Anyone else suffering from the winter blues something fierce this year? Whether it’s the cold and gloomy weather that’s got you feeling out-of-sorts, the lingering effects of an intense bout of the flu, or ongoing depression or anxiety, or even if you’re already feeling pretty good, practicing self-care is the best way to get yourself into a better state of mind and keep yourself there.
Here are 21 of my favorite ways to unwind, recharge, and stay motivated.
Take a Bath
If you can’t afford the time to treat yourself to an at-home spa day, at least set aside an hour for a long, hot soak in the tub. Sprinkle in some bath salts or essential oils to help soothe your muscles and your senses.
Read a Book
Set aside a pre-determined amount of time each day to pick up a good book (or listen to one on Audible.) Even twenty or thirty minutes is enough time to check out of real life for a bit and work your brain and imagination in a different way.
Start a New TV Show
If you’ve been meaning to jump into a new show for awhile, grant yourself the time to watch at least one episode per week, as something to look forward to and reward yourself with.
Bake Something Just Because
Forget the casserole for your company potluck and cookies for your kindergartener’s class party, and bake something just because, to have around the house for you and your family or to share with neighbors. Don’t worry about making whatever it is perfect, or pulling out all the decorating stops.
Go to Bed Extra Early
Plan to hit the sheets extra early one night – an hour or two (or more) than when you normally go to sleep. Make it extra special by washing the sheets and pulling them from the dryer just before crawling into bed or spritzing a little homemade lavender spray on your pillows.
Meditate
Taking just a few moments per day to quiet your mind and refocus your energies can make a huge difference in how you deal with your emotions. There are plenty of guides online and through mobile apps to help you get the most out of your mediations.
Make a Gratitude List
When you’re feeling especially stressed, or like nothing is going your way, take a moment to sit down and physically write out three things you’re thankful for, despite how you’re feeling in that moment. This is a great way to come out of a funk in the moment, and a great way to start and/or end each day.
Call a Friend
Sometimes all you need to instantly calm down is a familiar voice. Pick up the phone and call your friend, significant other, parent, or another loved one, just to say, “hello.” If it leads to a venting session, great. Chances are, though, you may not even need to share what’s going on in order for a simple catch-up to leave you feeling better.
Go for a Walk
Fresh air does wonders for the body and the mind, even in the winter months. If you need to reset, and conditions are favorable, grab your coat and mittens, and take a walk around the neighborhood. If you have children or a dog, this is also a great way to get them out of the house and feeling recharged, too.
Sip a Hot Drink
Break out the tea, the hot cocoa, the coffee, or the mulled cider and slowly sip it from your favorite mug for a boost of energy – or calm.
Snuggle Up
Studies show that snuggling up with a loved one or a pet has a positive impact on our moods. So, grab the fluffiest blanket you can find and cuddle up for a bit. Even better if you can drift off for a mid-day nap!
Pencil in “No-Spend” Days
Let’s face it: much of the stress we experience can be a result of finances. Whether it’s necessary spending or accidentally overspending – expected or unexpected – sometimes we just need a break. Schedule one day per week where you don’t spend a dime – not on fuel or fast food or vending machine treats. Even better, take the average amount you would have spent on your no-spend day and toss it into a savings account for your next vacation or to pay off your biggest debt.
Practice Yoga
You don’t need to be a certified yogi to benefit from a few minutes of stretching it out. There are several yoga poses and flows that anyone can do, and your body and mind will thank you.
Plan a Dream Vacation
Studies have found that planning a vacation – even one that may not be realistic or may never happen – can bring people great joy. Create a vacation vision board, research routes, cities, and things to do, and allow yourself to daydream for a while. I even find planning for home remodeling projects, parties and gatherings, and other future events that may or may not actually happen leaves me feeling happier and more inspired.
Tune in to a Podcast
Turn off the TV or music for a bit and learn something (or at least be entertained) while you’re at it. Podcasts are a great way to make the most of your time, whether you stream them while working out, prepping food, getting ready in the morning, or simply kicking back.
Take a Day Off
If you have the time available at work, take a personal day to do whatever it is you need to do to recharge. Employers around the globe are becoming more and more supportive of mental health days and of employees utilizing the time off that they’ve worked hard to earn. If you don’t have the hours available, then make the most of one of your regular days off. However you decide to spend the day, make sure you take a chunk of time to truly relax and practice some self-care.
Create a Work of Art
Break out the adult coloring book, the craft box, the sewing machine, or the camera, and get in touch with your creative side. It doesn’t matter what you throw your energies into, and there’s no need to feel obligated to make a work of art for someone else. Just allow your mind some time to get out on paper (or whatever other medium you choose) what it’s been itching to create.
Make a List of Positive Goals
Challenge yourself to make a fresh start in whatever areas you desire in the coming weeks and months. Make sure your resolutions are realistic and meaningful, and that you have a strong “why” for making it.
Breathe In Calming Scents
Diffuse some mind-calming essential oil blends in your home, or take them with you for an on-the-go pick-me-up. If you’re not into oils, consider bringing the power of calming scents into your home through stovetop simmers, candles, or incense.
Sit Down for a Home-Cooked Meal
Living life on-the-go can quickly lead to poor eating habits (which sometimes includes forgetting to eat at all.) Plan to sit down, at least a few times per week, to a meal made at home. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but bonus points if it includes healthy choices – plenty of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals – there are lots of healthy meal ideas out there that can be made in a short amount of time.
Want to avoid the stress of running to the store for ingredients? Make a point to meal plan and prep at the beginning of each week, consider meal kits like HelloFresh, or take advantage of grocery delivery services, like Shipt.
Practice Mindful Breathing
Whenever it crosses your mind – at the store, when driving, during a meeting – practice mindful breathing. Taking long, deep, meaningful breaths to calm your body and slow your mind, can make a huge difference in how you’re feeling at the end of the day.
These, of course, are just a handful of ways you can treat yourself to some calm. What are some of your favorite ways to practice self-care?
xo, Aly