Now that we are officially one month into 2023, I thought it would be a great time to touch base with some self-care tips to really get in a healthy rhythm this winter.

winter self-care

I know for me, the beginning of the year is often a bit of a rocky start. Usually the Holiday season, though so fun, leaves me feeling pretty exhausted and it takes me a little bit of time to mentally and physically recover (Lyme disease life). But, you know what? I actually like that. Taking some time to ease into the new year really helps me fully process and begin to transition from the previous year.

For this post I really want to share some discoveries I’ve made in the arena of self-care that have been truly helping carry me through the winter months and hopefully set me up for more success as 2023 progresses.

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10 tips

1.) Get dressed

Whenever I find myself in a bit of a funk—whether due to symptom flareups or other factors—taking time to get dressed and made up in a stylish outfit seems to do WONDERS for my mood and day. I’m serious. Now, this doesn’t mean getting crazy dolled up necessarily (but be my guest), but simply experimenting with my normal look and putting some more effort into my overall appearance.

I’ve really been enjoying experimenting with different accessories like funky hats, bright scarves, interesting boots and fun jewelry lately because it can give even a relatively simple outfit a whole new look. Adding simple accessories to your wardrobe is also a great way to mix up your style without getting a whole new wardrobe! No need to recreate the wheel or break the bank when you can simply add in or swap some new pieces.

2.) grooming and skincare

To piggyback off this first point, I do not think it’s possibly to overestimate the power that a clean body, hair and solid grooming can have on mental health!

Aside from showering at some point, one of my favorite ways to take care of myself for the day is to have a solid skincare regimen. And one of the biggest gamechangers to my skincare over the past few months has been using the Theraface Pro. Not only does it have attachments to exfoliate and tone the skin, but it also offers red and near-infrared light therapy. There are SO many physical and mental benefits of light therapy that can be acheived relatively simply. I personally find using the light therapies in the morning and afternoon and the exfoliant and Microcurrent therapies at night is the best way for me.

I also love experimenting with new makeup looks and have always been a huge fan of doing my nails. In my experience, showering, exfoliating and giving myself a fresh manicure does absolute wonders for my confidence and mood. By the way—as someone who deals with a lot of chronic fatigue, I GET that this can be a big ask sometimes. Listen to your body, of course, but if you want to feel a little better and can spare the “spoons,” you will not regret it!

3.) moisturize and hydrate

If you happen to live in a climate that gets true winter—you know how dehydrating it can be! I have really been trying to amp up my hydration efforts for a little while, but especially now that the weather is so dry.

Some go-to items on my hydration “bucket” list (ha ha) are: this olive oil blend for deep body moisture for face or hair, this nasal spray for hydrating sinuses, this lip mask, this lotion bar, this electrolyte supplement, and these beverages!

4.) breathe fresh air

I talked more about this in my Surviving Winter with Hygge post, but one of the best ways to proactively address mental health is to get even just a few minutes of FRESH AIR.

5.) address brain health

While this may not apply to everyone, I know winter can be a time where my brain can feels even more foggy, cluttered and tired. I have been very intentional to address my brain’s health and wellbeing through nutrition, supplements, exercises and certain detox regimens.

Certain supplements I’ve been taking that have been very beneficial for my brain health are the above fish oil, Cellfood drops, L-Tyrosine, and these medicinal mushroom mixes. Each of these provides essential benefits to the brain and neuron function to really aid with any brain fog or seasonal depression.

4.) mini adventures

Seriously, if you are ever in a FUNK or just feeling blahhhhhhhhhhhh (you know the feeling)—plan some mini adventures. EVEN if they don’t end up happening, the process of getting excited and plotting something fun will get those feel-good chemicals fizzing around. I have been very intentional with trying to get out and about a few times a week to do something a little more out of the normal. Whether that means stopping to see some pretty scenery, checking out a new coffee shop, trying a new project or craft or checking out a new store, this has been a great way for me to get out and have some fun in my life.

5.) journaling

I used to be an AVID journal writer. And then…somehow I got away from it. The problem? Keeping all those emotions bottled up inside is a recipe for feeling overwhelmed and just crazy. Taking time to proactively scribble down my feelings, thoughts and whatever is on my mind a few times each week really helps to simply get them OUT of my head.

This is such a powerful exercise. Somehow after a few sentences of rambling gibberish I nearly always come to revelations and gain valuable insight that helps me truly release anxiety and yucky emotions in a tangible way.

6.) new songs or podcasts

A great way to QUICKLY break a funk and get yourself going is to find some new songs or podcasts to listen to. It’s a great way to interrupt your brain and redirect that energy to something that will engage your attention in an inspiring or productive way.

One Christmas gift that has inspired me to get more into songs and podcasts are these gorgeous purple Jabre wireless headphones that my sister got me. I know I’m WAY late to the wireless headphone game, but these not only are comfortable, have amazing quality and battery life but are also PURPLE!

7.) learning

Winter, especially post-holidays, is such a great time of year to do some learning. Fortunately there are SO many great free resources available for learning. I love classes on Udemy and HubSpot because they are bite-sized, easy to follow, offer diverse subjects and there are MANY free options. I am currently taking a blogging course by Farmhouse on Boone that has been so inspiring and helpful.

8.) get cozy

If you have been around my blog for any amount of time you probably knew this was coming—but this really would not be a thorough winter self-care post without mentioning the absolute necessity of a cozy cup of hot chocolate and pair of fuzzy socks, would it? ;)

I had to link these cat paw socks below because my sister gifted me with a pair and they are SO funny to wear! And if you want some good hot chocolate recipes, check out this post for some unique and somewhat healthy ideas (shameless plug).

9.) change up scenery

Have you gotten board with the same old routine? Driving the same roads to your errands? Going to the same coffee shops? Mix it up! I have been trying out a few different cafes on days where I have the energy to leave and it has been so fun mixing up the vibe. I have also been driving down some different roads to explore different scenery and it makes things feel fresh and new with very little effort.

10.) get excited about something

Last but far from least, the best way to proactively tend to your mental health this winter is to get EXCITED about something. Whether that means starting a new passion project, however small, planning some fun goals or reading some new interesting books—find a way to make room for your passions.

We are passionate beings and thrive when we have someplace to anchor that creative energy. This does not have to be super practical or outwardly productive, either, but could be as simple as taking on a new hobby or making a vision board for your year. TRUST ME this will give you a real sense of being grounded and connected to yourself. :)

Check out my Valentine’s Tree Ideas post to see my Valentine-themed passion project this year!

what about you?

Now that we have walked through 10 self-care tips for the winter, I am very curious to hear your thoughts about them. Are there any self-care tips you would add to this list? I would love to hear!