Do you tend to feel the desire to hibernate this time of year? No matter the average local temperature of the cold-weather months, the burgeoning days of darkness are inevitable. Limited hours of sunshine are the norm as our portion of the planet turns away from the sun. The bleaker nature of the season tends to impact your physical and mental wellbeing as the winter months wear on.
When all’s said and done, self-care is one approach that helps offset this unique set of stressors: the blahs and blues. You can combat and overcome such feelings by following a few practices and habits that feed your senses. Let’s take a closer look at several self-care tips to carry you through the winter. Here’s how to keep your body, mind, and soul warm.
Stay Physically Active
Curious how to best beat the winter blues? As the days become shorter, focusing on fitness is one of the core self-care tips to carry you through the winter. Establish an exercise routine to get your body moving and your heart pumping—no matter how hardcore or gentle it may be. Staying physically active at home or the gym helps balance out the seasonal moods humans are prone to.
Even better, don’t trap yourself entirely inside. Get outside for a reinvigorating walk or jog. You can breathe in the fresh air and revel in the light as much as possible. This is a simple but effective feel-good way to boost your endorphin and vitamin D levels alike.
Focus on Creativity and Comfort
Winter melancholy may lead to bouts of social isolation or excessive screen time. What’s the perfect antidote? Surround yourself with small, simple pleasures. Light up a candle, take a hot bath, cook or order in your favorite meal, and listen to your favorite curated playlist. Choose pockets of time to be creative. You’ll feel more present and aware through self-expression.
Most of all, nourish yourself as you see fit. This season tends to take a toll on your stamina and immune system. Do what you can to eat well nutritionally, soothe your mind with calming habits, and be resourceful with your time and energy.
Winterproof Your Beauty and Sleep Routines
Don’t let the dragging days of winter control your lifestyle. A lack of routine can influence your stress and anxiety levels, especially at this time of year. Routines help individuals feel more in control of their lives. Try to live your lifestyle in the winter with routines in place to start and end your day with intention.
Remember that everyday actions—such as optimal skincare regimens and effective sleep patterns—vary from person-to-person. Accommodate the needs of the season by changing and adjusting your daily routines. Investing in the correct self-care practices for you and building healthy habits will help with your year-round wellbeing.
