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The Importance of Winter Self-Care
The winter season brings a lot of opportunity for fun: active snow days and cozy nights snuggled by the fire. But, with it comes colder weather, thinner air, and less sunshine. These harsh changes force people to strike a balance between fun and wellness-management. Here’s why self-care is so important this winter season.
Skin and hair health
Ever notice that your skin begins to crack and your hair starts to shed more often in the winter months? The dry, thin air that’s associated with colder weather can suck the moisture from your skin and scalp and cause these issues. These problems may seem small, but they can begin to have a real effect on your confidence and, in turn, your willingness to socialize or have fun.
Be proactive in your morning and nighttime routines to give your skin and hair a little more love. Try using one of the hydrating moisturizers that are winter-focused to stay on top of your skin and keep it plump. Or, if you notice your hair thickness starting to diminish, consider using one of the many treatments designed to address hair loss. These should help you keep your locks and improve your hair’s health. Combining different solutions for an overall improved appearance can help improve your confidence and outlook this winter.
Mental wellness
With shorter days and an increased likelihood of snow flurries and clouds, it can often be a challenge to catch the sun’s rays or reap the mental health benefits they bring. Exposure to sunlight helps maintain essential hormones like melatonin, which regulates sleep, and serotonin, which is associated with mood. Therefore, a lack of it can cause irritability, sadness, and lack of sleep.
Be sure your self-care routine includes a relaxing bedtime ritual to help your body and mind prepare for a better quality of sleep. Consider trying out a sleepytime yoga routine or meditation in order to balance your hormone levels before bed and sleep restfully. Additionally, you can splurge a little on a lamp that mimics sunlight to keep your mood in check and decrease anxiety this season.
Overall physical health
Keeping up with a regular fitness routine is a critical part of self-care, especially during this time of year. Slippery roads and freezing temperatures can make it hard to feel motivated enough to exercise, but a lack of aerobic activity throughout the entire season can lead to weight gain and increased blood pressure. Plus, exercise can be a solid outlet for stress and anxiety.
Try your best to maintain your workouts throughout the season, even if you have to move them indoors. You can keep up with cardio by running up and down your stairs or try bodyweight calisthenics to maintain muscle. Keep in mind that there are several circuits you can try out around the house in order to stay on top of your fitness and give your body a little love throughout the winter.
Whatever motivates you to engage in a little self-care this winter, be sure you’re allowing room for it in your day to day in order to look after your mental, physical, and emotional wellness.
