If you live in a climate that’s quite cold in winter, you’re most likely facing dry skin, dark mornings and even darker evenings that make you want to curl up in a blanket and shutter all your doors and windows.
The winter blues are real people!
It’s easy to feel really down and out in the wintertime and it often feels like forever and a day until the sun starts rising earlier again and we begin to feel the anticipation and energy of spring.
I’m here to share 15 simple ways to brighten your mood and promote self care that will get you through the winter with ease.
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1. Lighten Up
Winters are dark and generally cloudy, so you don’t see much sunlight. When you do, it doesn’t last long. Unfortunately, this added darkness can often lead to seasonal affective disorder or SAD for short.
SAD is actually a type of seasonal depression (also known as the winter blues) and symptoms of moodiness, sadness, sluggishness and lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, as well as sleep issues usually start in the fall and continue into the winter months for those it affects.
How can you fight SAD? Try to get more light in your life – literally. Open the curtains on those rare bright days and get outside to enjoy more daylight when you can to help lift your mood.
Shop scented candles and diffusers!
Having trouble getting up without some sun? I recommend using an alarm clock with a lighting feature, like this one from Amazon.
I purchased this light-up alarm last year and it helps get me up when it’s still pitch black outside; prior to the alarm going off, it dimly lights up and gradually gets brighter to mimic a sunrise for a more gentle wake up call.
Seeing light first thing in the morning is also a good way to keep your circadian rhythms in check and promote better sleep.
Shop light-up alarm clocks!
2. Stay Active
Cold, dark days can lead you to stay in and binge watch a good Netflix series instead of going out for a walk or hitting the gym – but don’t give into the winter bulge!
Push yourself to keep active during the winter whenever you can; not only will it keep you healthy and limber, but the endorphins your body releases post exercise will give you a natural high that can boost positivity, reduce stress and make you instantly feel better.
You don’t have to work out for hours either; a short walk outside or a 15-20 minute HIIT session can take you from sad to fab fast.
RELATED READING: How To Exercise Smarter, Not Harder
3. Keep Warm & Cozy
There’s something about the cold days of winter that draws me to hot liquids; soups, teas, hot chocolate – any of these options sound perfectly soothing after a long day of work and an even longer commute in the cold.
Make a fresh batch of winter minestrone soup (this one looks good!) or try out some of these 10 hot winter drinks (my pick is the Pink Velvet hot chocolate) for some instant heat from the inside out.
Better yet, grab your hot drink and run a warm bath to soothe your joints, reduce stress and boost your circulation before bed.
RELATED READING: How To Get Some Much-Needed Self-Care With Me! Bath Bath Bombs
4. Stay Moisturized
Dry, cold weather will wreak havoc on your skin, so be sure to incorporate more hydrating products as well as heavier balms into your skin care routine.
Body butters and oils are a great way to beat dry elbows and rough feet for some extra pampering and a good facial oil can help nourish and protect your face overnight for softer skin in the morning. Other skin care musts for winter?
Invest in a good hydrating sleep mask, a healing lip balm, drink lots of water and avoid hot showers/baths that can strip your skin of much-needed moisture.
9 Essentials For Your Winter Skin Care Routine
Get your skin ready for winter with my 9 winter skin care essentials.
5. Get Social (and not on Instagram!)
I tend to be more of a hermit and keep to myself – especially when the weather gets cold – but staying in touch with friends and family is always a great way for me to boost my mood.
Call up an old friend for a chat or pay a visit to that aunt you never get to see anymore and catch up over some hot drinks – you’ll be glad you did!
6. Add Some Greenery
Bring some greenery indoors with houseplants to improve air quality and boost your mood. If you have a black thumb, faux plants are a great option too and will also enhance your home decor!
7. Enjoy Candlelight
Take advantage of those early evenings and light some candles; they’re a great way to set a relaxing mood and scented candles with lavender, chamomile or jasmine can help reduce stress and promote better sleep.
If you’re like my mom and afraid of burning down the house, an essential oil diffuser is a great non-burning, scented option.
8. Winter Walking
Bundle up and take brisk walks in the crisp air for a refreshing change of scenery that will reduce stress and keep you active.
9. Cozy Movie Night
Wrap yourself in a comfy blanket and pick a feel-good movie to make you laugh or raise your spirits. I recommend some great comedies and rom-coms to watch from the 90’s here.
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Want some romance? Drama? Comedy? Check out my Neflix binge list for ladies looking for love, laughter and excitement!
10. DIY Crafts
Engage in creative activities like knitting, painting, or crafting to keep your mind active and hone your artistic skills.
11. Declutter & Organize
Use indoor time to declutter and organize your living space. Removing clutter will not only tidy up your space for other items but will give you a sense of accomplishment.
12. Update Your Home Decor
Indoor time is the perfect time to update your home decor and change up your home’s style. You can get some fall decor ideas here, or prepare your Christmas decor using these ideas.
Or consider a DIY home update to keep you occupied until the weather gets warmer.
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Find out how to upgrade the look and feel of your kitchen without breaking the bank.
13. Grab A Good Book
Curl up with a good book by the fireplace or under a cozy blanket.
14. Learn Something New
Enroll in a language course, learn a new baking technique or brush up on your DIY crafting skills when the weather outside is frightful.
15. Practice Gratitude
Start a gratitude journal to focus on the positive aspects of the season, your work, your family or life in general. Gratitude is a great way to appreciate all the little things you enjoy every day.
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How do you promote self care in the winter?
Don’t forget to click follow on my “Self Care Ideas” Pinterest board below for more self care tips!
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