Winter is a wonderful season that brings with it magic and coziness. From beautiful decorations to hearty soups and snow, there is much to look forward to during this time. However, taking extra care of yourself during winter is essential. The shorter days and lack of sunlight can often lead to a dip in your mood. But there are ways to adapt your self-care routine for the colder seasons and maintain a positive outlook.
As the seasons change, so do our metabolisms, moods, hormones, and even sleep patterns. We must change our wellness routines to embrace the new season fully. Switching up your self-care rituals can also provide balance and harmony with nature and our surroundings.
9 Winter Self-Care RitualsÂ
1. Invest in Winter Wellness Must-Haves
There are a few winter wellness items that I believe are absolute must-haves, such as a humidifier, plants, and a fitness plan suitable for snowy days. Staying indoors for prolonged periods can make you feel sluggish or tired, so it's essential to prioritize your wellness and take care of yourself.
2. Take Warm Baths Before Bedtime
The ultimate winter self-care ritual, in my opinion, is a warm bath before bedtime. Adding essential oils and Epsom salts can heal and detoxify the body. Running a bath can also provide you with an opportunity to have some much-needed alone time and relaxation.
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3. Prioritize Your Skincare
As the weather gets colder, the air tends to get dry, affecting your skin. Therefore, it is essential to make skincare a priority. You can take a few measures like moisturizing your skin, exfoliating, keeping a hand lotion at your desk, and using sunscreen. Even though the sun may not be as harsh during winter, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is still necessary. Consider buying a moisturizer with SPF and include it in your morning routine.
4. Practice Morning Meditation
 Meditating in the morning can help reduce stress, improve mood, and make you more optimistic and aware of how you react to situations. Lighting candles and using wintry essential oils in the diffuser can warm your meditation practice.
5. Stock up on Seasonal Vegetables
Seasonal veggies, like squash, cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts, can withstand the cold weather and provide the necessary vitamins and minerals that your body needs in the cold and dry season.
Looking for a delicious and easy way to increase your veggie intake this winter? Look no further than this fantastic one-sheet pan dinner! Featuring chickpeas, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes, all drizzled with a creamy tahini maple dressing, this dish from Cooking for Peanuts will indeed become a new favorite in your household. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it's a nutritious and satisfying meal that you won't want to miss.
6. Get Outside
Plan an outdoor activity like hiking, attending a local winter festival, having lunch outdoors with friends, going on dog sled adventures, and more. If you are a sports enthusiast, head to a new mountain to ski, snowboard, or snowshoe! When searching for new experiences, think creatively and look beyond the usual search results using non-conventional search.Â
Our family planned an amazing weekend trip to New Hampshire! We had an unforgettable adventure ascending Mount Washington, one of the highest peaks in the northeastern United States, towering at a height of 6,288′ feet. The most thrilling part of the trip was the ride in a snow coach, which took us 4200 feet in elevation. The snow coach is a large van with tracks instead of wheels that move smoothly on the snow. The view of the snow-covered peaks and valleys from the coach was absolutely breathtaking, and we couldn't stop ourselves from taking tons of pictures. It was truly an experience of a lifetime.
Start planning your New Hampshire getaway with my Top 4 recommended Airbnb stays
7. Exercise
Moving less in winter is common, but this doesn't mean you should abandon exercise completely. If weather permits, walking briskly daily can offer benefits such as filling your lungs with fresh, cool air and increasing your heart rate.
Walking also helps you connect better with nature and your surroundings, which can reduce stress levels and boost productivity and motivation. Additionally, walking on a sunny day can significantly improve your mood.
Learn something new!Â
8. Get Crafty with Winter Knitting
Winter weather can be harsh, but there's nothing like a cozy scarf, hat, or mittens to keep you warm and snug. If you're a beginner looking to try your hand at knitting,Wool and the Gang is a fantastic option!
This website and storefront offer a variety of knitting patterns and colors to choose from, so you can find the perfect fit for your skill level. Whether you're just starting or you're an experienced knitter, Wool and the Gang has everything you need to create warm and stylish winter accessories.
9. Get Creative
Most of us enjoy at least one creative hobby, such as painting, knitting, photography or dance. Take advantage of the winter season to discover and devote time to your creative passion.Â
If you like photography, take your camera out and capture the beautiful winter landscapes. If painting is your thing, why not paint something new! There is no better time than now to unleash your creativity and create something new.
I recently had a lovely conversation with my good friend Katie Kelley, who shared her insights on her passion for photography and how she began pursuing it. Discover more about igniting your passion by reading the full interview here.
During the winter season, it is essential to prioritize both your physical and mental well-being. By incorporating self-care rituals into your daily routine, you can effectively manage stress, anxiety, and other health concerns while enjoying the winter season to the fullest.
Remember, investing time in yourself pays off in the long run, so make yourself a priority.
If you have any self-care rituals that work well for you during winter, feel free to share them in the comments below. I'm always interested in hearing about new and effective self-care practices.
Enjoy the winter season!