15 Winter Self-Care Ideas to Try When It's Too Cold to Do Anything Else
Stay warm and centered all season long with these cozy activities.
Although the winter is an excellent excuse to indulge in all the comforting casseroles, cozy baked goods, and warm drinks, the shorter days and colder nights can make the season somewhat of a struggle for many. In frosty conditions with below-freezing temperatures, leaving the house—even if it’s for a trip to the grocery store or a drive to the post office—probably requires psyching yourself up and a whole lot of layering. But instead of fighting the cold and desperately counting down the days until spring, think of the change in seasons as a call to slow down and press reset. With its emphasis on staying inside and getting cozy, winter is one of the best times of year for unwinding and relaxing.
This season, embrace the drop in temperatures and the transition to indoor living with self-care. Our list is full of simple, feel-good ways to stay nourished and refreshed, no matter what the thermostat says. These relaxing winter activities are catered to every interest, whether you’re a home chef, bookworm, spa enthusiast, craft connoisseur, or all the above. While some are more practical like organizing your pantry or sprucing up your closet, others are more leisurely like watching a comforting show or listening to a relaxing playlist. Whichever one you gravitate toward, it’ll lift your mood, calm your mind, nourish your spirit, and make you a little more grateful for this slower season.
With these winter self-care ideas, you might just come to crave this comforting time of year!
Make the most of the winter weather with these additional activities:
Make a Comforting Meal
Cozy comfort foods like soups, stews, and winter casseroles will help make the cold temperatures a bit more bearable. Preparing warm, hearty meals from scratch also doubles as a self-care activity, since slicing, dicing, and stirring encourage mindfulness. Not to mention, the soothing smells will make your home feel oh-so snug.
Curl Up with a Good Book
Sifting through the pages of a comforting read while snuggled up by the fireplace will help you embrace this hibernation period. Reading also promotes a slower, softer pace of life that’ll keep your stress levels low. Choose a light mystery or cozy romance, pour a cup of tea, wrap yourself in a blanket, and dive in!
Draw a Bubble Bath
There’s nothing more relaxing than soaking in a warm tub, especially when the weather is biting and blustery. After drawing a bath, fill it with bubbles in a soothing scent like lavender. Playing spa music and lighting a candle will also help set the mood. With this winter self-care idea, it'll be perfectly acceptable to spend the rest of the evening in your robe!
Take a Wintry Walk
Stepping outside can be tough during the colder months, but getting fresh air and exercise is one of the best ways to beat the winter blues. It doesn’t have to be anything strenuous—just taking a light, bundled-up stroll around the neighborhood will do wonders for your mood. Just be sure to take in the scenery to maximize the health benefits!
Brew a Hot Beverage
Whether it’s a hot cup of coffee, a steamy mug of tea, or an indulgent pour of hot chocolate (like Ree's fancy hot chocolate recipe!), soothing sips are a definite perk of winter. Filling your stomach with a warm, cozy beverage is an instant stress reliever, and the relaxing effects will only be amplified if you’re sitting by the fire or curled up in bed!
Put on a Feel-Good Show
If you’re holed up indoors at any point this winter, make the most of the situation by turning on a feel-good show. Rewatching your favorite comfort series is guaranteed to make you smile, but any slow-paced, low-stakes program like cozy sitcoms and light dramas will instantly put you at ease!
Create Winter Crafts
To feel more present this season, why not get in touch with your crafty side? Whether it’s painting, knitting, or candle-making, this winter self-care idea will keep your hands busy, letting your mind wander and your worries take the back burner. Afterwards, you can proudly display your masterpiece inside your house!
Set Up an At-Home Spa
Instead of dropping hundreds of dollars on an expensive spa treatment, you can easily set up a DIY version that’s just as calming as the real deal! Treat yourself to a hydrating face mask, a luxurious body scrub, and a mani-pedi at home. Instrumental music, dim lighting, and stress-relief scents will make the experience even more indulgent and peaceful.
Bake a Cozy Treat
Baking sweet treats (especially warm desserts like Ree's s'mores cookies!) will soothe your mind, body, and soul this season. Since this winter self-care idea engages all five senses, measuring and mixing will ground you in the present moment. The best part, of course, is getting to enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Curate a Calming Playlist
Listening to tranquil tunes with gentle melodies is a winter self-care idea that requires little-to-no time, energy, or money. Put together a playlist of classical, instrumental, and lo-fi tracks on a digital music service, and let it play in the background as you cook, clean, or commute for an immediate energy shift.
Savor Seasonal Scents
Aromatherapy has long been praised by the wellness world for its stress-relieving benefits, and there are so many soft scents that are perfect for wintertime. Earthy aromas like pine, cedar, and sandalwood will transport you to a snowy forest without the chill, while warm smells like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla will make your home smell like a cozy bakery.
Journal Your Thoughts
Transferring all your thoughts, wonders, and worries onto paper is a wonderfully effective way to slow a racing mind, process emotions, and gain perspective. Plus, this winter self-care idea is readily available at any time and place, as long as you have a pen and notepad on hand! If the idea of a blank page is intimidating, these journaling prompts will get you started!
Look Through Old Photos
Take a stroll down memory lane by flipping through old photo albums or scrolling through digital prints from years past. Looking back at beautiful memories with loved ones is a nostalgic activity that'll give you a surge of comfort. Not to mention, this winter self-care idea is indoor-friendly!
Take a Digital Detox
While binge-watching the latest show or scrolling through social media can be forms of self-care, spending too much time in front of a screen will only backfire. If you’re looking to challenge yourself this winter, take a digital detox, whether it’s one night a week or one weekend all season. The boost in your mood and energy will make it worth it!
Tidy Up One Small Space
Instead of setting out to declutter your entire home this winter, tackle one small space at a time. Cleaning and organizing your sock drawer, spice cabinet, or coffee table, for instance, is much more manageable than the alternative, yet you’ll reap all the same mental and emotional benefits. Even if the task takes just a few minutes, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment!
Lilly Blomquist is the associate editor at The Pioneer Woman, where she writes lifestyle stories across a wide range of topics—including news, entertainment, holidays, food, and more.
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