Body
It doesn’t have to be rigorous. Any movement you enjoy will work. If you can do it outside, even better.
One of my favorite things to move is to take my dog for a walk. It’s a great way to get some daylight and fresh air. I equally enjoy doing yoga stretch routines.
Connect with Friends
That’s a bit harder to do right now, but even just starting a text conversation or calling someone will help you feel better.
There’s something about knowing you have a supportive network that makes you feel connected and less lonely. It’s actually one of the self care activities that has helped me feel more happy this winter.
Get Some Light
It’s understood that lack of light is what causes the winter blues. At some point, I noticed the days were getting longer which really lifted my spirits. Until that happens, the lack of light in winter can take a toll on our mental health. I highly recommend getting a light therapy lamp. I finally got one and it’s been so helpful in beating the winter blues.
Declutter
Winter after the holidays is the perfect time to take inventory of what is cluttering your home, life and mind. Once you identify the clutter, you can start to simplify.
6 Ways to Declutter This Winter
- unfollow any social media account that doesn’t add value to your life
- delete emails and unsubscribe from any sender you’re not excited to see in your inbox
- donate or sell any seasonal decor you no longer love, use or enjoy
- purge your closet of clothes that are uncomfortable or that you never wear
- let go of perfection
- stop the negative self-talk.
Follow the Season’s Natural Rhythm
I actually enjoy the first two weeks of January. I use the time to relax after Christmas, get the house back to normal, and settle into a daily rhythm. My days feel very intentional and productive. But by the middle of the month, winter blues symptoms set in and it’s harder to stay positive and motivated.
That’s winter’s cue to take advantage of the opportunity to slow down and invite rest, just like in nature with the trees and animals. Giving yourself permission to rest makes room for hope, growth, and change. In other words, rest is productive.
Get Dressed
Research shows that getting dressed boosts our moods, increases confidence and improves self-worth. But, I don’t need the research to know that getting dressed sets the tone for the day.
You don’t have to get dressed up or even put on makeup. Just changing out of pajamas, brushing your teeth and fixing your hair has such a positive affect on your outlook for the day.
Being a part of the seasonal style challenges has really held me accountable in this area. The outfit formulas take all the guesswork out of figuring out what to wear.
Create a Cozy Home
Environment is everything!
Our surroundings greatly influence our mood. I cannot tell you how comforting it is to end my day, even if I’ve been at home all day, under a warm blanket surrounded by the glow of the fireplace and candles.
7 Ways to Create a Cozy Home
- clear surfaces
- warm blankets
- your favorite candle or diffuser scent
- a good podcast or favorite t.v. show
- magazines or a good book
- background music
- permission to rest
All of these little touches go a long way in improving your mental and emotional health despite the gloominess of winter.
These are just some of the ways you can take care of yourself in the winter. Hopefully, they’ll get you started and spark more ideas. The important thing is to have a winter self care routine that supports your mental and emotional health during.
Before you go, I’d like to invite you to join the Self Care Challenge. It’s 31 self care ideas that you can easily incorporate into your day. Pick and choose from the list, plug it into your calendar. Try it for 30 days to see if you can make self care a natural part of your day.
And for more on self care, be sure to read Self Care Awareness for the Busy Woman
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