Looking for the best ways to practice self care during the cold winter months?
While the winter time can be magical, it can also be long, cold, and dark. Growing up in New England, I truly know what it’s like to get cabin fever and desperately wish for the springtime! The lack of sunlight, the dry skin, and the snow is enough to make anyone go a little crazy.
Simply put- winter can be a little rough on our mind, body, and soul.
But as a self care coach, I absolutely love inspiring other women to prioritize themselves and their wellbeing. One of the things I teach the most to my clients is the concept of intuitive self care. As woman, we all have unique needs and desires, so why should our self care approach be the same? It shouldn’t! I encourage women to listen to their bodies and practice self care from a place of self-awareness and intention.
And in the cold, winter months, it’s important to remember that what your body and soul needs isn’t necessarily going to be the same as in a different season. What you need in the summer, may not be what you need in the winter. Below are 10 self care ideas for winter that I think are perfect for keeping you warm and cozy all winter long!
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Round up all of the cozy blankets, PJ’s, and slipper socks
Keep warm with soft and cozy blankets and clothes! I love having extra soft throw blankets around for when I’m lounging on the couch or doing work at my desk. I also think it’s totally necessary to have a ton of slipper socks, sweat pants, and fuzzy pajamas. There’s nothing like going from a hot shower into layers of warm clothes after being outside in the cold!
Make warm soups
Nearly every Sunday, I grab my favorite meal prep containers and create a vegetable soup for the week. I throw in my favorite chopped veggies like zucchini, carrots, squash, and onions mixed with some vegetable broth. I let it cook on the stove until all the veggies are soft and then I mix in some rice or tofu! It’s so easy and is really comforting on a cold winter day.
Drink herbal tea
I love this kind of peppermint tea to drink on a crisp, winter morning. It soothes my digestive track and makes me feel all warm and cozy! As you drink your tea, you can even make it a mindful experience. Do this by tuning into your five senses. Notice the warm feeling of the cup of tea in your hands. Notice the sweet aroma that fills the air. Drink your tea slowly, savoring each tasty sip! Mindfulness helps bring us into the moment and feel relaxed and grounded.
Give yourself a massage with body oil
After you take a hot bath, while still wrapped in a towel, take some body oil and give yourself a massage. Slowly work the oil into your shoulders, arms, legs, feet, hands, and any other body part that could use a relaxation. In addition to helping to relax your muscles, your skin will also get an extra hydration boost! I recommend a calming oil like lavender. This body oil is my favorite because it’s created with essential oils and smells SO good!
Exfoliate your skin
In the winter, it’s so important to have a self care routine for our skin as it’s prone to dryness. I use an exfoliating cloth like this one in the shower to wash my body and it works so good to scrub off dry skin. It’s also really helpful in getting your blood circulating. Afterwards, use a lotion or oil to hydrate your skin.
Light candles & make fires in the fireplace
There’s nothing more cozy than lit candles and a fire in the fireplace! Candles give off that cozy, warm glow while filling the air with comforting scents. And a fireplace makes everything feel so cozy and rustic.
Take hot baths
Light a candle, pour your favorite bath salts and bubble bath, and let yourself soak into the hot water! Try closing your eyes and quieting your mind. If that feels difficult, try listening to an inspirational podcast, some soft music, or a guided meditation as you soak. Hot baths have so many benefits, including detoxing your skin, relaxing your muscles, and relieving stress and tension held within your body. My favorite bath product is this pink himalayan salt. I just toss some in and let it work all of it’s magic.
Sweat in a sauna
Head to a spa or your local pool and hit the sauna! Sweat out those toxins, move around stagnant energy, and stimulate your skin cells!
Consume extra vitamin D
In the winter we can get seriously depleted of vitamin D. Take a vitamin D supplement or just try and get some extra directly from the food you eat. Foods that contain vitamin D include eggs, salmon, and mushrooms!
Stay hydrated
It can be easy to forget to drink enough water in the winter, unlike in the summer! I pretty much carry my reusable water bottle everywhere I go and I highly recommend you do the same! Keeping it with me at all times helps remind me to drink it throughout the day. At this point, it’s just become habit!
I hope these self care winter ideas were really helpful so you can stay warm and cozy all winter long! Sign up below to grab all of my free self care resources. I get amazing feedback on my freebies every day and I know you’ll love them too!