You and I both know that self care is important but when it comes to the colder months, winter self care is even more important than any other time of the year.
Even though there are grey skies and frigid temperatures it can be a beautiful and reflective season. But it can be a bit tricky to appreciate and enjoy the benefits of the cold weather because of the different bugs or health challenges that are circulating.
Self care is a year-round endeavor but it becomes extremely important during the winter season. Here are some easy self care tips to help you care for yourself while you enjoy the cold weather months.
Table of Contents
1. Stay Warm
One of the hardest things during winter is the strong possibility of becoming sick. Whether it’s getting the sniffles, sore throat, or the common cold and flu, you’ll want to keep yourself safe from illnesses and at the same time enjoy the benefits of the cold weather.
You’ll need to stay warm when it comes to your body and home during the wintertime. This just doesn’t call for your sweater and heater.
But, also keeping your socks on when you’re in the house and drinking a hot cup of tea or hot chocolate throughout the day to help regulate the temperature of your body. Stay away from drinks that contain caffeine especially in the evenings
Another thing to consider is that as the temperature gets lower the air will get drier and this can have an effect on your nasal and throat passages and can leave you as an easy target to cold and flu.
To help stop that from happening use a humidifier and add some essential oils such as peppermint and eucalyptus to help keep moisten the air in your home and also to help keep your airways open.
2. Take Care Of Your Mental Health
Based on where you reside, The wintertime can trigger temperatures below zero and snowstorms at random. With the sun being absent for an extended period of time on some of those cold winter days, there will be less opportunity for you to soak it up and so reduce the amount of Vitamin D that your body produces.
When your body lacks vitamin D it can affect your mental well-being and can cause you to experience depression, insomnia, and mood swings as well as exhaustion.
To avoid this problem in the winter, include a vitamin D Supplement to help top up your levels of this vitamin during this time. You can also boost your mental health with regular exercise.
You may not be able to do outdoor activities such as walking or running in the brutal cold but you can do cardio exercises on the inside in the comfort of your own home.
You can include yoga, jog in place, bodyweight exercises or use free weights, you get the idea. These exercises or any amount of exercise can help to keep your body and your mind healthy during the cold season.
3. Take Care Of Your Hair And Skin
The cold weather is a season that causes dry, cracked hands and feet and can do a number on your hair. The cold air tends to dry out your skin and the low humidity makes it more difficult to keep your hair healthy.
It’s important that you take care of these things during winter so that you not only look good but also feel better.
Here are some tips on how you can do just that:
- Apply lotion or cream regularly, especially after washing your hands or feet. This will help lock in moisture and help to prevent dryness from happening.
- Wear gloves when going outside so as not to expose your hands too much.
- Stay warm by wearing socks, slippers indoors.
- Ensure that you’re not using too much heat on your hair, such as flat irons and curling irons. They can cause your hair to become even drier and more brittle.
- Avoid using harsh, sulfate-containing shampoo in the winter. Instead, use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo that will help to keep your hair healthy.
- Condition your hair after every shampoo. This will add moisture back into your hair and make it soft and shiny.
- Apply oils like coconut oil to your hair before shampooing. They will help to make your hair strong, soft and healthy.
- Seal in the moisture of your conditioner with an oil-based serum or cream after you’ve rinsed out your conditioner.
4. Use A Humidifier
Humidifiers are useful in your home throughout the entire year but are particularly beneficial during winter months when the outdoor air is so much drier.
Here’s the thing during this wintry weather you can experience a lot of dryness within your home.
And, inhaling dry air for prolonged periods of time can lead to irritation of your sinuses, your lungs, scratchy throat and can also that can lead to dry skin, chapped lips.
One of the benefits of using a humidifier during winter is that it will add moisture back into the air which will in turn help to keep your skin hydrated.
In addition, if you have asthma or other respiratory problems, using a humidifier may also help to relieve some of your symptoms.
Simply add water and turn on the machine for a while before going to sleep or if you have trouble breathing during the day.
The goal with using a humidifier is not for you to make every room moist but rather to maintain healthy levels of humidity throughout your space so that you feel comfortable indoors all year long.
5. Get Active
As the days grow shorter and the temperature starts to drop, you might think that staying inside all day or hibernating until spring would be a good idea, but in reality, it will just make you feel more miserable.
The winter season is the perfect opportunity to stay active and you can also get some much-needed vitamin D from the sun on the outside.
In addition, lack of sunlight during this time increases the risk for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which causes symptoms like lethargy or sadness in addition to weight gain due to overeating as well as less physical activity.
One study showed that people who suffer from SAD are more likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes than those without SAD. This is because they produce higher levels of cortisol due to stress-related hormones being released by their bodies when they’re feeling sad or stressed out.
Get outside and enjoy the colder weather while getting in some good exercise There are plenty of reasons why you should stay active during the winter. It’s not as hard as you might think, and you’ll feel better for it.
Why You Should Stay Active In The Winter Season
Here are five reasons why you should stay active during these chilly months.
1. There are lots of different ways to keep your body moving through the winter. For instance, If it’s just too cold outside then maybe try indoor activities like yoga or pilates or any other type of cardio, Hiit, or weight lifting exercises instead. And, if you’re feeling ambitious go skiing!
2. Vitamin D is good for you and you can get that from getting outside and soaking up some sun. It’s been proven that being outside can boost serotonin levels and help with stress and anxiety.
3. It can help to reduce your blood pressure levels. A lot of people experience higher blood pressure during the winter season. This is because of shift changes and lack of sleep. Exercising will help prevent and balance out these effects.
4. If you’re sick and tired of staying inside all day, then get outdoors. Who says you have to go running? Maybe ice skating is more your speed; get some friends together and have a day out.
5. You’ll be less likely to gain weight: many people put on a few pounds during the winter because they’re inactive and tend to eat more comfort foods. Exercising will help you maintain your weight (or even help you lose a little bit if that’s what you’re aiming for).
So, there are plenty of reasons why you should stay active during the winter. It’s not as hard as you might think, and you’ll feel better for it. Get outside and enjoy the colder weather while getting in some good exercise.
6. Drink Lots of Fluid
The winter months can leave you feeling the effects of coughs, colds, sore throats, congested sinuses, and other ailments that come with the freezing weather.
Even though there are some natural remedies to help you get through this time of year without too much trouble, one thing is clear, drinking lots of fluids is necessary.
When you drink water it helps your body to maintain a healthy balance of electrolytes while staying hydrated during these cooler months.
In addition to keeping you healthy, drinking fluids can also help prevent you from getting sick in the first place. If you don’t drink any fluids then you can become fatigued, dizzy, tired, cranky, grumpy, and even lead to headaches.
When your body is properly hydrated, it’s better able to fight off infection. Dehydration makes your body more susceptible to bacteria and viruses, so it’s important to keep yourself well-hydrated especially during the freezing weather.
So drink up your water and tea this winter – your body will thank you.
7. Eat Healthier Foods
During the winter months, you might be tempted to devour things like chocolate, candy canes, and other sugary treats which are readily available.
However, eating healthy foods is a much better option for you is an important part of your winter self care.
Eating healthier foods during this time of year will not only help you avoid gaining weight but also provide your body with the essential nutrients it needs to stay strong and fight off illness.
Benefits Of Eating Healthier Foods During Winter Months
Here are some ways in which consuming healthier options over the winter months will make your life easier:
1. You’ll be able to maintain your energy levels.
By eating healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains you’ll feel full for longer periods of time than if you were to eat junk food or sweets.
2. You can avoid weight gain
Not only will eating healthy foods help you maintain your energy levels but it will also prevent you from putting on excess pounds from eating too many rich or sugary treats.
3. You’ll be able to fight off illness more easily
Healthy foods are full of essential nutrients that keep your immune system strong. If you don’t get the proper nutrients needed through what you’re eating then your chances are high for sicknesses like colds and flu.
4. You’ll save money by spending less on over-the-counter medications
Oftentimes, people turn to over-the-counter medications when they don’t feel well. Some of these medications might not be necessary if you’re eating a balanced diet.
By consuming healthy foods you’ll help your body to stay healthy and fight off illness without having to spend extra money on medication.
So, this winter season, ditch the unhealthy foods in favor of something that will really benefit your body – like consuming healthy foods. You’ll be able to maintain your energy levels, avoid weight gain and sickness, and save money on medication. What’s not to love?
8. Quit Smoking
You and I both know that smoking is bad for your health. But did you know that it can also affect your mental health?
Smoking increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, which affects millions of people every year. It can also decrease brain activity and slows down thinking speed, making it more difficult to concentrate on tasks at hand.
And don’t forget about how nicotine addiction can keep you up at night. According to research by Mayo Clinic , “the more you smoke the more nicotine you need to feel good.” So if you’re looking for a way to improve your mental wellness, quitting smoking could be just what the doctor ordered.
But it’s not just your health that you have to worry about when it comes to smoking. Smoking also has a negative impact on your wallet. A pack-a-day smoker can expect to spend upwards of $2,000 a year on cigarettes.
That’s a lot of money that could be put towards much more important things, like groceries, bills or savings. So if you’re looking for a way to get through the cold season without putting your health or your wallet at risk, quitting smoking is a great option.
There are plenty of resources available to help you quit smoking, including online support groups and phone apps. And don’t forget, there’s always nicotine replacement therapy and other medications available to help you quit. With a little bit of effort, you can successfully quit smoking.
9. Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough shut-eye is especially important during the winter because your circadian rhythm or “internal body clock” regulates itself with exposure to sunlight.
So less sunlight means a longer period before you feel fully rested even if you’re sleeping longer hours. Insufficient sleep contributes to a number of chronic diseases like obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
Another downside to the lack of sleep is that it can also cause a number of health issues. It can disrupt the release of hormones that control appetite, which is why lack of sleep can lead to weight gain and obesity.
Not being able to physically move as much due to these changes in hormone production may make it difficult for you to stick with an exercise program, which has been shown to reduce symptoms associated with depression including lethargy and sadness.
So how can you make sure you’re getting enough sleep during the winter?
- One way to make sure you’re getting enough shut-eye is to stick to a regular sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day will help regulate your body’s natural sleep rhythm.
- It’s also important to make your bedroom a relaxing place where you can unwind before bedtime.
- Avoid watching television or working on the computer in bed, and try reading or listening to calming music instead.
- If you find it difficult to fall asleep, try using relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises or visualization.
- And finally, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime as both can interfere with sleep.
- So make sure you get enough sleep this winter. It’s not only good for your physical health, but it can also help improve your mood and reduce stress levels.
10. Be Positive
The winter season is a tough time for people who are already struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.
You may notice changes to our mood and energy levels when the weather gets colder.
You might feel more irritable than usual or you might be more likely to withdraw from social activities or skip work because you’re probably not feeling well enough.
But this doesn’t have to be the case. There are many things you can do in order to stay positive during this time of year.
How To Stay Positive In The Winter Season
If you’re willing to give it some effort, then winter won’t seem so bleak after all. Here are a few ideas that you can include in your winter self care.
1. Get out into the sun as much as possible – even if it’s just for 10 minutes.
2. Warm up your car in the morning before you drive to work so that once you’re inside it becomes easy for you to warm up your body.
3. Stay active! Exercise releases endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that can improve mood and energy levels.
4. Eat foods with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon).
5. Practice deep breathing exercises to relieve anxiety when it starts to set in.
6. When winter begins taking a toll on your mood, consider buying an air purifier for your home, it can also be helpful for those who are struggling with winter blues.
7. Make a list of things you’re grateful for. This could be anything from your supportive friends and family to the fact that you have a roof over your head. Writing these down every day can help keep your spirits high during tough times.
8. Spend time with loved ones. Cuddling up on the couch with a good movie or game night are all great ways to spend some quality time with those closest to you.
9. Get a massage. Massages not only feel amazing, but they can also help improve moods and reduce stress levels.
10. Last but not least, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re feeling down and don’t know how to get out of it, speak to your doctor or a therapist. They can help you develop a plan that works best for you and will make winter a lot more enjoyable.
Conclusion On Winter Self Care
You may spend more time inside during the winter months, but that doesn’t mean you have to be bored.
Find some unique activities or games that you can play inside to stay busy. This could be a new board game or something more personal like arts and crafts.
Learn how to draw, or rekindle a passion for a craft that you haven’t enjoyed in a while. Plus, nothing’s better than diving into a long and well-written book during the winter.
Have some hot chocolate, curl up in a blanket, and enjoy that book you’ve always been meaning to read.
How do you manage your winter self care? Comment below!
