Winter is right around the corner. It is important to focus on yourself and your wellbeing. During the colder months it gets darker sooner resulting in people spending more time indoors with limited social and physical activity. Establishing a self-care routine is one way to reduce these issues and stressors.
Self-care is the act of taking care of one’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. You may be asking, “Why is self-care important?”. Self-care is a great way to relieve stress. Poor self-care can lead to poor health. The establishment of self-care lies in realizing your body’s needs.
It is important to create a self-care environment. Follow these tips to spruce up your environment.
- Buy candles, rooms sprays, or essential oils with scents that relax you.
- Select a mug or a cup that is comforting to you. Enjoy the moment with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.
- Keep a stash of beauty and health products such as sugar scrubs, bath bombs, masks, and lotions.
- Keep comfort foods or baking items on hand to cook for those moments of culinary self-care.
- Keep coloring books, journals, and art supplies available so creative self-expression happens easily.
- Don’t forget to use the simple art of moving, stretching, and walking to awaken and soothe your body.
Self-care routines should be adapted and changed for different seasons. Self-care helps to keep us happy and healthy daily. Here are some tips for self-care during the winter months.
- Transition from summer routines to meet the needs of the winter months.
- Bundle up with warm clothing.
- Make the most of the sunlight to prevent Seasonal Affective Disease. Try opening your curtains, windows, or blinds to let in natural light.
- Maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Try including yoga, shoveling snow, and gyms to remain active during the winter months.
- Try to keep a daily routine. A consistent sleep schedule is important.
Resources
Combs, S. (2022, February 3). Self-care tips in the winter months. Outreach Health. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://www.outreachhealth.com/2022/02/self-care-tips-in-the-winter-months/
Landgraf, B. (2022, February 2). The ultimate winter self-care guide. Carex. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://carex.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-winter-self-care-guide#step2
Sussex Publishers. (n.d.). Self-care tips during winter. Psychology Today. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/two-takes-depression/201912/self-care-tips-during-winter
Written by: Megan Taylor, FCS/4-H Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Union County, taylor.4411@osu.edu
Reviewed by: Mackenzie Mahon, 4-H and Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, OSU Extension Clermont County
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