31 Amazing Winter Self-Care Ideas to Try Right Now

Now that winter is upon us, have you thought about your winter self-care routine?

No?

No worries, I got you.

Winter is a time to slow down and renew your mind, body, and soul—the perfect scene for self-care. But winter also rolls in with drier air, colder mornings, and darker days. Your mind and body take a beating during the colder months, but a winter self-care routine can help.

I will share 31 self-care ideas to help you get through the winter months.

So let’s get to it!

What is self-care?

For starters, self-care is not a selfish act, but a conscious practice to nurture your needs. Self-care helps you take care of your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Remember, you can’t operate on empty, so it is important to take care of yourself.

While self-care will vary for everyone, a self-care routine should nourish and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.

Contrary to popular beliefs, self-care can be anything from taking a bubble bath to setting up a budget.

How to Practice Self-Care?

I’ve used self-care as an excuse to overeat on junk food and spend excessively. Rather than producing a sense of rest and calm, my overconsumption made me stressed and anxious.

Yes, treat yourself to some pleasurable things, but that is not enough. The key is to apply self-care to every area of your life.

I call this the sweet spot.

Add past due tasks to your self-care list. If you haven’t eaten a nourishing meal in ages, add that to the list as well.

Your self-care routine should help you relax, recharge, and reduce stress. When done often, a self-care routine will keep things in your life flowing and organized.

Why Self-care is Important

The winter months come with frigid temperatures, shorter days, and drier air. So, it’s tempting to hibernate until spring and wait out the winter blues.

But here’s the problem!

A self-care routine can help you combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as the winter blues.

SAD, a subtype of depression, caused by the change of seasons, affects your mood and overall well-being.

Since SAD is more likely to affect women than men, we have to make it a point to take care of ourselves in the winter.

Ideas for your winter self-care routine?

1. Exercise

There’s no doubt about it, the cold weather in the winter months pushes many of us indoors. During the winter months, I often exchange my walks in the park for naps on the couch, but I’ve realized it caused more harm than good.

Besides controlling weight, improving joints, and protecting you against chronic ailments, physical activity has long-term mental health benefits as well.

Add workouts to your winter self-care routine to boost your mood, improve your energy, and relieve anxiety.

Tips to help you start a workout routine (and stick to it):

Set a goal range to work out 3-5 days per week
Schedule your workouts in your calendar to hold yourself accountable
Try different exercise plans to help you stay motivated

2. Drink enough water

Ever noticed how dry your hair, skin, and throat get in the winter months? That’s because you get a double beating from the cold air outside and the warm air inside.

The humidity in winter is so low the air sucks up any moisture it can find, including moisture from your body and hair. And when the temperatures outside plummet, we head indoors and crank up the heat. The heat keeps you warm but adds no moisture to the air.

One way to combat the effects of dry air is to drink plenty of water.

Water, which is over 60% of the human body, is essential to our health and wellness. Water helps maintain the balance of body fluids, assist in digestion, and aids in weight loss.

You will also have clearer skin, better moods, and improved energy. (#winwin)

3. Get plenty of rest

Winter can be brutal, so getting enough rest should be a top priority in your winter self-care routine.

Poor sleep habits affect your mental health and quality of life. Studies show about 75% of those with depression struggle with insomnia. Poor sleep patterns can make you irritable, anxious, and depressed.

For example, when you are sleep deprived, it leaves your brain exhausted. Before you know it, making choices, paying attention, and handling changes feel like a never-ending feat.

Sleep helps your brain, heart, and blood vessels heal and prepare your body for the upcoming day. As a result, your concentration, productivity, and mood will improve after a restful night.

Tips for getting enough rest:

Turn off the screen 1-2 hours before bed
Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep
Read a book before bed to help you fall asleep faster

4. Eat wholesome foods

When you have poor health, it places you at a disadvantage, especially in the winter months.

Eating foods packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants help you achieve and maintain optimal health.

I usually grab foods from the below list:

green veggies
whole grains
nuts
berries
oily fish

You don’t have to give up your simple pleasures, because, hey, cake is self-care too. But so is nourishing foods.

All you have to do is introduce more nutrient-dense foods into your diet and eat less of the packaged, processed stuff.

You will see physical changes, like weight loss, less bloating, and clearer skin, but you will experience a mental shift as well. You will be in a better mood, your energy levels will spike, and your concentration will improve.

5. Drink herbal teas

I love my coffee, but I love my herbal tea as well. And my self-care routine usually ends with a soothing cup of tea.

Since the winter months are darker and we spend more time indoors, we are more prone to illnesses, like the cold or flu. Herbal tea provides a plethora of health benefits, like immune-boosting antioxidants and vitamins.

For example, peppermint gives you a blast of energy and helps with digestion, colds, and headaches. And lemon balm helps with anxiety and is an effective remedy for the SAD.

So the next time you’re feeling the effects of the cold winter weather, make a delicious, calming cup of herbal tea to boost your mood.

Here are some teas to try:

matcha
white
ginger
chamomile

6. Take your Vitamin D

Winter is upon us, and so is the winter blues, so you have to make sure you keep on top of your self-care routine. And that includes keeping your Vitamin D levels in check.

You can get vitamin D through certain foods, like oily fish, egg yolks, and mushrooms, and through supplements. But the best source of vitamin D is through sunlight.

Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in our bodies, which helps maintain healthy bones, teeth, and muscles.

However, winter has fewer daylight hours, which means we get little sun exposure. As a result, we are more prone to vitamin D deficiencies.

But wait! There’s more!

In a review article by Neuropsychiatry, researchers discovered a strong connection between people with depression and vitamin D deficiency.

Here are some ways to boost your Vitamin D:

Head outside in the midday hours when the sun is at its peak
Eat foods rich in Vitamin D
Take a vitamin D supplement

Consult with your health care provider first before taking supplements.

7. Spend time in nature

Some wintry days will make you want to hibernate until spring.

I know the feeling.

Besides the obvious case of cabin fever, staying indoors for long periods can cause Vitamin D deficiency, a weak immune system, and an unhealthy mindset.

Ever wonder why a stroll in the park or beach makes you calm? We hold a bond with nature, which is why we chase waterfalls, wildflowers, and sandy beaches. Nature gives us a sense of pleasure, happiness, and serenity.

A little nature in your winter self-care routine can improve your mood, reduce stress, and boost your creativity.

But that’s not all. You can get a much-needed boost of Vitamin D, which can help fight off SAD.

The brisk winter weather doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying time outside. Bundle up in a warm hat and jacket and take a walk.

Here are some activities to try:

Explore a local park
Stroll around your city
Take a hike
Play in the snow

8. Wake up earlier

An early rise gives you a head start and sets the tone for the rest of your day. Getting up earlier reduces stress, improve your mood, and increase productivity.

One of the cardinal rules in my winter self-care routine is to get up early—it’s quieter, I can enjoy my breakfast, and get more stuff done.

Now, getting out of your warm bed early in the morning can be unpleasant. I recommend you wear something warm and cozy and give yourself something to look forward to.

cup of coffee
watching the sunrise
a delicious breakfast
an interesting book
devotions
a workout
quiet time

And, make sure to create a nighttime routine that helps you set the tone for your morning. I’m a firm believer that a good morning starts the night before.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race. If your usual wake time is 8:00, don’t wake up at 5:00. Start with 15 or 30-minute intervals so your body can slowly adjust to the change.

9. Create a routine

The winter blues are here, and you want to stay in bed. Trust me, you’re not alone.

I create and follow a morning and evening routine to keep myself grounded. Without a routine or some form of schedule, I spend too much time on one task or forget to complete essential items, which is no way to honor myself. Although my day doesn’t always go as planned, my routine and schedule keeps me organized and focused.

A morning, evening, and daily routine helps you meet your goals each day and prepares you for the next day. Your routine should help you purge the unnecessary items from your schedule so you can focus on your most important tasks.

A routine helps you to:

prioritize your task
avoid procrastination
boost productivity
develop healthy habits
control your day

10. Declutter your space

Do you struggle with clutter? Owning too much stuff and holding onto items you no longer need can cause clutter, disorganization, and stress.

There’s no doubt that you’re in your home for longer periods of time during the winter months. That means you spend more time surrounded by your stuff. And when you live in a cluttered environment, your mind becomes cluttered too. As a result, you are more stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed.

See, clutter overwhelms and paralyzes us, putting us in a vicious cycle. The issue we must fix is the very thing preventing us from taking action.

That is why I think we should add decluttering to our winter self-care and all our self-care routines. Decluttering helps you remove items that no longer serve you, make room for the things you love, and restore order to your home.

Why decluttering is important:

Help you keep track of all your belongings
Save time sorting, cleaning, and organizing your stuff
Help you simplify your life and live minimally
Help you relax and reduce anxiety

And here are some decluttering tips:

Declutter one room at a time
Declutter 15 minutes per day
Put everything back where they belong

11. Change unhealthy habits

Bad habits kill your productivity, cause stress, and make it more difficult to achieve your goals.

We often look to break an unhealthy habit, which can put us in a scarcity mindset.

First, find what triggers your unhealthy habit
Second, remove the temptation that causes your unhealthy habit
And finally, try to substitute the unhealthy habit for a healthier option

For example, if you’re trying to watch less television, set a timer on your phone to remind you to switch off the TV after a certain time. You can also try listening to a podcast, taking a walk, or calling a friend.

Remember, it is easy to overindulge in your self-care routine, so as your practice your self-care be sure not to add to your unhealthy habits.

12. Challenge your negative thoughts

Negative thoughts, which usually appear as judgment and fear, hold you back from being happy. In winter, you spend more time indoors, which means you’re spending a lot more time inside your head.

Now, negative thoughts are natural. The problem occurs when you believe you and your perceptions are the same. It’s crucial that you separate your thoughts from your sense of self.

When I think negatively, I always reflect on the words in 2 Corinthians 10:5 about placing our thoughts into captivity.

We often try to ignore our negative beliefs, but making a conscious choice to deal with our thoughts means we’ve become more aware of them. And when you become more aware, you can manage those negative feelings better. We control our thoughts, it should not control us.

Here are a few ways to challenge your negative thoughts:

Jot down your thoughts
Focus on your strengths
Express gratitude often
Show yourself compassion

13. Start a gratitude journal

Dreary winter days can discourage you. And when you add in errands, work, and family obligations, you get a serious case of overwhelm.

Gratitude journaling helps you balance the scales a little, which leads to greater happiness, contentment, and confidence.

Developing a mindset of gratitude can boost your mood and improve your health. In a study, researchers discovered that both healthy individuals and those struggling with mental illness benefit from writing out what they were thankful for.

Gratitude journaling has improved my mood, reduced stress, and made me happier.

Tips to help you start a gratitude journal:

Find a quiet and clutter-free space
Start small
Use journal prompts
Dig deep

14. Do a weekly reset

Dirty dishes, stuffed hampers, unanswered emails, messy bathrooms, and unopened mail are a few of the many things that make our life chaotic.

A weekly reset routine helps you get your life together. A weekly reset is beneficial for self-care because it allows you to take care of the task and chores hanging over your head and free up some mental space.

My weekly reset is what I call the Back to Basics routine. I get to tie up loose ends and start the next day or week with a clean slate.

I organize my space, prepare meals for a few days, take care of my plants, and handle overdue or upcoming administrative tasks during my reset routine.

Some tips to help you start a reset routine:

Schedule one day in the week to take care of your overdue task
Create a running list of your tasks
Prioritize your tasks and take care of the most important ones first
Handle as many tasks without burning yourself out

15. Manage your finances

Financial self-care plays a role in your mental health and overall well-being.

You have enough worries during the winter months, but your finances don’t have to be one of them.

Bad money habits cause frustration, stress, and anxiety, but a good relationship with money keeps negative emotions at bay.

Of course, we get crappy cards we have no control over, but we control how we play the hand. First, declare that you will take control of your personal finances.

Then you can work on the following:

set up a budget
keep track of your spending
set up and build an emergency fund

These good money habits will become second nature to you, making overdraft fees, late payments, and returned checks a thing of the past.

Now that you have a handle on those bad habits, you can focus on other healthy money habits. For example, you can pay off debt, save regularly, and invest in your future.

16. Schedule your medical appointments

We often delay our medical appointments because we are anxious, worried about the cost, or simply too busy.

Scheduling your medical appointments is self-care and one of the first steps to keeping on top of your health.

The tasks you postpone can make your life even more challenging. The same applies to your health. Your regular check-ups serve as a preventative action against more serious health issues.

Scheduling your appointments is not only beneficial for your physical health, but it benefits your mental well-being as well.

Have you ever crammed all your appointments into the month of December because you’re trying to use up your benefits? Don’t do it. It is not pretty. Trust me!

Tips to keep you on track with your appointments:

Make a checklist of your medical appointments at the beginning of the year
Include the appointment name, date, and time, and check it off after each visit
Make a list of questions for your doctor
Review your insurance benefits

17. Take a news break

The weather outside is frightful and…we stay in and watch the world from our screens.

Did you sing that? Me too..I couldn’t help myself.

But on a more serious note. We spend more time indoors than ever before, so we have to be careful of what we allow to occupy our minds.

I played the news in the background while I got dressed, prepared breakfast, or washed the dishes. I would hear reports of senseless violence, irrelevant sports updates, and useless celebrity gossip.

It was hard for me to stop watching the news because I thought I was staying informed.

Then it hit me! I accomplished nothing by watching the news. The news did not improve my life, and I certainly didn’t improve someone else’s by watching it.

Now, I limit myself, tuning in only in the evenings for a few minutes. And if I want more information on a story, I research it further. And I am happier, more productive, and less anxious.

You might say, well, how can I stay informed?

Visit your community website for local updates (if you have one)
Grab a copy of your local newspaper
Watch the news, but at the end of your day
Do your own research; you will never get the full (sometimes true) story on the news, anyway

18. Read a book

Reading is one of the best forms of self-care. Not only does reading sharpen your focus, memory, and motor skills, but it also relieves stress and boosts your mood.

According to a study performed by the University of Sussex, reading can reduce your stress levels by up to 68%.

Reading helps you slow down and be present; besides, there’s nothing like getting lost in a story and forgetting your troubles for a short while.

Sometimes when I’m stressed, I crack open a book and unplug from the world. And when I return from my adventure, I’m more relaxed and recharged.

So if you’re feeling the winter blues, grab a book and go on an adventure.

19. Learn a new skill

As the days grow colder, it’s easy to lose your motivation. But the last thing you want to do is give up on improving yourself. That’s why learning a new skill should be a part of your self-care routine. Learning a new skill keeps your mind active, improve your knowledge, and enrich your life.

I love traditional self-care ideas, but I also love to invest in myself in ways that can improve my skills and knowledge.

Invest in yourself and learn a new language, craft, or skill. This skill or knowledge can enhance your career, expand your creativity, and improve your health.

I don’t believe you are ever too old or young to learn a new skill (within reason, of course). I love to hear stories about someone learning to read later in life or a young child taking an interest in gardening.

So as the days grow colder, pick one thing you want to learn or improve in your life.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Check out online courses at a community college or high school in your area
Take classes on platforms such as Skillshare or Udemy

20. Get creative

The winter months can be tough on our overall lives, so a creative activity is usually the last thing on our minds. However, picking up a creative hobby can boost our happiness and keep the winter blues away.

Work and no play makes Jack a dull boy and we Jills can’t afford to be drab. We need to play more.

Take part in activities that bring you excitement—there should be no other end goal, but sheer-joy. I’m sure you can think of one childhood activity you would still do today.

Right?

Creative activities fuel your imagination, boost your mood, and relieve stress.

Knitting, painting, drawing, candle making, puzzles, and embroidery are some of the few activities to try this winter.

And check out these other creative activities:

21. Practice mindfulness

Life can get pretty crazy where you easily forget to take care of yourself. Mindfulness helps relieve stress, control anxiety, and improve concentration.

Mindfulness, a type of meditation, helps you notice your thoughts, control negative emotions, and focus on the present moment.

In the beginning, your mind will wander. But eventually, your focus, productivity, and mindset will improve.

I’m not a pro by any means. I usually read a chapter in my Bible and meditate on the words or I sit quietly and ponder my thoughts.

Mindfulness may look differently for you. Do what works for you.

Here are some ways to practice mindfulness:

Sit and take a few deep breaths
Pay attention to your thoughts
Slow down your eating

22. Build healthy relationships

Humans are social creatures, and almost all of us yearn for the company of others.

Having no social interaction for long periods can cause social anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. But too many social engagements can cause imbalance, burnout, and stress.

The key is to set boundaries for yourself. Setting boundaries helps you balance your social calendar and your personal needs.

As an introvert, I spend time alone to recharge. My alone time is for spiritual, personal, and creative growth. But I’m also happy when I catch up with my family and friends. I make sure I balance the two.

While the core of your happiness comes from within, healthy relationships can make you happy too. Relationships give you a sense of security and belonging and improve your overall well-being.

Here are some ideas to help you stay in touch:

Schedule catch up time with family and friends
Cook dinner with your family
Play board games
Take a walk together

23. Write an old-fashioned letter

Why not write a handwritten letter to your loved ones or send them a birthday card in the mail?

While writing a letter is doing a good deed for someone else, it’s still self-care because it will make you feel good as well.

In a digital world, we have replaced greeting cards and handwritten letters with e-cards and text messages. Writing a letter is more magical and timeless compared to email or text message. A letter is physical—you can hear it, smell it, and touch it.

You’ve heard the saying, giving is better than receiving. That’s because giving leads to greater happiness. So a handwritten letter can serve two purposes. First, your loved ones will know how much you care and cherish your relationship. And two, it will boost your mood and improve your overall happiness.

24. Take care of your plants

Taking care of your plants can also be self-care. Watering, pruning, and nurturing a plant keep both your mind and body active.

Also, a few houseplants in your home during the winter months helps you reconnect with nature. The added greenery can boost your mood, spark creativity, and bring calm into your space.

And nurturing your houseplants helps you practice mindfulness as well. It’s hard to multitask while you hold a watering can, prune leaves, or check on your plants.

While I tended to my plants, I discovered a new sense of purpose. Not only did I pay more attention to my plant’s needs, but I also started to focus on my physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Are you a new plant parent? Try this book.

Here are some houseplant suggestions for beginners:

Philodendron heartleaf
Snake plant
Succulent and Cacti
Aglaonemas

25. Practice Hygge

Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) is a Danish way of life that gives you a sense of coziness, happiness, or contentment. This is like the ultimate self-care.

Am I right?

The Danes created this lifestyle to help them survive the cold, dark winters, and you can implement this concept into your life to get through the winter months.

Whether you light a candle, make a warm drink, or spend quality time with family, Hygge can improve your life. Hygge helps you slow down, be present, and enjoy the simpler things in your life.

Hygge is pretty simple. No need to redecorate your home or buy anything fancy to enjoy Hygge. You can use what you already own.

Here are some ways to practice Hygge:

Light Candles
Bake a delicious treat
Enjoy a warm drink
Put on fuzzy socks
Ambiance music

26. Take a self-care shower

Showers are pretty basic—you get in, do your business, and you get out. But what we need, especially in the winter, is some ‘out of this world’ showers. Cue the self-care shower.

One way to beat the winter blues is to take a self-care shower. A self-care shower routine helps you take care of all the skincare steps you skip when life gets crazy, like shaving your legs or exfoliating your body.

My showers help me refresh and rejuvenate my body, wash off the cares of the day, and think and process my thoughts in peace.

Try to give yourself more time—even 5 minutes—in the shower to calm your head and refresh your body.

Here are a few tips for your self-care shower routine:

Tie eucalyptus to your shower head
Exfoliate body
Wash your hair
Deep condition your hair
Shave
Scrub your feet

27. Adjust skin and hair care routine

Our skin is the largest organ and acts as a shield for our internal organs, taking the brunt of the pollutants, chemicals, and UV rays.

Although your skin serves as a barrier, it is also porous, so it absorbs what you put on it. Since the air during the colder months is much drier, and the heat indoors takes away moisture from your skin, you may have to adjust the products you use.

Here are some ways to keep your skin healthy and happy in the winter:

Use body oils, body butter, or creamier lotions to lock in moisture
Switch to a gentler facial cleanser
Choose a richer facial moisturizer

The cold winter months can also wreak havoc on your hair. Moisturize daily, deep condition, and use protective styles to keep your hair hydrated.

Here are some great tips for natural hair care during the winter months.

28. Use calming aromas

We shut our windows and doors most of the winter, limiting the fresh air flow exchange and making the air stuffy.

While you can crack your windows a few minutes each day to refresh the air, you can also use calming aromas to freshen up your home. Not only will you rejuvenate your home, but you will also boost your mood, relieve stress, and relax your mind.

Essential oils are an excellent way to add freshness to your home and improve your mood. Inhale them, or add a few drops in your diffuser or humidifier.

Try winter scents like balsam fir, eucalyptus, frankincense, myrrh, peppermint, orange, lemon, cinnamon, and clove.

Here are a few ideas to fill your home with sweet, calming aromas:

Add dried herbs to potpourri, linen sachets, and sleep pillows to use around the home
Tie a bunch of lavender and eucalyptus sprigs together and hang it above your shower head to create a spa-like experience
Mix rosemary, sliced oranges, cloves, and other herbs and spices and simmer in a pot.

Try these winter blends the next time you need to boost your mood and refresh your home!

29. Schedule a lazy day

A lazy day routine is great for your winter self-care; it breaks up the mundane work and life duties, which is beneficial to your mental health.

I usually beat myself up when I manage my time poorly. If you’re anything like me, scheduled lazy days are a must. Unplanned lazy days are lovely but usually make you feel guilty for not being more productive.

However, when you step away from your usual tasks, it improves your productivity and mood. You will return with a clear head and fresh ideas.

My lazy day usually involves working on the back end of my website, taking care of my skin and hair, and watching a good movie.

Oh, and takeout. I do not turn on the stove on my lazy days.

A lazy day routine will look different for everyone—you may choose to relax the entire day or unwind at the end of your day. The bottom line, it should work for you.

30. Buy yourself flowers

Fresh flowers are a simple way to brighten up your home and spirit. The gorgeous flowers and wonderful fragrance will surely boost your mood on a cold winter’s day.

My husband rarely buys me flowers. I’ve learned to live with it, but I wasn’t always this accepting.

I thought he didn’t appreciate me enough or didn’t love me, but nothing was further from the truth. He will buy flowers once in a blue moon, but this is not how he expresses his affections.

So, I stopped expecting him to bring home flowers, and I started buying them for myself. Expecting someone to do something is setting yourself up for disappointment. If they do it, great. But if they don’t? That’s fine too.

Buying yourself flowers is a way for you to celebrate yourself because you are worth it. So the next time you feel a case of the winter blues coming on, grab yourself a bouquet of flowers.

31. Plan a pamper day

Face mask. Bath bombs. Wine. Manicure. Pedicure. Because sometimes you feel like crap and need a good old pamper session.

Self-care is about taking care of yourself to meet your internal and external needs. And an old-fashioned self-care day gives you the best of both worlds.

For a little balance, you can add a couple ideas from this list to inspire your pamper day. But do what feels right for you.

Your turn

Well, there you have it—31 ideas to inspire your next winter self-care routine.

What is your favorite way to practice self-care in the winter? Share below.