It's time to put those beloved sandals away and break out the wool sweaters; Winter is on the way. It's hard not to get into a funk [1] when you wake up to complete darkness and trudge through blustering temps just to get to your car.
Although you probably just want to bury yourself under a blanket this time of year and not move, self-care is more important than ever [2]. Not only will the rituals of putting yourself first — even if it's just for a few minutes a day — help you de-stress [3], but it can also boost your mood [4].
I spoke with Majka Kendall, the spa director at Chatham Bars Inn Resort and Spa [5] in Cape Cod, where I got to experience the relaxing spa firsthand as part of a press trip. After a full-body scrub, I felt totally rejuvenated despite the cold and rainy temps outside. At night, I got to use the giant soaking tub inside a spa suite [6], which helped me unwind and ease into a restful sleep.
Since a spa getaway isn't feasible for everyone, especially during the busy holiday season, Majka shared some self-care tips you can do right at home to combat the Winter blues. Although these tips may help reinvigorate you, if you truly suffer from seasonal affective disorder [7] (SAD), be sure to visit a healthcare provider who can help you find a course of treatment that works for you.
Use Essential Oils
Sure, essential oils won't cure disease and aren't a substitute for a flu shot. But the powerful scents can give you a temporary mood boost or help you breathe easier, especially when a stuffed-up nose is ruining your quality of life. Majka recommends a blend of eucalyptus and sage to open up the sinuses and help you breathe deeper.
And since it feel impossible to wake up in complete darkness in the morning, getting up and moving can be harder than ever. Majka says to take a citrusy essential oil, such as lemongrass or grapefruit, and mix it with warm water into a spray bottle to spritz into your hot shower in the morning. Not only will it make your bathroom smell amazing, but it will give you a boost of energy to help wake you up.
Make a DIY Body Scrub
Most people think that exfoliating is most important in the Summer when we bare so much skin. But Majka said Winter is the best time to do a full-body scrub. She said it helps shed the old dead skin from the Summer and even helps with blood circulation. Make your own with a blend of sea salt or sugar, a drop or two of essential oils, and some coconut oil.
Take a Warm Bath with Epsom Salt
There's nothing cozier than slipping into a hot bubble bath after a long Winter day. It will warm you up after being outside in the cold, help you relax, and even aid in your post-workout recover.
"Soak using either epsom salt or magnesium salt," she told POPSUGAR. "It helps with any soreness and tensions in the muscles."
Just be mindful that soaking in water for a long time can strip your body of it's natural moisture, especially in the Winter. Be sure to follow up your bath with a body butter or other hydrating all-over body lotion.
Take 5 Minutes to Stretch
Even if you're in great shape, your muscles get tense up more in colder temperatures. Add that to the fact that most people are holed up inside looking at screens or hunched over their computers and you've got a recipe for tight muscles.
Majka recommends taking time to stretch out every day, even if it's just five minutes when you wake up or before you go to bed. Grab a yoga mat and be sure to stretch out all your sore muscles, allowing your body to wake up and wind down.
Do a Guided Meditation
Some people swear by guided meditation [8] to help them feel more calm and present. But if you've never tried mediation before, Winter is a great time to start. Majka said doing a guided meditation before bed will help you feel calm and ease you into sleep.
"Just laying on a mat and realising the presence [of your body] for five minutes and doing a breathing exercise brings you back to the moment and makes you more mindful," she said.
If you're not sure where to start, she recommends getting a small book of meditation quotes and playing soft spa music or a white noise machine. You can also check out these apps and websites to help lead you during a guided meditation [9].
Travel and expenses for the author were provided by Chatham Bars Inn for the purpose of writing this story.