For many of us, winter brings increased stress, dry skin, and a general impulse to count down the days until things get a bit more sunny and warm. But since we can’t wish away the chilly months every year, we’ve got to find ways to THRIVE through the season.
It’s time to implement some winter self-care rituals into your routine. And now is as good a time as any to start giving yourself some TLC. Following these self-care tips can help you keep your body, mind, and soul in tip-top shape this cold season.
ENJOY WARM DRINKS
It’s winter, so it is cold out. A hot beverage like coffee has plenty of benefits. Coffee is proven to lower rates of certain illnesses and inspire alertness! That means that not only does it improve physical health, but mental clarity and calm. Especially when the cold makes our bodies tense, the hot beverage instantly allows us to unwind. If you’re not a coffee drinker, tea or hot cocoa are great alternatives to keep you toasty.
CARVE SOME TIME OUT OF EACH DAY FOR PAMPERING
Even if it’s just five minutes, finding some time in your day for some winter pampering will do wonders for your mood and self-image. Winter is notorious for stripping skin of moisture, and the decreased hours we spend soaking up the sun’s glorious rays don’t improve matters either (hello, paleness!).
Using a deep-moisturizing mask or nourishing face oil are great ways to rectify scaly, sullen skin – and who doesn’t love slathering deliciously-scented products on their faces in the evening? Many skincare enthusiasts also recommend dry body brushing in the winter, to exfoliate the skin and to increase circulation.
GET ENOUGH SHUT-EYE
In winter, the days become shorter, and our bodies begin to crave a little more rest and relaxation (it’s one of those annoying evolutionary tendencies). To avoid midwinter exhaustion, ensure you’re getting a good 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
TRY SOME BAKING
Baking is not always easy; however, the oven can keep you warm, even if the recipe doesn’t go well. Baking is a great way to practice following directions and build self-esteem. When a recipe is baked perfectly, you have achieved a great goal for your mental health. The best part is you get to enjoy the delicious warm food.
MOVE YOUR BODY
Winter tends to bring out the worst in the couch potatoes among us: as soon as the weather drops, we’re in front of the TV refusing to budge. Unfortunately, that’s possibly the worst thing we could do for our bodies and minds in the winter.
Since we need endorphins all year round, we’ve got to keep up our exercise in the colder months. Whether it’s a crisp winter walk or a group yoga class done in the comfort of a studio (or even at home), getting your body moving is vital.
FIND THE THING THAT RELAXES YOU
It’s so important to keep sight of the strategies and habits which curb our stress levels in the winter. For you, stress release might mean writing in your journal, or listening to music, or taking a long stroll on the beach – whatever it takes to get your mind off everyday stresses.
EAT MINDFULLY
Just because it’s not summer anymore doesn’t mean you should let go of your balanced diet. In fact, it’s perhaps even more critical in the winter to eat healthy and mindfully. To ward off all of those unwanted colds and flu, choose hearty, tummy-warming foods such as vegetable stew which will keep you satisfied and energized through lethargic winter days.
Remember to stay hydrated, too – all those cold winds can really whip the moisture out of us! To support your immune system further, you might also want to supplement your diet with a multivitamin, if you’re not taking one already.
What are your some of your favorite self-care tips in winter? Share yours with me in the comments below!
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