17 Ways to Be Kind to Yourself in the Winter

It’s been gray and rainy for the last two days, and for us Arizonians, that’s enough to propel us into despondency. For those of you living in climates that have an actual winter season, you’ve been trudging through gray, slushy, cold, bleak days for months. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition of having less energy and motivation, sleeping more, eating more (especially sugar and starches), and ultimately feeling depressed every year during the same season, affects six percent of the population, while another 14 percent of people suffer at least a form of SAD, the “winter blues.” And even if you don’t fall into those categories, right about this time of year most of us can’t wait for spring to come already.

So, how do we get through? Eating all the donuts in the break room and binging on clearance Valentine’s Day candy doesn’t seem to help for long!

I’ve found that embracing a slower, sleepier pace isn’t all bad. We’ve just come off of the Christmas rush, so it’s time to recoup. Especially since we’re all fighting off colds or the flu. So don’t be as hard on yourself.  Give yourself some grace, and permission to do less. Instead of beating yourself up for not getting everything done on your list, be kind to yourself. What you’re experiencing is normal and understandable.

That’s where self-care comes in. Personally, I really struggle with this. Even just calling it “self-care” sounds selfish. But I’ve found that treating myself kindly tends to get better results in the long run, over using guilt or duty as a motivational tool. It’s really only logical:  no one can keep pouring out and pouring out if they’re not being re-filled, or else they’re headed for total burn out.

I made a list of ways to be kind to myself, things that will leave me feeling more refreshed and re-filled. They range in price and practicality, so if you struggle with this like I do, you’ll find at least a few things on this list that you can definitely do!

My Self-Care List

1. Get your hair done. A trim, a new color, any change makes me feel like a new person!
2. Paint your nails. A bright, springy color really helps.
3. Pour a cup of tea, get cozy, and sip it in silence. Put your phone on airplane mode, and just be still.
4. Take a bubble bath. It always feels like a lot of effort, and yet I always love it when I do.
5. Treat myself to a natural skincare product. Splurging on a fancy facial scrub or bath bomb is fun once in awhile, but I also like to make my own natural products! There’s a lot you can make with things you probably have in your fridge and pantry.
6. Hair mask or face mask. Put one of these on, and then go take that bubble bath.
7. Make art or a craft project. Painting, sewing, or any type of DIY project for a few hours is so refreshing for my creativity and state of mind.
8. Read a magazine. Put aside the heftier books and turn off the TV, and just unplug with good old fashioned glossy pages.
9. Take a nap. This is one of my favorite ways to recharge.
10. Watch a movie by myself. “Ever After”, “Enchanted”, “Sense and Sensibility” are a few that Brian won’t watch with me, and even though I’ve seen them hundreds of times, they never get old!
11. Go for a walk. If the weather isn’t too crazy, some fresh air will do wonders for your mood.
12. Study a style icon. Set aside 15-30 minutes to gather inspiration for your spring wardrobe, or to breath new life into your winter looks.
13. Clean, or de-clutter something small. Outer order equals inner calm. Tackle a shelf or a drawer, and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment afterwards!
14. Coffee date. Some human interaction will boost your mood, and lift both of your spirits.
15. Bake. The concentration it takes is soothing, plus, you’ll have treats to share afterwards!
16. Get some fresh flowers or a plant. Adding some greenery and life to your environment in the winter will do wonders.
17. Light candles. Embrace the darker days by taking the opportunity to add cozy lighting around your house.

What are your favorite ways to give yourself some care during these long winter days? Share your ideas with us in the comments below!