Wintertime is full of new opportunities to take care of yourself and check in. Some of these self-care activities are things you can do all year round, of course, but I find them especially effective this time of year.
I love the outdoors, but nothing really beats escaping the chill under a dozen blankets and a good book.
Self-care is always important, no matter the season. However, the winter chill and lack of sunshine can make it harder to get yourself out of a rut. Here are a few things I’m trying to do this season to maintain my mental health.
1. Kitty Cuddles (any animal will do)
I have always been an animal person. I grew up with 7 cats, 3 rats, a frog, a gecko, and hundreds of fish over the years. Now that I have a kitty of my own, I’m obsessed with him (and he knows it).
There’s nothing better than sitting down after a long day and spending time with your pet. For you, it might be more refreshing to play with your doggo or handle your snake for a while. Interacting with your creatures can help take your mind off of a long day (or week).
Forms of self-care like this are easy implement, but also easy to forget about. Try to set a daily (or weekly) reminder that will encourage you to disconnect for a while and commune with your critter.
2. Have a Couple Campfires this Season
I know, it’s outside. Trust me, the last thing you’ll be thinking about is the cold when you’re next to a raging fire. Plus, it’s nice to gather a bunch of blankets and get cozy.
Take this opportunity to gather some friends and enjoy the fresh air. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the stars and some of our closer planets as well.
Campfires provide a great opportunity to disconnect from the rest of the world. It’s easier to focus on the present – where you are, who you’re with, and what you’re eating. S’mores!!! That’s all I need to say.
Just make sure you’re respectful of the fire regulations in your area, and never leave a fire unattended.
3. Dive into a Book that You’ve Been Meaning to Read
If you’re like me at all, you have a pile of books that accumulate faster than you can read them. Or, perhaps you just have one or two that you think might be worth your while.
Reading is a self-care classic, and for good reason. All forms of reading are good for you. Audiobooks count, of course. Whether you want to learn about self-improvement, a new business practice, or disappear into a fictional universe, it’s a valuable use of your time.
There are both long-term and immediate benefits of perusing a book. Studies show that reading for just a few minutes can reduce a person’s stress by over 50%. It also improves your ability to understand others and empathize over time.
Lastly, reading leads to the development of important skills. Generally, your vocabulary and interpretive skills increase as you read different texts. In addition, your chosen topic or genre is bound to teach you something new (or a new way to think).
a special winter self-care shoutout to:
- Gratitude Journalling: Start simple, and make a list of 10 things that were good today. For example: the color blue, a cup of tea, or that one perfect wave in your hair.
- Podcasts: My favorite way to learn about the world without doing any research of my own. Recommendations here.
- UGG Boots: Originally a surfer’s accessory, I can’t seem to say goodbye to these fuzzy companions.
- Beverages: Espresso, Hot Coco, Kombucha, Boba, Tea, Water. Take your pick!
- Naps.
