Self-care practices [1] go beyond the occasional at-home spa night, especially during the winter. Shorter days and colder nights can lead to unwanted seasonal depression, and taking care of yourself can keep your mind at peace during the winter months. Indulging in self-care practices can boost serotonin and give you time to reflect on your feelings and your overall well-being [2]. It's important to check in with yourself, address your needs, and figure out what you can do to feel your best, no matter what time of year it is.
If you're looking for ways to treat yourself to some serious self-care [3], this list of ideas will help you put yourself first. From diving into a comforting book to reflecting on your feelings in a daily journal, keep reading to find the best practices that you can start doing today. Make yourself your number-one priority right now.
— Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
Meditate or do energising yoga poses for five minutes every morning.
Try different hot chocolate recipes until you've found your favourite one.
Try being positive in times of hardship.
Make yourself a sanctuary that you can return to in times of stress — keep your bedroom clean or create a nook in your home.
Journal every day for a month.
Stop comparing yourself to others.
Tell the people you love that you love them.
Consider the things you want to change about yourself. Set a realistic goal and keep track of your progress.
Bundle up — especially with hats.
Give yourself time in the morning to have a full breakfast with protein and veggies.
Reward yourself for reaching milestones in your progress.
Do a relaxing face mask once a week.
Go through all your clothes and donate the things you don't wear anymore.
If you and your girlfriends have a similar goal, create a group chat that holds you all accountable.
Drink a skin-clearing tea.
Try deleting social media apps from your phone for a week.
Hold yourself accountable to your actions by keeping a journal.
Give yourself time in the morning to get ready rather than rushing through your routine.
Get enough sleep. Your immune system could suffer without it.
Consider forgiving the people who have hurt you in the past.
Start replacing your wardrobe with quality pieces that make you feel good about yourself.
Utilise your annual leave, even if you're not going anywhere.
Take a safe weekend trip by yourself to get out of your city and see something new.
Keep a travel-size bottle of your favourite lotion in your bag.
Drink plenty of water.
Make homemade sugar scrubs for your feet, hands, and lips.
Keep your mind active by learning a new language.
Note the moments where being negative seems easier than being positive. Think about those moments.
Say thank you to the people you're grateful for.
Spend quality time with those who mean most to you in the safest ways that you can.
Create something. If you don't consider yourself the creative type, adult colouring books are a great place to start.
Forgive yourself.
