As the weather outside gets colder and the days grow shorter, it’s easy to let your self-care routine fall by the wayside. After all, who has time to focus on themselves when there are holiday parties to attend, gifts to buy, and homes to decorate?
But just because the demands of winter can be hectic doesn’t mean that your self-care routine should suffer. In fact, this is the time of year when you need to focus on taking care of yourself more than ever. Here’s why.
The Holidays Can Be Stressful
The holidays are supposed to be a joyful time of year, but for many people, they’re anything but. A study by the American Psychological Association found that 8 out of 10 Americans report feeling stress during the holidays. And it’s no wonder why. There’s pressure to spend time with family, buy the perfect gifts, and host flawless holiday parties. It’s easy to let the joy of the season get overshadowed by stress.
Depending on your family, job, and your own idea of what is expected to happen during the holidays, there is a lot of pressure to get everything just right. I remember this growing up. We could never deviate from past rituals. It seemed taboo to do something different.
That’s why it’s so important to make time for self-care during the winter months. Taking even just a few minutes out of your day to focus on yourself can help reduce stress and improve your overall mood. And when you’re feeling better mentally and emotionally, you’re better equipped to handle whatever the holidays throw your way.
Winter Weather Can Be Tough on Your Body
In addition to being tough on your mental health, winter weather can also take a toll on your physical health. Cold temperatures and dry air can cause everything from chapped lips and dry skin to sinus infections and respiratory problems. And if you live in an area that gets snow and ice in the winter, you also have to worry about things like slips and falls. All of this can leave you feeling run down and exhausted and not in the mood for self-care.
But even though it may seem like more trouble than it’s worth, taking care of yourself during the winter is essential to staying healthy both mentally and physically. By making self-care a priority, you can help ward off winter illnesses and keep your energy levels up throughout the season. Your body will thank you for it!
One way to practice self-care is to take some time for yourself each day, even if it’s just 10 minutes. Use this time to do something that you enjoy, whether it’s reading your favorite book, taking a yoga class, or getting a massage. This daily dose of “me time” will help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
Ah… Sleep!
When we’re tired, we’re more prone to getting sick and feeling stressed out. During the busy holiday season, it’s easy to let our sleep schedules slide. But by making an effort to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, we can help our bodies stay healthy and rested.
Nutrition counts
Finally, eating healthy foods and staying hydrated are both essential for self-care. When we’re busy, we often reach for quick and unhealthy snacks instead of taking the time to prepare nutritious meals. And during the cold winter months, it’s easy to become dehydrated since we’re not as thirsty as we are in the summertime. By making an effort to eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water, we can help our bodies stay strong and resilient during the winter months.
Gift Ideas for The Self-Care Lover in Your Life
If you know someone who could use a little extra self-care this winter, why not give them a gift that will help them take care of themselves? Here are a few ideas.
A luxury bath bomb or soap:
Nothing says “relax” like a nice long soak in a warm bath—especially when that bath is filled with soothing aromatherapy scents or luxurious bubbles. If you know someone who could use some pampering this winter, treat them to a special bath bomb or bar of soap from their favorite store (or make one yourself!).
An at-home spa day kit:
If baths aren’t their thing, an at-home spa day kit makes a great alternative gift. Look for kits that include things like face masks, scented candles, and soothing lotions or oils—anything that will help them relax and de-stress. You can usually find these kits at beauty stores or online retailers like Amazon.
A subscription to a meditation app:
Meditation is one of the best ways to reduce stress and promote relaxation. If you know someone who could use some help clearing their mind this winter, give them a subscription to a meditation app like Headspace or Calm. This way they can meditate anywhere—even if they only have a few minutes to spare.
So between the stresses of the holiday season and the negative effects of cold weather on our physical health, it’s easy to let our self-care routines fall by the wayside this time of year. But trust me! Taking care of yourself is worth the effort! Not only will it help reduce stress levels and keep you healthy throughout the season; but it will also leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated when spring finally arrives.
