11 Ways to Practice Self-Care This Winter

From Fall foliage to Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the Holy Grail of cute winter things: Christmas ---Winter is the most wonderful time of year... Except when it's not. 

Don't get me wrong. I love Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Cranberry Sauce and Michael Bublé's Holiday Pandora station as much as the next girl. Let this be a disclaimer that I am not the grinch. But let's face it. We've all thought it, and now that I'm saying it - we can come clean and admit that winter isn't just hard because it gets cold outside. 

The further you get from the care-free summer days, the more stress seems to pile on. For me, it's in school (Work generally holds a regular level of stress year-round.) For you, it may be work, health, weather, ect. 
Theeeeeeen, you add in the holidays. Again, don't get me wrong. I've been listening to that special Pandora station since September. (Not ashamed.) And I love stockings and Christmas trees and cookies. But I don't love holiday stress, I don't love anxiety, I don't love emotional drainage. Those are all prices to pay in this time of year. 

Don't fret though, friends! I, the QUEEN of self-care, am here with gentle reminders that you too can practice self-care to get through the blues of winter.

1. Breathe. Start by taking a few deep breaths now and then. You'd be amazed what a little extra oxygen can do for your brain and mood.

2. Tea. Soothe yourself with your favorite warm cozy drink. And if this means treating yourself to Starbucks during a Target run, then so be it.

3. Sleep. This one should seem obvious, but how many times have you yawned today? Probably too many. Naps are a good thing. Early bedtimes are a blessing.

4. Practice Hygiene. I'm sure (or I hope) that yo do not completely neglect basic showering and teeth brushing come winter. But when was the last time you did it just for yourself and not because it is part of your rushed morning routine? Take a bubble bath. Put on your favorite music and sing as loud as you can while you deep condition. Give yourself a facial or a DIY sugar scrub (omg, I'll so do a post on this. Stay tuned.) 

5. Self Soothe. This can be different for everyone. Music, lotions, mediation. Whatever eases your mind and heart. You cannot go wrong.

6. SAY NO. It is way too dangerously easy to stretch yourself too thin at this time of the year. You are not a bad person for not picking up an extra shift for someone or for not making a donation to the Salvation Army (actually, you should probably Google where your money goes if you do make that donation... Just saying.) You are a good person even if you don't go to Aunty Beth's third MaryKay party in two months. Are you getting my vibe? 

7. Exercise. I'm not saying you should convert to being a cross-fit junkie; but take a walk outside. Go to a yoga class. Turn up Justin Bieber's Christmas album and dance in your underwear (I won't tell anyone if you won't.) 

8. Feel Good. Let's go back to the yoga one for a minute. I'm lucky enough that when I was 4 years old, I met the amazing girl who would grow into my life-long best friend and the best certified yoga instructor I could ask for. I cannot say enough good things about her classes. I always leave feeling refreshed. Find your yogi muse (or Zumba or pottery or singing or running) -  if you haven't gotten my message yet, it's whatever makes you feel good.

9. Write. I'm pretty sure there's probably a study out there that says that journaling and writing what's on your mind makes for a better life. I don't know, I said probably. But I've heard plenty of therapists and other emotionally tuned-in people share that journaling (or blogging!) = better emotional state. 

10. ASK FOR HELP. This is another huge one. Even if it's just asking your better half to do the food shopping this week. Or maybe it is having a friend meet you for coffee so you can vent about work. You are not a lone wolf - this life is not a fight to take alone.
10 (and a half) This one is serious. If you get into such a funk that you can't get out of bed, every day feels like constant, heavy sadness, or you feel unsafe: seek out professional help. Find a doctor or therapist or an emergency room. Feeling that low is a sad, scary place and you do not have to stay there or fight it alone. It gets better. (Start by checking out these resources.)

11. Treat Yo' Self. Do something for yourself every day. Even if it is as simple as getting a scone with that drink at Starbucks or taking the long way home to finish jamming out to Taylor Swift. Find something on this list or your own ideas and TREAT YO' SELF, GIRL. 



*Disclaimer* Self-care should be practiced year-round. You are worth it. 

xo, 
Scotlyn