Winter Wellness Tips to Stay Happy and Healthy All Season Long

Written by Cora Gold

Candy canes and snowball fights are some of the best parts about winter. The new season is also an opportunity to improve your self-care routine. You may feel happier and healthier by developing new seasonal habits.

1. Continue Wearing Sunscreen

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are weaker during the winter because the Earth tilts away from the sun, but that doesn’t mean you’re safe from sun-related skin damage. Even though you’re not tanning on the beach, you should still wear sunscreen daily. Ongoing UV damage will still happen if you’re outside in the winter, especially if you’re around snow reflecting sunlight. Apply a sunscreen lotion on your face every morning so it becomes your latest self-care habit.

2. Sleep With a Hydrating Lip Balm

Cold, dry air takes a toll on the skin. Sunscreen lotion will protect your face, but your lips need extra support too. You’ll feel more comfortable if you apply a hydrating lip balm before falling asleep every night. Your lips will get the entire night to absorb the renewing ingredients, preventing chapped lips while the air remains dry until spring.

3. Explore Indoor Workout Routines

Although it’s tempting to curl up by the fire with a good book or new video game, you should also maintain your exercise routine during the winter. Explore different indoor exercises like walking, running or yoga. Experts agree that 15 minutes of physical activity reduces depression risks, even if you’re enjoying a casual walk. 

4. Drink Extra Water

Summer weather likely makes you feel thirstier. Spending time in hot temperatures and sweating through the day makes it easier to reach for your water bottle. You’re not overheating like that in the winter, so create a hydration reminder on your phone. You could sip water at least once an hour or more. Your effort will improve your body‘s hydration and support your well-being.

5. Savor Seasonal Vegetables

Flu season and winter go hand in hand. Vitamin C makes your immune system stronger, but you don’t have to buy costly vitamin supplements to get more of it. Indulge in seasonal veggies by making delicious stews. Sweet potatoes, carrots and beets are a few seasonal produce items that you can easily find at local farms. Their natural vitamins will keep you healthy without breaking your budget.

6. Adjust Your Sleep Routine

Take advantage of the sun setting much earlier in the evening by adjusting your sleep routine. If you make your bedroom comfortable and take time to settle your mind after dinner, you could get more than eight hours of sleep every night. You won’t have to worry about bright light coming through your windows while the sun sets before your last meal of the day.

The colder weather could also help you sleep deeply, depending on your body’s natural response to a chilly bedroom and warm blankets. Set your thermostat a bit lower at night to see if you feel more rested the next morning.z

7. Join a Hobby Club

Many people spend more time at home during the winter. You may not want to venture out into the cold, but spending time alone could make you feel depressed. Joining a hobby club is an excellent way to improve your mental health.

Hobbies help people manage anxiety, depression and stress long-term. You’ll also meet new friends who love the same activities you do. See if any winter meet-ups are happening near your home to join a club, forge friendships and make this winter extra fun. 

8. Invite Friends to Seasonal Activities

Check your town’s calendar or social media pages. Local leaders are likely organizing seasonal events like outdoor ice-skating rinks, tree lighting ceremonies, or secret gift exchanges. Invite your friends to attend the events. You’ll spend more time with the people you love and avoid feeling alone in your house. The simple invites could significantly improve your mental health if you don’t do well with being alone.

Improve Your Self-Care This Winter

Taking care of your body and mind is easier during the winter than you might think. Look into seasonal activities, enjoy winter veggies and get creative with how you exercise indoors. If you try one activity at a time, you’ll build new habits that make the season even more enjoyable.