25 Refreshing Winter Self Care Ideas

How can I take care of myself during winter?

Well, Christmas is over, and it’s time to get back into the normal routine of things. Except now, we’re in the thick of winter. And there is nothing that your body craves more after all the craziness of the holidays and the cold weather than some well-deserved winter self care.

Winter is my least favorite season. With the cold and snow and what seems to be never-ending darkness, I never want to leave the coziness of my bed.

Unfortunately, there is still much to be done. And that is why I always winterize my self care routine. It gives me a way to destress, and I get to add some new activities that can’t happen at any other time of the year. I hope there is something here that you will enjoy and will make this time of year a little more bearable.

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What is winter wellness?

Winter wellness is important for your mental health as well as your physical health during those long winter days. With the cold temps and less daylight, it’s easy to get sucked into becoming a couch potato and even a hermit.

To keep your weight and body in check, be sure to keep moving throughout the season. And to stave off those feelings of depression or even seasonal affective disorder, plan to add some winter self-care in your day whenever possible.

If you currently don’t have a self care routine, let this winter be the season you start one for an all around healthier you.

How can I practice self care in the winter?

Winter Self Care Ideas: Relax

woman in blue shirt reading a book — Photo by **Dilruba Sarıçimen** from **Pexels**

One of the best things you can do for self care is spend time alone to recharge, so let’s look at some ways you can relax in winter.

1. Read a book

Find your favorite spot in the house. Turn on a lamp (cause it gets dark now just after lunch). And curl up with a good book.

I recommend something with a beach theme to keep those winter blues away.

2. Have a movie marathon (Christmas movies optional)

When it’s cold outside and all you really want to do is stay in bed, just go for it!

Grab a warm blanket, a hot beverage, and binge watch your favorite movies.

This is great for family winter self care, as well. Forget the laundry and to do list. Let your kiddos out of their weekend responsibilities, and just be with each other for some relaxation.

Winter Self Care Ideas: Get Active

two women in winter coats walking in the snow — Photo by **Liza Summer** from **Pexels**

While you won’t be spending much time outdoors, it’s still important to stay active during those winter months. I personally have a lot of Christmas calories to burn off.

3. Go for a walk on nice days

Nice days are so rare during the winter (especially here in the Northeast).

Make sure you enjoy them whenever you can, even if that means taking a 5 minute walk outside on your lunch break.

And even if it is snowing, but isn’t terribly cold, go out for a bit and breathe in that cold, fresh air.

4. Start a new workout routine

This is great to add to your list of new year’s resolutions, so it’s perfect to add to your list of winter self care. (Two birds, one stone.)

I don’t know if there is a single person who hasn’t had lose weight as one of their new year’s resolutions.

Which is great, but how are you going to accomplish it? With a new workout routine, of course.

Maybe you don’t even need to lose weight. (Please share your secret!)

It’s still a great idea to try something new, so you don’t become bored with your current routine and to use different muscle groups.

And whatever age you are, a workout routine is going to keep you active much longer, so you can enjoy your family that much more.

5. Try a winter sport

As I said, I’m not a huge fan of winter. I don’t like being cold, so I don’t seek out things that would force me outside this time of year.

However, I have been ice skating (as we have an indoor rink nearby). I’m no good, by the way. And I’ve actually wanted to try my hand at skiing.

Here is where I’m going to give you some advice I should take myself. Get out of your comfort zone and try something new.

If you are a fan of winter sports, try a new location or a new difficulty level. Or get your family involved.

And if all else fails, check out an indoor sport that is more popular in winter, like bowling.

6. Stay connected

While this might not seem to fit with being active, it is important to actively connect with friends and family.

We can easily fall into depression during those long winter months, with the cold, snow, and being couped up inside.

And although you likely spent much time with family during the holidays, did you really have a chance to really connect with anyone?

Take some time once a week for a phone call, video chat, or a coffee run with your sisters, your besties, or your mom.

It’s important to remember you’re not in this alone.

Winter Self Care Ideas: Grab a Pen and Paper

woman with dark curly hair and glasses writing in a yellow journal — Photo by **MART PRODUCTION** from **Pexels**

Take some time for a brain dump. Whether you decide to write in a journal, set up some goals, or write out your to do lists, it’s good to get your thoughts out and organized so you don’t feel overwhelmed by them.

7. Write in a journal

If you started a gratitude journal as part of your autumn self-care, keep it up. You’ll always find you have more to be grateful for when you write it out.

If you’ve never been a writer, winter is the perfect time to start a journal as part of your self care routine. There’s many nights when the sun sets waaay too early, so you have lots of time to reflect on your day.

It’s also a great way to keep a record of your year.

8. Set New Year’s Resolutions

I’ve never been one to set New Year’s Resolutions because I never wanted to set myself up for that kind of failure.

However, setting (and especially writing) goals for the year to come allows you to keep track of your progress.

Use the SMART plan (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, timely) when setting goals to make sure you have a better chance of reaching them.

9. Write your 5 year goals

Since you’re already thinking about your new year’s resolutions, why not just go ahead and write down your goals for the next five years.

I’ve actually never done this in my life, until I started this blog. But it absolutely changed my mindset! And now I have a way to keep me accountable and compare my progress.

It doesn’t even have to be anything major. But writing it down makes it more real, and you’ll be more likely to accomplish it.

10. Make a winter bucket list

Winter is my least favorite time of year. (Have I mentioned that?)

You’re stuck inside most days. It’s cold and snowy. It gets dark way too early and that’s if the sun even decides to make an appearance.

So, how do you beat those winter blues?

Make a winter bucket list and add all the fun things you can during this time of year to brighten your mood.

Include indoor and outdoor activities. Add things you do every year for some traditions. But also include things you never do or things you’ve always wanted to try.

Winter Self Care Ideas: Pamper Yourself

woman in white sweater with red manicured nails — Photo by **Brigitte Tohm** from **Pexels**

Get away from your normal routine and everything grabbing for your attention, and find a way to let the stress melt away.

11. Get a manicure

I love a good pedicure. I especially love the foot massage that comes along with it.

But no one is seeing your feet now that they’re tucked away in those warm boots or wooly socks.

Next best thing is a manicure!

And a manicure is absolutely the best thing you can do for some easy winter self care, even if you do it yourself.

12. Moisturize your hands and lips

My hands are horribly chapped (and even bleeding) usually by the second day of some really cold temps. And if you have a newborn or a toddler at home, you’re probably washing your hands more often than most.

Give your hands some love during these cold winter months with this repairing hand cream set.

And don’t forget to keep your lips well moisturized with this lip care set.

winter self care: open book and cup of tea on table

13. Stay hydrated

Yes, you need to drink plenty of water, even in those colder months.

One of the symptoms of dehydration is having a dry mouth and lips.

So, if you’re not seeing an improvement in your lips after using your lip care set, you may need to start drinking more water.

Use this water bottle to track your daily intake.

If water is just not your thing, try infusing it with some fruits for some added flavor.

Want more time for self care? Get the Secrets to Time Management for Busy Moms

Winter Self Care Ideas: Indulge Your Senses

woman holding a cup of hot chocolate with cinnamon and marshmallows — Photo by **cottonbro** from **Pexels**

Really lean into all the scents that come along with the holiday season and relax by using your senses to take it all in.

14. Have some hot chocolate

Hot chocolate is the perfect winter drink. It’s easy to make and enjoyable throughout the season.

And you can add different flavors each time: cinnamon, peppermint, marshmallows, mini chocolate candies, dark chocolate syrup.

For some family winter self care, set up an at-home hot chocolate bar with all the different options.

15. Bake some yummy treats

Christmas cookies make the best winter treat. But any baked good will do.

Now is the perfect time to try out a new recipe. And since you’ve already started a new workout routine, you have a way to burn off those calories.

16. Light a scented candle

My favorite way to enjoy all the wonderful smells of winter (without worrying about those calories) is by lighting scented candles.

The glow of the candle mixed with the cookie, cocoa or morning air scents are one of the easiest ways to enjoy this chilly season. Combine your favorite scent with a warm bath and there is nothing better.

Winter Self Care Ideas: Use Your Creative Mind

woman with notebook and computer — Photo by **Ivan Samkov** from **Pexels**

Winter can seem to last forever, but that means it’s a perfect time to let your creativity shine. It’s also a great time to start a new hobby.

17. Start a blog

This blog was the result of a long winter (and a new title of SAHM). And yours could be too!

There’s nothing like creating something that is uniquely yours. Something you put your heart and soul into that could also earn you some money along the way.

Use Suzi Whitford’s Blog by Number Course to get started.

18. Plan a trip

Planning a trip is an easy way to take a short break from what’s going on around you.

Research warmer destinations and start saving some money. Use our vacation budget template to track all of your expenses.

This is also a great winter self care idea to include your spouse and kiddos. Get their input to make your next trip something the whole family will enjoy.

19. Give yourself a Christmas gift

While you’re out doing all the shopping, baking, wrapping, and creating endless amounts of Christmas magic, pick something nice up for yourself.

Sure, you can spend weeks or months hinting at what you really want (and still might not get it).

Or you can perform some much-needed winter self care, and get it yourself.

You know yourself best, and you know what you would enjoy most. Wrap it up, as a gift from Santa.

Winter Self Care Ideas: Warm Up

woman reading a book in bathtub — Photo by **Monstera** from **Pexels**

How many times am I going to mention being cold? Well, here it comes again. Include your favorite way to keep warm in your winter self care routine.

20. Take a warm bath with bubbles, soaps, and candles

This one may take a little bit of planning if you have young kids at home (and you don’t want to see tiny fingers under the door). But it’s well worth it.

Treat yourself to a luxurious spa-type bath with the works: bubbles, soaps, candles, maybe even some wine. Find your favorite bath items and spend some time just soaking and letting your cares drift away.

Be sure to get yourself a thick robe to wrap up in when you’re done.

21. Get some new boots

You need to do all you can to stay warm in these cold weather months. So bust out your favorite pair of boots.

Or add a new pair of boots to your winter self-care routine. If you find a pair you truly enjoy, it will make going outside that much more fun.

22. Bundle up in your favorite sweater

Keep warm in your favorite sweater, and pull it out whenever you feel those winter blues creeping in.

I always keep my sweater handy in the winter months so I can just wrap up whenever there is a chill, and it’s like getting a nice hug.

23. Get a pair of warm gloves

Keep your hands from getting chapped and your manicure looking great this winter by getting a warm pair of gloves. (And actually use them!)

I also recommend getting a special pair to keep in your car for when you’re pumping gas. That way you don’t get that gas smell on your good pair.

24. Keep your feet warm in some cozy socks

I don’t know about you, but I hate when my feet are cold. If my feet are cold, my whole body is cold.

So be sure to grab some thick, warm socks to keep your feet toasty warm this winter. And go ahead and just prop those feet up while you settle in for your movie marathon.

25. Snuggle under a warm blanket

When all else fails, grab a warm blanket and get cozy for some winter self care.

Maybe it’s with a good book, while you’re watching that movie marathon, or with your spouse and kids. Nothing makes winter bearable like a warm blanket.

Conclusion

You may not have time for self care every day, but it’s good to practice winter self care a few days a week to keep yourself in a good mood and motivated. You can easily find one or two things to do each day (or do at the same time) to give yourself a little lift.

It’s also a great time of year to include your family in your self care routine. Spend some time outside practicing those winter sports or just make some snowballs. Become a kid again and let the stress melt away.

Have you tried any of these refreshing winter self care ideas? Which was your favorite? Let us know in the comments.