Here are a few ideas for winter self-care, from physical, social, and emotional enrichment.
Chasing away the winter blues can be easy by taking a little extra self-care into consideration. From exercise to skin care, journaling to crafting, there are countless ways you can invest in a little self-care to make the best of the winter season. Let’s take a look at just a few ideas.
What is Self-Care?
Let’s start by discussing what self-care is. It can be any activity or task that you enjoy and feel rewarded by doing. For example, you may enjoy planning out your garden, taking a long and relaxing bath, or working on a favorite craft project. It’s a little time for yourself to simply enjoy the activity or project you’re working on. Self-care looks different for each person. Try a few different activities to stretch your brain or body, then come back to the ones that speak to you most. We’ll look at some ideas in this blog, but you can adapt or use these as inspiration points for your own self-care routine.
Writing
Taking time to write or journal about your day or things you’re grateful for can be rewarding, relaxing, and calming. You can look for inspiration for your writing if by exploring fiction or short stories, or you can draw inspiration from daily life, create a running log of your activities, or plan out your next trips or adventures. No matter what style of writing you choose, taking time to pause, reflect, and be creative can stretch your brain and allow you to relax.
Reach Out to a Friend
Connecting with others is a powerful form of self-care. Whether you prefer the personal touch of a handwritten letter or the immediacy of a conversation, staying in touch helps you feel close to those who may not live nearby.
A great way for people with hearing loss to stay connected is a CapTel captioned telephone. It allows you to listen while reading captions of everything the other person says, ensuring you never miss a moment of the conversation.
Develop a Calming Routine
Your self-care may look like relaxation and tranquility. Developing a skincare routine, relaxing bath, or creating a luxurious shower can all be ways to pamper yourself, relax, and recharge. Developing a skincare routine [AM1] can have other benefits as well, as you may feel more rejuvenated and fight off cracked or dry skin from cold winter air.
Your calming routine may also look like a few stretches before bed, a moment of mindfulness, meditation, or a wind-down routine where you read a chapter of a book before bed. Your routine is yours – find what suits you best and feels the most rejuvenating.
Mental Health Check-Ins
Winter can be a time of cold and darkness depending on where you live, so it’s important to have regular check-ins with yourself. Try a weekly 5-10 minute internal observation. How are you feeling? What has been your typical mood? Writing it down may be helpful. Winter blues can be impactful, so be sure to check in on yourself and don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor with any questions or concerns you have about your feelings or general mood.
Pick a New Physical Activity or Exercise
Self-care may look like a good workout! Try a new group class you’ve been eying, a high-energy dance class, or a calming yoga session. Try a few different types of exercises and find one that feels comfortable, mindful, and soothing. You may meet new friends, find an instructor you really enjoy, or appreciate a new form of movement. Be sure to talk with your doctor before starting a new workout routine and always do only what feels comfortable for your body.
Spend Time with Family and Friends
Spending time with family and friends can be an incredibly rewarding and rejuvenating part of life. Try scheduling time to call or videochat with family, friends or grandchildren regularly if they don’t live nearby. This self-care can help foster more memories and experiences, keep you feeling close and connected, and improve your relationships. If you can, try planning small outings or adventures, like going to the zoo, visiting an aquarium, a science museum, or touring an art gallery or history museum together.
Take up a New Hobby
Trying a new hobby can be mentally enriching. Try a new craft like pottery, knitting, embroidery, beading, or jewelry making, or more physical tasks like leatherworking, woodworking, or electronics repairs. This can be a fantastic way for you to be creative, keep your hands and mind busy, and be rewarded with amazing final products you can share with your close friends and family.
Winter can be a perfect time to slow down, reflect, and enjoy the little moments. By being thoughtful and incorporating self-care and mindfulness, you can stay active, enriched, and excited for the years to come. For more ideas on activities and staying active, visit the CapTel blog.
