Winter can be hard. It is for me. I have never really been a fan of this long cold season but had to come to terms that it's never going away. When I started focusing on myself and self-care during this time, it became easier to not only survive but to thrive in the winter.
Give a few or all of these a try to turn your winter into one you enjoy.
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1. Get a good moisturizer and USE IT
Winter is dry and long, so make sure to invest in a good lotion and use it every day. Even get a travel size to take with you on the go! My personal favorites are Olay lotions and Burts Bee's lotion.
2. Find a winter hobby you love
When we have something to look forward to, we're happier. Even if you don't like winter try to find one activity, like ice skating, that you can be excited about.
3. Slow down
We often try to fight our biology to push through the natural slow down we experience during the winter. The days are shorter and we often feel more sleepy. Embrace this, slow down, and just maybe let yourself get some extra zzz's.
4. Go outside whenever the sun decides to show up
I was born and raised in Michigan where there are very few sunny days during the winter. Take advantage of those days to soak up some good vibes.
5. Hydrate
We don't always feel as thirsty during the winter or often do not turn to water when we are during the winter. However, we still need just as much water in the winter as we do in the summer. I recommend this bottle that has time markers to make sure you are properly hydrating.
6. Workout
Although we should embrace the natural slow down of this season, we still need to workout. This will help maintain our metabolism and help combat any seasonal depression that sneaks up on us. Check out this post on how to stay happy and fit for somewhere to begin!
7. Focus on gratitude
The winter comes along with the holiday season. Lean into this season of gratitude for those around you as well as your health and wellbeing.
8. Reflect on the year and think about the one to come
With the end of the year coming up, reflect back on the highs and lows of the previous year. Take some time to think about what changes you would like to make for the one to come. I have a post on choosing a New Year's resolution that might help you out with this step!
9. Drink Tea
I love drinking tea during the winter because of the health benefits and warmth. Instead of having hot chocolate to warm you up through the entire season, turn to tea for an extra boost!
10. Make sure to bundle up
Bundling up is one of the most simple things you can do for yourself during the winter. Make sure to have hats, gloves, thick socks, boots, and a WARM coat.
11. Morning yoga and meditation
I have a hard time getting out of bed on cold mornings. Practicing a short, cozy yoga routine when I first wake up gets my blood flowing and warms me up right away! Here are some of my favorite yoga videos.
12. Create something
Keep your mind moving and creative juices flowing all year long.
13. Try new recipes
Getting in the kitchen and trying new recipes can be a fun hobby during the winter. Whether you are trying a new soup or maybe a crockpot hot chocolate, have fun and invite a friend or two to join.
14. Stop comparing yourself
This is easier said than done. But during the season of reflection, work on realizing you should not compare yourself with anyone. Every person is in a different stage of life and faces challenges we may never know.
15. Find new cozy pieces that make you feel good about yourself
Although we may want to be as cozy as possible regardless of how it looks, take the time to find pieces that are both warm and flattering. Feeling good about yourself is always important.
16. Set new goals and keep track of them
This one is not winter specific but it will give you something to work towards and look forward to during the season which will make you happier!
17. Light therapy
For those of us who get hit with seasonal depression, a little light therapy might just help. The light might just help you perk back up!
18. Say yes to the comfort food but make sure to maintain a healthy diet overall
The fall and winter seasons are filled with delicious comfort food. Indulge during this time but do not forget your diet completely or you'll feel even more sluggish and be more susceptible to colds.
19. Dance it out (even by yourself)
One of my favorite mottos. When in doubt, dance it out. Getting some blood flowing while listening to fun music can be just the treat your mind and body needed.
20. Face any internal issues you are having during this reflective time
With a lot of downtimes and a slow pace, take this time to try and work on yourself. Whether that be body issues or not forgiving yourself, reflect during this time and work towards growth.
21. Sleep or better yet, hibernate
It is our natural tendency to want to sleep more during the winter. Give in. Take a day and do nothing, sleep in when you can and just lean into our biology.
22. Embrace your inner child, build a snowman!
Get outside, have fun, and do something you haven't done since you were a child! Bake cookies with your mom, take a picture with Santa or start a snowball fight. You might feel silly at first but before you know it, you'll be having a blast.
23. Get a heated or weighted blanket
A heated blanket is a luxury but it is SO nice to crawl into bed and it already be warm. Treat yourself. Keep yourself nice and toasty with this blanket or feel cozy and cared for with this weighted blanket.
24. Forgive yourself
The winter season is filled with gratitude and love for those around us. Try to give some of that to yourself and work on forgiving yourself.
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