Six Self-Care Tips For The Colder Months
Six Self-Care Tips For The Colder Months
Written by Lily Thrope
As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, the transition toward winter often brings changes in mood, energy levels and overall well-being. While winter can be a time of holiday cheer and days off work, it can also be a time of darkness, isolation, and sadness. That’s why it's crucial to incorporate self-care into our routines. Here are six practical self-care tips to help you take care of yourself during the winter:
Hydrate.
With chilly air outside and the heat on full blast inside, winter can be extremely dehydrating. Aim to drink at least eight cups of water a day, and use lotion or moisturizer to hydrate dry, flaky areas on your body. In the long run, your body will feel better and more refreshed.
Stay Active.
It is crucial to stay active during the colder months. Try to get at least fifteen minutes of movement a day. This does not need to be an intense cardio workout – a brisk walk or stretch will do. If you can’t get outside, there are plenty of yoga and pilates videos online.
Maintain a Healthy Space.
Because we tend to hunker down and hibernate in winter, our spaces can become cluttered and unorganized. Use this time to improve your space! Go through your old clothes and see what you might be able to donate or sell. Clean out your desk or dresser or freshen your pillowcases and sheets.
Get Enough Sleep.
During the colder months, our bodies naturally want to sleep more. Sleep helps reset the body and allows us to function better in our day-to-day lives. The truth is we spend almost one third of our lives asleep, so it’s important to take it seriously. Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night. If you have difficulty falling asleep, consider doing a breathing exercise or swift meditation before you hit the pillow.
Connect With Loved Ones.
During the winter, it is common to feel isolated from our family and friends. That’s why it's crucial to maintain your connections. If you can’t see them in person, schedule phone calls or FaceTime to sustain contact.
Embrace It.
Often the best thing to do is to lean into the chilly weather. Are you familiar with the term hygge? In Danish culture, hygge is a way of embracing the colder weather, a concept that encompasses comfort and coziness. A few ways to incorporate hygge: drink a warm beverage, make a fire, snuggle up with lots of pillows and blankets or your favorite furry pet, light candles, and get cozy.
It is critical to prioritize self-care during the winter months. Incorporating some of these tips can really make a difference in our mental health. If you find that you are struggling and that your symptoms go beyond ‘winter blues,’ consider speaking to a mental health professional. At Thrope Therapy we offer in-person and virtual sessions. Reach out today to schedule your free 15-minute consultation.
