As the crisp winter air settles in and snowflakes begin to fall, it’s the perfect time to focus on winter self-care and winter wellness! Whether you’re a cold-weather enthusiast or someone who longs for summer days, embracing self-care during the winter months can significantly impact your physical and mental well-being.
In this article, I will explore and share some of my top winter wellness tips to help you thrive during the colder months.
What is Winter Self-Care?
Before diving into all my winter self-care and winter wellness ideas (I have a lot), I would like to define the concept of self-care.
Self-care includes any intentional actions you take to support your physical, emotional, mental, and psychological health. It’s about prioritizing your well-being, especially during the challenging winter season when many people experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or the “winter blues.”
Self-care is about taking as good care of yourself as you likely do for others (children, family, friends, parents, grandparents, pets, etc.) in your life.
For many, winter is a naturally restful, contemplative time of year, which makes it ideal for self-care habits and practices that involve slowing down and taking extra time for ourselves.
Why Winter Self-Care Matters
The winter months present unique challenges that make self-care even more crucial.
For example:
- Shorter days and less sunlight can affect mood and energy levels.
- Cold temperatures can impact skin health and overall comfort.
- Reduced outdoor activities may lead to feelings of isolation.
- Holiday stress and end-of-year pressures can take a toll on mental health.
By incorporating winter self-care practices into your routine, you can combat these challenges and embrace the season’s cozy charm.
11 Winter Self-Care Ideas for a Healthy, Happy Season
1. Practice Dry Skin Brushing Regularly
The benefits of dry skin brushing are far greater than just skin deep (pun intended). Especially because it’s no secret that cold temperatures and dry winter air tend to suck ALL the moisture out of our skin.
You can incorporate dry skin brushing into your winter self-care routine to:
- Boost circulation
- Stimulate the lymphatic system
- Exfoliate and remove dead skin cells
- Enhance detoxification
Use a natural bristle brush and start from your feet, working your way up to your face (use a gentler brush for sensitive areas).
Make this a regular winter self-care practice and you should start to experience many of these benefits first-hand.
2. Dress for Winter Wellness
Whether you’re going for a walk, shovelling your driveway, or engaged in more strenuous exercise like skiing or snowboarding, it’s important to dress for the weather.
I’m one of those people who, in the middle of February when temperatures have been -35° for days (or weeks), feels like I “HATE” winter.
And I probably do to some degree: everyday tasks take on an added layer of hassle when it feels cold enough to freeze the blood running through your veins.
When sub-zero temperatures hit, I regularly beg to be transported to California, Florida or anywhere else with reasonably warm temperatures.
But the honest truth is that I also enjoy winter a lot more when I’m dressed properly for it!

Proper winter attire is crucial for enjoying outdoor activities and maintaining your health. Follow these winter clothing tips:
- Layer your clothing for insulation and easy adjustment.
- Invest in a high-quality, waterproof winter coat.
- Don’t forget accessories like hats, gloves, and warm socks.
- Choose moisture-wicking base layers for outdoor exercise.
By dressing appropriately, you’ll be more likely to embrace winter activities and get the fresh air your body needs.
3. Adjust Your Sleep Schedule
It’s a common myth that we’re meant to sleep more in winter than other times of the year. However, it is true winter can profoundly affect when we feel tired.
Winter’s shorter days can affect your sleep-wake cycle. Our natural sleep and wake cycles are regulated by the amount of light we’re exposed to. Light suppresses our production of melatonin, a sleep hormone that helps us feel tired.
For many of us in northern North America, as the days get shorter, we’re exposed to fewer hours of daylight. Our body produces more melatonin, causing us to feel tired earlier in the day/evening than we normally would.
Ideally, we should go to bed an hour or more earlier. This can help us remain in sync with our body’s natural Circadian rhythms as much as possible.
Optimize your sleep routine with these winter wellness tips:
- Go to bed an hour earlier to align with natural light patterns.
- Create a cozy sleep environment with warm blankets and soft lighting.
- Limit screen time before bed to improve sleep quality.
- Consider using a light therapy lamp to regulate your circadian rhythm.
Quality sleep is essential for winter self-care and overall health.
If sleep is elusive and/or you suffer from insomnia, check out my post 6 Top Tips to Help You Sleep Soundly Tonight for more tips on healthy sleep.
4. Boost Your Vitamin D Intake
Vitamin D is crucial for building healthy bones, beating the winter blues and boosting your immune health. Supplementing with vitamin D can be essential if we’re not getting enough sun during a cold, dark winter.
Consider these options to maintain healthy vitamin D levels:
- Incorporate vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products.
- Spend time outdoors during sunny days, even if it’s cold.
- Use a SAD lamp or light therapy box to mimic sunlight (this is the SAD lamp I use & love!).
- Talk to your healthcare provider about vitamin D supplements.
Because vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, you should talk to your primary care provider about vitamin D testing. This helps determine optimal supplementation amounts.

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5. Embrace Daily Winter Walks
Taking a walk in winter can help boost your energy, reduce stress, and give your cells some much-needed extra oxygen and fresh air, a welcome change from stale and often unhealthy indoor air.
Like dry skin brushing, walking also helps “pump” your lymph system, which is a fixed system responsible for circulating, removing and eliminating waste by-products from your body’s tissues and cells.
The lymphatic system is incredibly important to our overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, without some exercise or movement, it has a VERY hard time doing its job effectively.
Aim for at least 20-30 minutes of outdoor walking daily, even on cold days. Just remember to dress appropriately!

6. Indulge in Warming Beverages
When you feel chilled right down to your marrow, a warm beverage can help warm up your insides.
Here are a few healthy warm beverages to try:
- Mulled Cranberry & Orange Mocktail or any other one of these non-alcoholic mulled Christmas drinks;
- Dairy-free Protein-Rich Matte Latte;
- Any kind of herbal tea, but I like chai tea or ginger for their warming spices; and,
- Bone broth or vegetable broth for digestive support, hydration and key nutrients.
These comforting beverages can become a cherished part of your winter self-care routine.
7. Nourish Your Body with Seasonal Foods
When speaking with my clients, I notice average Canadians are disconnected from the seasons, which influences how and what we eat, and in turn, how we feel.
Foods are in season for a reason as some experts love to say. Eating seasonally can support your body’s natural rhythms and provide essential nutrients.
Focus on these winter superfoods:
- Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets
- Winter squashes such as butternut, acorn, and pumpkin
- Citrus fruits for vitamin C and immune support
- Warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric
Cooking with warming spices like garlic, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper can also help boost circulation, boost the immune system, reduce or eliminate mucus, promote sweating and detoxification, add antioxidants, and of course, add valuable flavour to your wintertime meals!
Oatmeal or other cooked grains are another favourite choice in winter. Oats contain beta-glucan, a soluble fibre shown to enhance immune function. Oatmeal makes an easy-to-prepare hot meal, offering both physical warmth and comfort. I also love that oatmeal is endlessly customizable. You can find more inspired ideas in 8 Foods to Jazz Up Your Winter Oatmeal.
Recipe ideas:
- Super Curried Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Soup
- Hearty Wild Rice, Butternut Squash and Turkey Soup
- Quick, Creamy Vegetarian Green Tomato Curry
- Soothing Oven-Stewed Pears Infused in Tea (vegan, free of gluten & dairy)
8. Create a Cozy Home Environment
Transform your living space into a winter wellness retreat:
- Use soft lighting and candles to create a warm ambiance.
- Incorporate plush blankets and pillows for comfort.
- Diffuse essential oils like lavender or pine for aromatherapy.
- Declutter your space to promote mental clarity.
A cozy home environment is winter self-care because it can improve your mood and overall well-being.
9. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Winter’s slower pace provides an excellent opportunity to deepen your mindfulness practice:
- Start a daily meditation routine, even if it’s just for 5-10 minutes.
- Practice gratitude journalling to cultivate a positive mindset.
- Try yoga or gentle stretching to connect with your body.
- Connect deeply with your intuition by practicing to see, feel and sense your intuitive insights.
- Engage in mindful activities like colouring or puzzles.
These practices can help combat winter blues and promote emotional well-being.
10. Develop a Winter Skincare Routine
Protect your skin from harsh winter conditions with a tailored skincare regimen:
- Consider using a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air.
- Apply a rich moisturizer immediately after bathing. Shea butter and others can be helpful.
- Don’t forget lip balm and hand cream for extra-dry areas.
- Be mindful of the quality and ingredients in your makeup. And check out the best all-nnatural makeup remover (you might already have it in your kitchen!)
Consistent skincare can prevent dryness, irritation, and discomfort during the winter months.
11. Embrace Hygge and Relaxation
Some of us tend to be go-go-go during warmer seasons. Social events, lots of outdoor activities, and lots of running around.
Winter, however, can be the ideal time to just “do nothing”.
Take a cue from the Danish concept of hygge and prioritize relaxation and contentment:
- Curl up with a good book and a warm blanket.
- Enjoy a leisurely bath with Epsom salts and essential oils.
- Practice the art of doing nothing, allowing yourself to simply be.
- Engage in hobbies or creative pursuits that bring you joy.
Rest. Recover your energy. Contemplate. Relax. Meditate.
Final Thoughts
By incorporating these winter self-care ideas into your routine, you can transform the coldest months into a season of growth, reflection, and well-being. Remember that self-care looks different for everyone, so feel free to adapt these suggestions to fit your unique needs and preferences.
As you embark on your winter wellness journey, pay attention to how different practices make you feel.
Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories. With consistent effort and a positive mindset, you can not only survive but thrive during the winter season.
Remember, self-care is a year-round commitment to your well-being.
Embrace each season’s unique opportunities for growth and renewal!
What are your favourite ways to indulge in winter self-care and winter wellness?
Life is a plate… Eat up,
Ashleigh
Looking for more seasonal self-care inspiration? Don’t miss my other guides in the series:
- 9 Powerful Spring Self-Care Habits & Rituals to Nurture Your Soul
- 12 Summer Self-Care Ideas, Practices & Rituals to Feel Your Best
- 11 Powerful Fall Self-Care Habits to Satisfy Your Soul
This post was updated and expanded with new links and information in October 2024.
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