Winter self-care is challenging. The darkness of the season is heavy. Infuse your life with light with these twenty unique winter self-care tips.
The natural world seems to slow down as the days grow shorter, inviting us to embrace the cozy serenity of autumn and winter.
Over time, though, the darkness of the season can feel heavy.
Below, we'll explore twenty winter self-care ideas designed to bring light into your life during the dimly lit months of the year.
Winter Self-Care
Self-care is not just chocolate and bubble baths; discover twenty unique ways to infuse your life with light as the nights grow longer.
01. Starting your day "with light" is self-care
As the days get shorter, it becomes more and more challenging to "rise and shine" in the darkness.
Combat dark mornings with a wake-up light. This unique self-care ritual makes starting your day on the right foot easier.
02. Warming up with a single sun salutation is self-care
Wake up your body with yoga. Starting the day with a solid stretch is a form of winter self-care. Let go of a full yoga routine and commit to one (just one!) simple sun salutation each morning.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
- There's no need to put on workout gear; there's no sweating. Just do it in your PJs or everyday clothing.
- Keep an extra thick yoga mat under your bed.
- Or make it part of your morning kitchen routine and do your sun salutation on the padded floor runner as your coffee is brewing.
^ The first time my husband saw me doing this, he was utterly confused 🤣. I love the simplicity of not having to drag out a mat.
03. Making time to watch the sunrise is self-care
Watching the sunrise takes much less effort as the days get shorter.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Take advantage of this winter self-care opportunity on the weekends!
04. Practicing a morning hygge ritual is a form of winter self-care
Give yourself an extra 5-10 minutes to breathe in the morning. Find one tiny winter self-care habit to practice.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
- Drink a cup of coffee at the dining table instead of in the car and on the go.
- Make homemade strawberry jelly so that you can taste "the sunshine of summer" on your toast each morning.
- Light a candle as you look at your daily planner.
- Sing "Here Comes The Sun" by the Beatles in the car each morning.
This will be unique to you!
05. Spending 10 minutes in the sun before noon is self-care
Boosting your "happy" Vitamin D with early morning sunshine is a form of winter self-care. Your body's circadian clock responds to light as a signal to be awake.
Getting sunshine before noon helps you wake up, and it keeps your clock on track for a good night's sleep, too!
KEEP IT SIMPLE
- Enjoy a cup of morning coffee in the warmth of a sunbeam
- Take a quick walk around the block before leaving in your car
- Take your lunch break a bit early and spend 10 minutes reading outside
06. Buying sunflowers is winter self-care
It's been scientifically proven that flowers make you feel better. A bouquet of sunflowers is an invitation to keep your face to the sunshine.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Yellow daisies are a great, long-lasting, cost-efficient alternative to sunflowers. Refresh the water and clip the stems every few days; these frugal flowers can last weeks!
07. Investing in a full-spectrum desk lamp is self-love
Getting a quality lamp made to last is a form of winter self-care. I've had this VariLum lamp at my desk for over ten years!
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Skip the light box and make a full-spectrum desk lamp part of your morning routine. Use the lamp while you work, read, or prep each morning.
A gentle reminder that it's okay to invest in winter self-care..
08. Buying bright and joyful soap scents is self-care
Don't underestimate the power of tiny details, like bright and joyful soap scents like this one from Michel Design Works is a simple form of winter self-care.
Sunflowers, dahlias and marigolds are bursting with rich yellows and golds in this radiant hand soap. A wonderful reminder of the lingering warmth and gilded colors of early fall, this sunflower hand soap is laced with touches of citrus, ripe fruit and spice.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Invest in a single sunshine soap for the most used sink in the house.
09. Taking a sunset walk is a form of winter self-care
Make time to experience the sunset. Be a seeker of magic.
10. Burning a beeswax candle is winter self-care
Create a cozy atmosphere in your home with candles.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Sensitive to fragrances? Try burning a scent-free beeswax candle (these are our favorites) — we always keep one burning after dinner safely on the stovetop.
11. Sitting fireside is self-care
Enjoy the warmth of an outdoor fire. According to researchers, our minds are naturally drawn to flames. Fires invite us into a non-distracted, peaceful, meditative state where anxieties are naturally reduced. The experience warms us and helps you let go of everyday concerns.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
If you don't have a fire pit...
- Use your fireplace instead — wood, gas, electric? Light it up!
- Grab your laptop and feel the joy of a fire via YouTube, or turn on your TV and enjoy a crackling birchwood fire via Netflix.
I swear, you can still feel the warmth!
12. Reading poetry is winter self-care
If meditating or reading a book at night feels like too much, KEEP IT SIMPLE with poetry.
Dive Deeper
13. Enjoying the warmth of pink salt is self-care
Himalayan pink salt lamps are a great way to naturally enhance your mood or to help you relax and unwind at the end of the day. Studies show that bulbs that give a reddish or yellow “warm” light create a comforting atmosphere for winding down at the end of the day. They are a perfect form of winter self-care.
14. Investing in outdoor string lights is winter self-care
If you struggle with feeling claustrophobic in the darkness, investing in outdoor string lights is winter self-care. Calm your mind by creating depth-of-field in your yard using outdoor string lights.
This simple trick was a game-changer for me!
15. Lamp love is winter self-care
Ditch glaring overhead lighting and embrace the coziness of lamps in the evening. Studies show that warm lamp light can have a calming effect.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
There's no need to break the bank for lamp lighting...
- Shop your home and play with moving lamps around.
- Target has a wide collection of adorable table lamps for under $15.
- Spray paint lamps at your local thrift store. If you have a St. Vincent de Paul in your area, I find they have the biggest variety at the lowest price!
16. Booking a solo trip in the sun is self-care
Head somewhere warm for a long weekend and do nothing. There’s something incredibly powerful in realizing you can travel solo, deal with mishaps independently, have adventures, and return home safe and sound.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
You don't need a lot of money to travel...
- Pick an airline that offers recurring, popular destinations (like Allegiant) to get low-fare flights.
- Plan on being unbusy and pack books and pool flip-flops.
- Make a trip to the grocery store to take advantage of these easy breakfast ideas!
17. Enjoying a light-hearted beach read is self-care
Studies show that "getting lost in a book" is good for you, making it a great form of winter self-care.
Add a little sunshine and warmth to your day by picking up a light-hearted beach read. Do it guilt-free, my friend.
A good beach read meets the following criteria:
- Light and breezy plot line
- Doesn't make you think too hard
- Holds your attention and is a bit of a page-turner
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Check out this list of beach read suggestions from the online Book Club for Recovering Readers. I've been part of this book club for years!
18. Walking by the light of the moon is self-care
Don't let the darkness of short days keep you from enjoying the benefits of fresh air in the evening.
Darkness is where the magic of the moon lives.
There is nothing like a winter walk where moonlight illuminates the snow and leads the way.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Have these things on hand for winter night walks...
- A winter beanie with a rechargeable LED light is a simple way to add a bit of light to your night walk.
- If you live in a frigid climate, I swear by this ultra-warm long coat. I've had mine for fifteen years and have comfortably walked in -20F degree weather.
- If you're walking with a dog, consider an illuminated collar to ensure other dog owners see you. We've tried a few over the years and this one is our favorite.
19. Creating a wind-down routine is self-care
Create a sense of calm as you close out the day.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Your winter self-care wind-down routine doesn't have to be complex...
- Set a recurring reminder on your phone to wind down each night
- Dim the lights and cool your body temperature
- Turn off your phone and consider reading, keeping a gratitude journal, or doing a sleep meditation.
Let go of the day.
Dive Deeper
Are you a fan of Anne of Green Gables too? This collection of inspiring, uplifting, pearls of wisdom from Anne Shirley is for kindred spirits seeking an intentional life.
20. Embracing the darkness is winter self-care
Remind yourself that it is also okay to embrace the darkness.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Take this time to slow down.
Dive Deeper
We help overwhelmed neurobusy women reset and make space for a simple life.
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