There’s no denying that winter can be a tough season.
Between the shorter days, colder weather, and increased stress levels, it’s easy to let your self-care routine fall by the wayside.
But this year, we’re determined to make self-care a priority – and we hope you’ll join us!
Here’s our plan for making it through winter 2023 feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on whatever comes our way.
What is a Winter Self-Care Routine?
A winter self-care routine is a daily routine that helps to improve your mental and physical health.
It can involve simple things like taking a few minutes to yourself each day to relax, or it can be a more comprehensive plan that includes regular exercise and healthy eating.
Whatever form it takes, a winter self-care routine is essential for keeping your mind and body healthy during the colder months.
–And as a Bonus and My Gift to You-
Please check out our free, downloadable, printable Ledoux Lagoon 2023 Self-Care Routine Package if you need help getting started with your own winter self-care routine.
It includes everything you need to get through the season feeling refreshed and invigorated.
You can also find the 2023 New Year’s Resolution List Package and the 2023 Bucket List Package.
Tips for Creating Your Own Winter Self-Care Routine:
- Start by identifying your needs. Do you tend to feel more stressed in the winter? Do you get less sunlight than you’d like? Knowing what you need to focus on will help you create a routine that is tailored to your individual needs.
- Make time for yourself. Whether it’s 10 minutes or an hour, carving out time each day to do something just for you is crucial. This can be anything from reading a book to taking a bath to going for a walk outdoors.
- Be consistent. A winter self-care routine won’t work if you only stick with it occasionally. Make a commitment to yourself to stick with your routine no matter how busy or stressful your life gets.
- Ask for help. If you’re having trouble sticking with your routine, or if you’re not sure where to start, don’t hesitate to ask for help from a friend, family member, or even a mental health professional.
The Best Winter 2023 Self-Care Routine
Read on for our top 11 tips…
1.) Start a Skincare Routine
In the winter, it’s important to take extra care of your skin. The cold weather and dry air can strip away moisture and make it more susceptible to irritation, redness, and dehydration.
To combat these effects, you need to develop a consistent skincare routine that includes moisturizing, protecting yourself from the sun, and using quality products.
In the morning, start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser.
Follow with a moisturizer, look for one that is oil-based rather than water-based, as this will help to lock in moisture.
Next, apply sunscreen, and any serums or eye cream you use.
Make sure to moisturize again before bedtime. At night, use a richer moisturizer or night cream to hydrate your skin while you sleep.
In addition to your daily routine, try exfoliating a few times a week to remove dead skin cells and improve circulation.
Finally, don’t forget to drink plenty of water and eat foods that are high in antioxidants, such as berries and dark leafy greens.
By following these simple tips, you can help to keep your skin looking and feeling its best all winter long.
For the best, most comprehensive, and most beautiful skincare routine, see our free, downloadable morning and nighttime skincare routine HERE.
You can even frame these gorgeous routines and hang them in your bathroom so you’ll never miss a step!
2.) Drink Plenty of Fluids, Especially Water
Staying hydrated is important for many reasons. Dehydration can cause headaches, make you feel tired, and lead to more serious problems like kidney stones.
It’s especially important to stay hydrated in the winter when the air is dry and you’re more likely to get sick.
Drinking plenty of fluids will help you stay healthy and prevent dehydration. Green tea, herbal teas, black teas, and sparkling waters are great options for keeping hydrated. Pedialyte is also a great option for the occasional hydration boost.
To make sure you’re drinking enough fluids, try to drink water throughout the day. You can also make your water more fun by adding fruits or herbs, or by using a cute water bottle.
There are lots of ways to make sure you’re getting enough fluids, so find what works for you and stick with it!
3.) Get Enough Sleep
As winter approaches, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re getting enough sleep.
While it may be tempting to sleep in and enjoy the extra hours of darkness, sleep is crucial for your overall health and well-being.
That’s because our body’s circadian rhythms change with the seasons, and in winter, they naturally shift towards needing more sleep.
Not only does it help your body to recover from the day’s activities, but it also allows your brain to rest and consolidate memories.
In addition, getting enough sleep is essential for:
- boosting immunity,
- promoting brain health,
- making good decisions,
- aiding digestion,
- fighting illnesses,
- and preventing depression.
So if you’re looking to stay healthy this winter, make sure you get plenty of sleep. Establishing a regular sleep routine can help you to get the most out of your slumber and feel your best all season long.
4.) Eat Healthy Foods
Winter is the time of year when our bodies need extra nourishment to stay healthy.
Aim to include low-starch foods in your diet. These foods are digested slowly and help to regulate blood sugar levels.
Second, eliminate or limit sugar from your diet. Sugar is high on the glycemic index, which means it causes spikes in blood sugar levels.
Third, eat foods that contain healthy fats, which help to keep our bodies warm, protect our organs, give us energy, and also promote cell growth.
Focus on eating the rainbow. By including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in your diet, you’ll ensure that you’re getting a wide range of vitamins and minerals.
Finally, we should also eat foods that are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. These include foods like salmon, broccoli, and blueberries.
By including these winter “superfoods” in our diet, we can give our bodies the nutrients they need to stay strong and healthy all season long.
5.) Exercise Regularly
Though it may be tempting to curl up on the couch all winter, exercise is an important part of maintaining your health.
In addition to improving your cardiovascular fitness and helping to maintain a healthy weight, regular exercise has a number of other benefits:
- improved joint health,
- increased bone density,
- increased endorphins,
- reduced risk of disease or chronic conditions,
- and a boost to your immune system.
And if you’re feeling bored with your workout routine, there are endless possibilities for mixing things up. From winter sports like skiing and snowboarding to indoor activities like yoga or dance class, there’s no excuse for getting stuck in a rut.
Exercise also doesn’t have to be high-impact to be effective. Low-impact cardio can be just as effective, just make sure you are including weight training into any exercise routine.
Weight training is important because it helps to build lean muscle mass, which in turn helps to burn more calories, and make you strong.
If you’re new to exercise, or if you have any health concerns, be sure to talk to your doctor before starting a new workout routine.
6.) “No Screen” Days or Time Blocks
It’s no secret that screens are everywhere. You’re probably reading this on a screen right now. And while they can be helpful tools, too much screen time can have negative effects on your health.
That’s why it’s important to incorporate some “no screen” days or time blocks into your winter self-care routine.
Taking a break from social media and other forms of constant screen time can help improve your mental health. It can also reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, and boost overall well-being.
There are many other self-care activities that you can incorporate into your routine, such as exercise, journaling, or spending time outdoors.
By taking the time to care for yourself, you can help to prevent the negative effects of winter.
So if you’re looking for ways to care for yourself this winter, make sure to give yourself some time away from screens and enjoy real life!
7.) Declutter and Organize
One of the best things you can do for your mental health this winter is to declutter and organize your home.
A cluttered, messy house can be a breeding ground for anxiety and stress, so taking the time to declutter and get your home in order can have a really positive impact on your mental well-being.
Don’t try to do everything at once – decluttering and organizing can be a really big project, so take it slow and focus on one area at a time.
Here are some simple tips to get started on your decluttering journey:
- Start with one small area, like your desk or dresser, and work your way up.
- Get rid of anything that doesn’t bring you joy. This is a key principle of decluttering guru Marie Kondo. If an item doesn’t make you happy, get rid of it!
- Do you really need that spare bedroom that’s just full of junk? Would your living room be more inviting if it was decluttered? Thinking about how you want to use each space in your home will help you declutter more effectively.
- Once you’ve decluttered your space, if necessary, invest in some good storage solutions to help keep your newly decluttered space tidy and organized.
8.) Budget
When it comes to managing your finances, creating a household budget is a great place to start.
By tracking your income and expenses, you can get a better idea of where your money is going and where you can cut back.
It can also be helpful to use cash instead of credit or debit, as this can make it easier to stay within your budget.
Make detailed lists of all your regular expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, groceries, car payments, and so on. Then, track your spending for a month or so to get an idea of where your money is going.
You may be surprised at how much you’re spending on non-essentials, such as subscriptions or dining out. Once you have a good understanding of your spending habits, you can start to make changes to reduce debt and build your savings.
Even small changes can make a big difference over time.
So if you’re looking to get your finances on track, starting a household budget is a great place to start.
9.) Take Breaks throughout the Day to Relax and Rejuvenate
In winter, the days are shorter and the weather is colder, which can make it harder to feel motivated and productive.
One way to combat this is to take breaks throughout the day to relax and rejuvenate.
For example, you could light a scented candle, spritz a plant and feed the fish, make yourself a cup of tea, or take a warm bath.
Taking just a few minutes out of your day to reset can make a big difference in your mood and energy levels.
Additionally, adding some extra humidity to the air can also help to combat winter dryness and fatigue.
So next time you’re feeling winter blues, consider taking a break to recharge.
10.) Avoid Stress as Much as Possible
Stress is a problem that everyone deals with at some point in their lives. It can come from work, family, friends, or any number of other sources.
While a certain amount of stress is inevitable, too much stress can lead to serious health problems. It can cause anxiety, depression, and even physical ailments such as headaches and stomachaches.
Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to avoid stress. One of the best things you can do is to plan ahead. Planning ahead in the present reduces stress in the future.
Planning ahead will help you to:
- avoid stressful last-minute rushing and scrambling,
- will help you save money through planning budgets, planning household duties, menus, repairs, and chores, and planning for holidays like Christmas and summer vacations
- prioritize the time and habits that contribute to your overall health and well being
By taking these steps, you can help to avoid stress and live a happier, healthier life.
11.) Pamper Yourself
Another great way to combat the effects of a long winter is by pampering yourself.
Take some time to:
- enjoy a nice, warm bubble bath,
- bask in some soothing aromatherapy,
- book a much-deserved massage,
- wash your face with a luxurious cleanser,
- do some winter shopping and treat yourself to items you may need, but have been putting off.
Make-up is another excellent way to pamper yourself- experiment with different looks and colors and have fun with it!
If you need some time to relax and escape from the cold, you can also try reading a good book or journaling. This can be a great way to de-stress and clear your mind.
And finally, don’t forget the power of gratitude. Expressing gratitude regularly can help increase your overall self-esteem and cause positive ripple effects on those around you.
Conclusion
Implementing a winter self-care routine is essential for maintaining your health and well-being during the colder months.
By following the tips we’ve outlined in this post, you can make sure you’re staying hydrated, eating nutritious foods, getting enough exercise, and reducing your screen time.
In addition to taking care of your physical health, it’s also important to declutter and organize your space, set a budget, and pamper yourself every once in a while.
And finally, try to avoid stress as much as possible – take some time for yourself and relax!