Winter can be challenging for many reasons. There's less daylight, so it feels like the days themselves are shrinking. A lot of us are seriously affected by the lack of light and vitamin D [source]. Add in a busy Q4 at work and the holidays, and you're bound to take less and less time for yourself.
Prioritize yourself this winter by prioritizing self-care rituals, whether that means making a moisturizing face mask, a crystal facial grid, or just cozying up with a hot water bottle and your favorite rom-com. Honestly, it doesn't need to be something too crazy, as long as it's making you feel good about yourself.
Bath
Taking a long bath works on many levels. First off, you're disconnected, and you don't need to focus on anything other than your relaxing music and the pleasant sensation of hot water on your skin. Depending on what you add to the water, you can also benefit from the detoxing, soothing or even aromatherapy qualities of a bath.
These are some of our favorite ways to make baths super relaxing:
What You Need to Know About Using Essential Oils in the Bath
7 Bath Soaks for Everyday Ailments
9 Essential Oil + Herb Bath Soaks
Scents
Even when you can't really take a proper break, certain smells can help your mind and body relax. We love aromatherapy in all of its forms, from classic essential oil diffusers to wax melts to scented candles, from aromatherapy bracelets to room sprays. Breathe in a blend of lavender, chamomile and bergamot to relax before bed, or opt for a crisp pine, peppermint and cedarwood blend during cold, winter days.
These are some of our favorite ways to use aromatherapy as a self-care ritual:
6 Room Sprays to Beat the Winter Blues
46 Ways to Elevate Your Aromatherapy at Home + On the Go
15 Ways to Make Your Home Smell Amazing
Himalayan Salt Candle Diffuser
Essential Oils for the Chakras
Skincare
Create a weekly routine of applying natural face masks - it will go hand in hand with a relaxing soak! Winter really is the time to amp up your moisturizing and exfoliation game, so consider dry brushing, face and body scrubs, as well as heavier moisturizers and body butters. If you're up for a dare, you can also try our 28 day skincare challenge.
Here are some of our favorite ways to focus on skincare during the winter:
Homemade Face Scrubs for Every Skin Type
Hygge
Hygge has been all over the internet in the past few years, so if you still haven't adopted the Danish concept of coziness and comfort, now's the time to do so. Hang fairy lights (or leave them out after Christmas), decorate with pillows and throws, and don't forget the candles. You might also want to use branches or seasonal flowers to bring some nature indoors, wear comfy sweaters, and indulge in warm drinks and comfort foods, to perfectly encapsulate the hygge ideology.
Here are some ideas for hygge self care rituals:
4 Ways to Make a Turmeric Spiced Latte
Hormone Balancing Hot Chocolate
How to Make Beeswax Candles in the Oven
Movement
The inherent need for hibernation makes us want to move less in winter. Go out of your comfort zone on this one - you need to move regardless of the season! However, be as gentle as you need to, with at home yoga sessions, stretching, brisk walks around the neighborhood or in nature. Extra points if you haven't cancelled your gym membership and can get yourself to go regularly!
Here are some of our favorite ways to get moving gently:
How to Start Working Out Again When You're Out of Shape
7 Hip + Back Stretches for Bedtime
Warmth
Our bodies are craving warmth this time of the year - whether it's soups and hot chocolate or reading covered with a weighted blanket. Baths and showers help, too. Now's the time for heating pads and warm compresses, heat packs made with rice or cherry pits, and of course, sitting by the fireplace.
Here are some of our favorite ways to bring warmth in our lives:
7 DIY Ways to Make Firestartes
Creativity
Reflect on your year, set winter intentions, or create gratitude lists on a daily basis as a self-care ritual to unload your mind and even reduce stress. If you're looking to reduce your screen time (who isn't?), consider doing something else with your hands: knitting, crocheting, candles, soap, jewelry are all great alternatives to scrolling.
Here are some of our favorite creative activities for winter:
How to Tune Into Your Inner Wisdom with Tarot Carts
50 Creative DIY Projects from Old T-Shirts
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