Winter is… almost here! It’s time to start thinking about how you can switch up what you do or what new things you can add to embrace some of that winter self care goodness.
If you’re looking for self care tips and ideas for this season, you’re in the right place. I’ve brought together all my favorite winter self care ideas so you can find new ways to continue your self care habits into this new season. ❄
Embracing self care in winter
The change from summer to fall feels cozy, but the transition into winter can feel like a tougher one — especially if you’re not a big fan of the holidays. It might be cold outside, there’s lots on your to-do list, and the shorter days can make it seem like there’s not enough time for self care.
Don’t fall into this trap — taking care of your mental health, physical health, and overall wellbeing is so important, especially in the winter months. Self care and wellness aren’t only reserved for those long summer days and when you finally get enough time away from work or study.
Self care is a year-round thing. 💛 And my goal is to help you find ways to create little self care moments throughout the winter season, whether you have days to dedicate to it or you need tiny acts of self care that you can slot into your busy days.
41 of my favorite winter self care ideas
I love changing up my self care routines and ideas as the seasons change. If you do too, here are some of my go-to winter self care ideas — including things I’ve done and enjoyed, as well as recommendations from my close friends.
1. Go for a winter walk
The cold weather makes it less appealing sometimes, but it’s still useful to get out in the fresh air. Grab a jacket, your shoes, and your wheels/stick if you use one, and head outside for a short walk in the crisp air.
2. Snuggle up and read a book
Get your coziest blanket and head to the couch or your bed and settle down to read a few chapters of your book. Pick something off your reading list, borrow a book from the library, or head to the book store and choose a new book. 📚
3. Enjoy a festive hot drink
It’s finally time for those festive hot drinks, so treat yourself with your favorite one from the coffee shop. I love a hot chocolate at this time of year — even better if it has maple or caramel syrup!
4. Add some seasonal decor
Decorating your home for the seasons is a fun way to connect with what’s happening around you and embrace your love for the holidays. Put up some festive decor that you’ve owned for ages, invest in a few new pieces, or make your own DIY winter home decor.
5. Update your wardrobe
It’s not just your home that can enjoy a new look for the changing seasons. Open up your closet and see what you’re working with, then create some fun new looks that’ll help you feel cozy, comfortable, and warm throughout winter.
6. Take a nap
Sometimes you just need to take a break. Go ahead and have that nap! There’s nothing wrong with making space in your day for a few extra zzzzs. 💤
7. Upgrade your sleeping situation
Sleep is so important all year round, but in winter it feels so good to get cozy in your warm bed at the end of the day. Maybe it’s time to upgrade your pillows, comforter, or sheets so you can sleep better?
8. Try a seasonal recipe
The change of seasons always makes me want to seek out something comforting to eat. I’m not much of a cook, so I’d recommend checking out these nourishing winter recipes for some tips.
9. Plan a solo date day
Going on a solo date is such a great way to take a break from your usual everyday life and try something new, or do something you always love to do. If you’re not sure where to start, I wrote a whole guide on solo dates that has 40+ different ideas to try out. ❤
10. Stay hydrated
Drinking water isn’t just for winter, but it’s something that’s easy to forget about — especially if you’re all about those seasonal coffees. Keep a water bottle by your side and remember to drink from it regularly.
11. Write a gratitude list
Grab your gratitude journal or a notes app on your phone and write a gratitude list. This is a simple and sweet way to record something you’re grateful for.
12. Switch up your routines
Now is a good time to look at your daily routine and other routines to make sure they’re still working for you, or see if you can find ways to make them work better for this season. You could also add in a self care routine, or introduce a sunday reset routine.
13. Plan for the holidays
The holidays are coming up and if you enjoy them, start planning for them nice and early! Think about what you want your Christmas, holiday season, or New Year to look like and start getting excited about what you could do to make them feel special.
Want some holiday-specific self care tips? I’ve put together this list of 30+ holiday self care ideas. 🎄
14. Light a candle
Make your home smell like the coziest place on earth by lighting one of your favorite scented candles or diffusing a winter-themed scent. I love cinnamon and vanilla, what about you?
15. Have an at-home spa day
Get out all your face masks, beauty products, and skincare and treat yourself to an at-home spa day filled with pampering and rest. You could even invite a few friends over too and make it a party!
16. Do gentle stretching
If your energy levels mean that your usual exercise routine isn’t on your to-do list, try to keep things going with some gentle stretching or yoga exercises at home.
17. Try a new cozy game
Cozy games are a perfect way to rest, relax, and do something fun for yourself. Popular titles include Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, and Disney Dreamlight Valley, but there are plenty of cozy games out there. 🎮
18. Bake a seasonal sweet treat
Much like cooking and decorating, baking is one of those things that you can add a seasonal twist to and it instantly feels more enjoyable. Bake up your favorite winter-inspired treat and enjoy it as often as you like.
19. Have a self care day
Dedicate an entire day to resetting and feeling refreshed, with plenty of comfort food, cozy activities, and anything that feels like self care to you. A self care day is the perfect way to pack plenty of self care tips into one day, so you can come away with a new energy.
20. Spend time with a loved one
Winter can feel like a lonely season, so if you can it’s a good idea to plan some time with a close friend or family member. Not only do you benefit from the company and a fun coffee or activity date, but you can also check in with them to make sure they’re doing okay.
21. Learn something new
With new year on the horizon, maybe you’re thinking about some career or personal goals. Start now by taking a short skill class in something that you’re excited to learn about. 🎨
22. Take care of your skin
The colder months can really cause issues for your skin — I know that my hands in particular suffer. Stock up on lotion and moisturizer and take care of your hands, face, and the rest of your skin.
23. Have a “yes day”
The idea of a “yes day” usually applies to parents or carers indulging their kids for the day, but I think it’s also a fun thing to do solo. Let your day be guided by what you want to do, rather than what you feel like you have to do.
24. Drink herbal tea
If hot chocolate or coffee isn’t your thing, then herbal tea can be a lovely, warming drink to enjoy over the winter season. Experiment with a few types to find your favorite blend.
25. Enjoy some downtime
You don’t always have to be doing something. Make some time in your schedule to take some time to do absolutely nothing, or whatever you feel like in that moment, without any pressure to fill it with a task.
26. Try light therapy
If you struggle with a lack of sunlight in the winter, a therapy light might really help you regain some of that energy and enthusiasm. I have a small light that I keep on my desk in the winter months and it seems to help a little.
27. Have a self care bath
Get the ultimate relaxation by having a self care bath at home. Fill the bath with bubbles or a bath bomb, grab a book or magazine, and spend some time soaking in the tub. 🛀
29. Declutter your home
While decluttering your entire home might not be on your to-do list, pick a space and make it feel more tidy and easier to use. Put your favorite playlist on and get moving for 15 or 30 minutes and see how much you can get done.
30. Declutter your digital spaces
If you don’t want to declutter your home, try tidying up your digital spaces (like your computer or phone) instead. Delete apps you don’t use, organize your photos, and consider your social media usage.
31. Watch a cozy movie
Get your go-to snacks and a drink, find a blanket, and get cozy on the couch. Put on a movie that feels cozy, or a holiday movie, and just enjoy the moment. 🍿
32. Make a self care vision board
In the winter I’m often thinking about what I’d like the next year to look like. If you are too, you might want to try creating a self care vision board to guide you through the next few months.
33. See some festive lights
I love when people decorate their homes for the winter! If this makes you smile too, seek out some decorated houses that you can walk or drive by and get some of that feel-good festive vibe.
34. Play a board game
Pull out your favorite board game and invite some friends over for a game night. Stick to the classics or invest in something new. Some of my favorites include Carcassone, Wingspan, and Small World. There are lots that have solo versions too! ♟
35. Write down some goals
The new year is approaching and it’s the perfect time to set some new goals. Whether they’re personal goals or professional goals, spend some time imagining your ideal life and working out how you can take steps to get there.
36. Spend time outdoors
Spending time outdoors can help you feel refreshed and restored, even in the winter time. Go for a walk around the block, attend an outdoor event, or hang out with loved ones in the fresh winter air.
37. Practice random acts of kindness
One of those things that gives me that warm-fuzzy feeling in winter is helping out someone else. Look for an opportunity to share a random act of kindness and do something thoughtful for a stranger, with no expectations in return.
38. Host a self care party
For a fun self care idea that you can involve your loved ones in too, why not host a self care party? You could even theme it to match the season! 🎉
39. Embrace nostalgia
Around the holidays I’m always reminded of the toys and games that I loved playing with as a kid. If this is on your mind too, look at this as an opportunity to embrace the nostalgia, re-buy them, and play with them again.
40. Attend a holiday event
Maybe you don’t want to host an event, but you’d love to attend one? There are lots of events happening at this time of year, so there’s probably something that sounds perfect to you.
41. Create a fun winter bucket list
Not sure which of these winter self care ideas to try out? Why not add a few of them to a winter bucket list, and use this to help you check activities off your list as you achieve them. ✔
What’s on your winter self care list?
Take care of yourself this winter time. 💛 I hope this list has given you lots of ideas and things to try out. What are you planning to add to your winter self care list or seasonal bucket list?
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