We are approaching the end of January, which means another winter month is around the corner. During these cold winter days, practicing self-care can be a positive way to prioritize your wellbeing. If you are struggling with finding an activity or you just want some fun ideas, here are seven suggestions on how you can take care of yourself this holiday season!
Read a book
Spending some time reading a holiday themed story or enjoying something you love can be a healthy way to relax. When it’s cold outside, books can provide comfort, especially when you’re reading in a comfy spot. For example, Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane is a popular mystery thriller you can enjoy this winter. Or if you’re looking for a different style of writing, you could read A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf, which is an essay centered around ideas of feminism and writing. You could also enjoy a Stephen King book by the fire like Misery or The Shining and watch the movies if you enjoy the books.
Decorate your belongings or home with seasonal colors
It may be a fun idea to decorate your home and organize your belongings with seasonal colors if you enjoy a more hands-on activity. This can be an enjoyable way to clean up your surroundings while spreading the holiday spirit. Additionally, if you enjoy color coding and sorting, this could appeal to your interests. For example, you can hang up red and green banners or help put up lights around your house.
Go for a walk
Although the weather tends to be colder around this time of year, going for a walk can be a healthy way to exercise and adapt to the environment. Walking in the winter can also be aesthetic when paired with music and a comfy outfit. This can be done alone or with a partner, and you can also listen to music or do other activities while walking. If you’re feeling stuck at home, this could be a good way for you to cope with some of those feelings.
Bake a warm treat
Baking is something anyone can enjoy, regardless of experience or skill level. Making comfort food or meals can be a satisfying way to treat yourself. You can look up a recipe or make something from scratch as an enjoyable activity. For example, you can make brownies or peppermint bark as a snack and enjoy it with a warm drink like coffee or hot cocoa.
Light a candle and take a hot shower
Lighting candles is an easier way to set the mood for the holidays. When paired with a hot shower, it can be even more relaxing. This can also help relieve stress you may be feeling around this time.
Journal or write something you enjoy
Writing can be an insightful and relaxing activity. It’s important to give yourself the time and space to journal about your day or feelings. You can also write a short story, poem, book, letter, or anything that sparks your creativity. If you’re feeling stuck on what to write about, you can look up writing prompts or pictures that match with what you want to write about for inspiration. This can be beneficial by allowing you to explore your creativity and do something to help process and reflect on your day.
Sleep and rest
Sleep and rest are always important, especially around this time because of finals and other school activities that can be stressful. Take some time to allow yourself to relax in bed or in a cozy spot. Even if you’re having trouble falling asleep, closing your eyes and simply meditating can allow you to feel and recognize your emotions. Remember to give yourself time to recover from any stress you may be experiencing.
During this time, it is perfectly normal to feel exhausted or restless. Prioritizing your self-care can be a fulfilling way to help with some of these struggles. It’s important to recognize how you’re feeling and find activities to take care of yourself this winter. Because this time of year can be more stressful from extra schoolwork, engaging in winter activities can be a positive way to improve your health and practice self-care.