Winter Self-Care Strategies

If you're like me, then you spent most of your summer (and early fall) relaxing in the sun while trying to get a tan. While summer is known as a stress-free season of self-care, it is sadly coming to an end. We can wave goodbye to long walks in the sun, ice cream every day, and sleeping in late. Autumn brought pumpkin spice lattes and the excitement of sports such as football and baseball. Now that winter is coming, many people are upset at the thought of waiting 6 months for summer. However, there are plenty of self-care activities that can be utilized during the winter. Here are 8 winter self-care strategies to make the best you during the coldest months. 

Hot Drinks 

One of the best things about winter is the great drinks it brings with it. Hot chocolate, or hot cocoa depending on where you are from, is a winter classic. When you walk down the grocery store isles this winter, without a doubt you will find millions of brands of hot chocolate mixes. You might even have your own family recipe. Some people prefer theirs’ with water while others think milk is better. And of course you could never go wrong with marshmallows or whipped cream on top. Others like to add a candy cane to their drink to make it taste like peppermint. Another drink that many people like to enjoy during winter is tea. There are so many different types of tea, you just have to experiment and find your favorite. Why don’t you tap into your inner British self and try some this winter? 

Bake Treats 

Many would agree that cookies are an annual treat, but they are one of the best treats winter has to offer. One great thing about cookies is that you get to make them yourself. Many scientists agree that people are more satisfied when they make something themselves rather than just buying it at a store. Additionally, when you make them yourself, you get to eat the batter (which is the best part). Another thing that is incredible about cookies is that there are so many types. Chocolate chip, sugar, snickerdoodle, and of course Girls Scout cookies. It is safe to say that cookies are one of the best winter treats. 

Light a Candle 

Scientists have found evidence to support that the sense of smell is the most closely related to memory. Maybe that is why candle companies are so successful. There are so many different scents that it is hard to choose. The major corporations also have different collections. For example, the winter collections usually consist of cookies, peppermint, gingerbread, snowflake, vanilla snowman, etc. Some of the names can get pretty ridiculous but at least they smell fabulous!

Exercise 

The chilly weather brought by winter usually keeps people indoors. With autumn ending, many sports do, too. However, it is more important than ever to be exercising. Exercise is so good for you mentally as well as physically. Scientists have proven that exercise releases endorphins. When endorphins are released, they boost your happiness, resulting in a feeling of contentment. This is also really good for stress relief. So, even though you can’t walk outside in the miserable weather, you can still exercise inside. 

Hydrate 

There is no way I can express the importance of staying hydrated during the winter. Most people think it is not as important to drink water in the cold weather than it is in hot weather but they are dead wrong. In the winter, you tend to spend more time indoors and around heaters. This means that you are in a very dry heat while summer is more humid. During the winter, your lips get chapped and your skin gets dry, so it is more important now than ever to make sure you are drinking tons of water and moisturizing enough. Another thing with moisturizing is that the cream comes in so many different scents. If you find a scent that you like, then you will be more likely to use the cream often than if you didn’t like the scent. 

Read a Book 

There’s nothing that can’t be fixed with a good book. If you don’t want to go out but you don’t want to be home, read a book. Books can take you to a different place each time you crack one open. If you are feeling stressed and need a break from your life, jump into someone else’s. One awesome thing about reading is that you can do it whenever. If you have a spare ten minutes to relax, you could read. Other things, such as watching a movie, requires you to incorporate about an hour into your schedule. So, open a book and you can have a stress-free time. 

Listen to Music 

Music is a form of art that can be appreciated from wherever you are. You don’t even have to have something to listen to, necessarily. If you have a really good song stuck in your head, take advantage of it. You can sing along to it out loud or just keep it in your head. Or, you can go for the digital approach and use an app to stream your songs from. Music is great because there are so many different styles that you don’t have to pick just one. Your music taste can range from R&B to Country and no one can complain. A great activity to work on during your free time is creating a playlist. It could be based off of what you feel during the song or just based on the type of music.

Retail therapy 

One thing to look forward to when the weather changes is shopping. Updating your wardrobe or even just reorganizing your closet is a great way to waste time during the winter. While out shopping for clothes, you could also get your gift shopping done! There are so many things to do during winter and shopping is just one.