Take Care: Self-Care Tips For The Winter

The thought of winter may make you want to curl up and hibernate until flowers start blooming. The colder, darker months can induce a lot of sadness and even lead to mental illnesses such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). But not to worry, there are a ton of ways you can still feel like your best self this season. Here are a few self-care tips to ensure you thrive this winter.

Books, Books, Books

If you haven’t heard, it’s cool to read again. Personally, winding down with a good book is one of my favorite ways to end my day. If you aren’t sure what genres you may like or need recommendations, it’s time to get on #BookTok. According to Step Up For Mental Health, “Studies have shown that reading as little as 6 minutes per day can improve your quality of sleep, reduce stress, and sharpen mental acuity.” You don’t have to read for two or more hours, but if you can squeeze in just a few minutes you’ll be able to reap all the benefits books have to offer this winter.

Pamper Parties

Who doesn’t love a good spa night? Grab your favorite facemasks, jade rollers, and fluffy slippers and you are good to go. You can host a pamper party with your friends or just have a spa night to yourself. Treating yourself to a pampering party can be extremely beneficial to your mental health and improve your self-esteem.

Let’s Get Physical

Yes, it’s time to boost those endorphins. During the colder months, your serotonin levels naturally drop and can leave you feeling a bit depressed. Going to a local gym or taking a few minutes out of your day to exercise will make all the difference this winter. Also, you’ll get to buy new workout clothes—duh.

Daily Affirmations

This one may seem silly, but it can be extremely helpful when you are feeling low. Repeating positive affirmations before you go to sleep, wake up in the morning, or whenever you choose are a necessity for this winter. Good Therapy says that these phrases are used to “affirm to ourselves that things are good even if we don’t necessarily feel that way at the time.” Affirmations are a quick and easy way to remind yourself of just how lovely you are.

Conquer the Kitchen

Now, I’m not saying you need to become the next Gordon Ramsay, but why not start cooking more this winter? On a chilly day pull that Pinterest recipe you’ve been dying to try and become your new favorite chef. Believe it or not, cooking is also great for your mental health. Julie Ohana of Culinary Art Therapy says that, “Cooking at home, or other places are good for your mental health because cooking is an act of patience, mindfulness, an outlet for creative expression, a means of communication, and helps to raise one's self-esteem as the cook can feel good about doing something positive for their family, themselves or loved ones.” Now’s your time to conquer the kitchen.

Self-care is all about the small joys we give ourselves everyday. Whether it be reading, exercise, doing a face mask, etc. It is important to include things in your daily routine that make you feel good. Though the winter may leave you feeling lost, I hope you find comfort in some of the self-care suggestions above. Make this winter your time to shine.

If you are curious about Seasonal Depression you can read my article on the topic, or if you are concerned about your well-being or someone’s close to you, please speak to a medical professional. Also, if you are someone you know is having suicidal thoughts please seek out help from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255).