5 Self Care Tips for Making it Through Winter With a Smile

Winter is a wonderful season, full of family gatherings, cozy nights by the fire, fun outdoor activities, and beautiful nature scenery. Nevertheless, most people will find themselves yearning for the sun and warmth at times. You may find yourself affected by the dreariness of the cold days, frequent gray skies, and earlier sunsets. At times like these, there are plenty of little ways you can treat yourself and bring a little sunshine back in your day.

From things you can do at home to quality time with loved ones, here are five self-care tips to help put a smile on your face throughout the winter months.

Start the Day With a Workout

According to WebMD, fitness instantly boosts our mood thanks to the release of endorphins, which “trigger a positive feeling in the body.” Put on your favorite pair of women’s sweatpants and head to your living room or den to take part in your workout of choice—it can be some simple stretches to start the day, an online yoga class, some quick jumping jacks, and push-ups, or a few minutes on your indoor workout machine, whether it’s a spin bike, elliptical, or treadmill.

You don’t have to work out for hours to feel the positive effect of endorphins; just dedicate some time during the day to getting yourself moving. Your mind and body will thank you.

Do Some Baking

The smell of fresh baked goods in a home is bound to bring smiles to your family’s faces. Spend some winter days baking some favorite recipes—ideally recipes that bring you back to cooking with your own parents or grandparents. Make a batch of gooey chocolate chip cookies or opt for a pan of fudgy brownies. Whatever you choose, having fresh baked goods in your home is sure to make you and your family happy. You can even invite your partner or kids to help with the baking to make it a fun family weekend activity. Just make sure you roll up the sleeves of your kid’s robes before they start helping.

An added bonus: A hot oven will add some extra warmth to your space on any extra-cold winter days.

Have a Spa Day

Put on your favorite women’s robe and treat yourself to a full evening of at-home spa treatments. Buy a bath bomb for your bathtub, a few candles in a calming scent, a refreshing sheet face mask, a hydrating hair mask, and a good book to read as you relax. Light the candles a few minutes before you start your spa day so the scent fills the room as soon as you walk in.

An at-home spa day will help you relax during the stressful winter months and will also provide a sense of serenity in your own home—a spa day is also something that’s a little different from the norm, which will make any spa days you plan feel like something to look forward to.

Watch Your Favorite Movie

Winter is a time that’s ideal for cozy evenings on the couch. On a particularly cold and dark winter night, cozy up on the couch with your softest throw blanket, a hot cup of tea, your go-to flannel pajamas and put on a movie that instantly makes you feel happy. Put on your favorite recent romantic comedy or opt for a movie from your childhood that always made you laugh.

Plan Family Outings

It’s easy to spend the winter curled up inside away from the cold weather and snowy days. Instead of avoiding the inevitable weather, choose to embrace it. Plan a few fun winter outings with your family that celebrate the season. Activities like sledding, snow tubing, skiing, and cold-weather hikes with hot cocoa are all activities that are perfect for a winter day and can help remind you and your family how special the season can be.

Before you go out, just be sure to bundle up, so you stay warm during the outdoor fun. Dress in layers to ensure warmth—try layering fleece sweaters under a super-warm down coat. Snow boots are a great shoe option for an outdoor winter adventure.