Welp, it’s #groundhogday and the furball has predicted we will be getting 6 more weeks of winter. What better time to start brainstorming (and reminding ourselves) of some go-to tips for self-care this cold, dark season.
Winter can be a challenging time for many people, with shorter days, colder weather, and the pressure of holiday festivities (at least we’re on the other end of most holiday stressors, thank goodness).
Here are some of my go-to self-care tips to help you get through the winter season:
Get enough sleep: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help to boost mood and energy levels during the winter months. Plus there’s nothing better than going to bed early and getting cozy on a cold night.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help to improve mood and boost energy levels, and can be especially beneficial during the shorter days of winter. You might have to get creative with your exercise of choice to do inside on particularly brutal, cold days.
Spend time in nature: Spending time outdoors, even for just a few minutes, can help to improve mood and boost energy levels. On a SUNNY, bluebird winter day this is key!!!
Stay connected with others: Social support is important all year round, but it can be especially important during the winter months when it can be easy to feel isolated. Call a friend or set up a game night (in person, or virtual).
Take care of your physical health: Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine can help to improve mood and energy levels. For those coming off from #dryjanuary, how are you feeling? Even if you have zero interest in cutting back caffeine or alcohol, you can still set a goal to drink more water :)
Practice self-care: Make time for self-care activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as taking a bath, reading, or practicing mindfulness. 5 minutes a day can make a big difference!
Think of (or plan ahead) for something exciting in the early spring! This could be something big like a trip or vacation, or something small- like taking a walk or getting an ice cream cone on the first warm, warm day of spring! I love to start planning my garden in the winter, imagining all my seedlings and blooms that will be here in April/May!
Find a way to enjoy the winter! If you have the opportunity to engage in winter sports (ice skating, snow shoeing, skiing, etc), take advantage when you can! Maybe even be open to learning something new or improving a long-lost skill, haha. I’m terrible at ice skating, but always have a great time trying.
Seek professional help: If you're struggling with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or other mood-related issues, consider seeking the help of a mental health professional. As always, you can reach out to me to connect or if you have any questions.
Remember, it's important to be kind to yourself and to prioritize self-care during the winter months. By focusing on your well-being and taking care of your mental and physical health, you can help to get through the winter season feeling your best.
It’s February and we are truly on the home stretch! Stay warm, get some sunshine when you can, and cozy-up with a good book, movie, or furball to cuddle with :)