The transition from the summer to the crisper, colder months can be hard. Personally, I find this time of year particularly challenging. Perhaps, it's the shorter days or the drop in temperature but this can take some time to get used to.
Over the years, I have cultivated some simple self-care rituals that have helped me to weather the storm of the seasonal changes.
Now, I am partial to an expensive bath bomb and a cheeky takeaway every now and then, however, I am also a firm believer that real self-care, shouldn't cost you a penny.
Keep reading to discover my top 5 cosy self-care rituals for Winter:
1. Get outside
It's no secret that fresh air can do you the world of good. If you work in an office environment, like myself you'll know that hunching over a desk for 8 hours isn't ideal. Whilst the evenings are getting shorter and the sun is setting earlier, it can feel depressing finishing work at 5pm, and it's already pitch black outside. I would recommend going for a walk before you start work or during your lunch break.
Spending time outdoors can do wonders for your mood and mental well-being, helping you to feel refreshed and re energised.
So, have a sift through Spotify for a good podcast and stomp away, the world is your oyster after all.
2. Journal
Ah! My trusty journal, my friend and my foe. The one who has simply seen it all, the good, the bad and the ugly.
There's something so soothing about putting pen to paper and word-dumping everything into my journal. From a self-reflective point of view, I enjoy taking stock of where I am in my life and re-visiting my journal in years to come, to marvel at the growth and challenges that I have endured.
Often, I just free-flow with my words and let the creativity pour out of me. Other times I utilise journal prompts like these to aid in my inspiration. It's important not to overwhelm yourself, don't expect to go from never journalling to daily journalling. Instead, view it as a fun activity that you can do whenever you have the time and energy.
Intention is key here, so approach journaling with a sense of purpose rather than pressure. Let it be a space where you can authentically connect with yourself, free from judgment or expectation.
3. Move your body
It's all about finding those simple ways to bring movement into your daily life, from yoga stretches to full-body workouts. Trust me, you’ll never regret showing up for yourself, whether it’s on the mat, at the gym, or simply in your living room.
And yes, dancing in your kitchen to Barry Cant Swim at 10pm on a Monday, does count as moving your body!.
Remember to start small, Rome wasn't built in a day. It's not about following strict workout routines, instead listen to your body and let it guide you. Some days, you might crave a high-intensity workout; on others a slow stretch or calming walk may be all you need.
Often, if we're feeling quite low the last thing we want to do is cook ourselves a meal, we can rely on conveniences such as takeaways and unhealthy snacks. It's all about finding that balance - treating yourself to your favourite indulgent snack is fine, but always in moderation.
Craving something warm and comforting, like a hearty stew or a delicious soup? BBC Good Food is a fantastic resource for winter recipe inspiration.
If time is tight but you still want to enjoy great meals, meal kit services like Hello Fresh and Gusto are excellent options. Yes, they require a bit of planning ahead, but imagine having your dinners for the week sorted - no food shopping, no waste, and delicious meals to enjoy at home.
They also offer between 50%-60% off your first box! I've tried Hello Fresh many times and learnt so many new recipes.
With so much time spent indoors, there’s no better season to enjoy the warmth of a home-cooked dish.
5. Limit screen time
Everything seemed pretty straightforward until now, right? I know what you're thinking cue eye roll—we’re all glued to our phones.
Here’s the thing: instead of going cold turkey, start small. Set a realistic screen time limit and ease into it—it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Maybe aim to cut back 30 minutes a day. That could mean skipping that morning scroll or putting your phone to bed a little earlier in the evening.
Lately, I've been enjoying curling up in bed with a book - getting lost in another world. It's helped to improve my sleep too as I am notoriously a night owl. Sometimes, I find it hard to switch off if I use my phone too much in the evening, so self-preservation and having boundaries with my phone in the evening is helpful!
Since I work in Marketing and spend 8+ hours a day on screens, carving out even an hour to read, take a bath, exercise, or do yoga or meditation has been such a game-changer. It helps me unwind and reconnect with myself after a long day of staring at my laptop.
Thank you for reading my latest blog post!
If you enjoyed this, you might like my thoughts on outgrowing people, situations, and embracing personal growth—check it out here.
As always, feel free to share your own cosy self-care rituals for winter, in the comments— I’d love to hear from you!
Love Leah x
