Winter can be polarizing. (Yes, I do like dad jokes). Whether you dive head-first into snowy winter fun, or hide from the cold all season, I’m sharing simple winter self-care ideas that cost $0. They’ll help you feel calmer, cozier, and more grounded during the colder months. Perfect for busy moms and anyone wanting peaceful, budget-friendly ways to relax all winter long.
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Self-Care Ideas for the Winter
Whether you are a winter person, or just want to crawl under a blanket until winter is over, you’ll find something in these 20 winter self-care ideas to make your winter season a little cozier.
1. Winter Self-Care Ideas for Mornings: Take a Slow Morning With No Alarms
Let yourself wake up naturally, even if just one day a week.
You’ll see how much sleep your body really needs, when you let it wake up peacefully.
2. Wrap Up in a Blanket and Read Something You Love
A library book, an e-book, or even a cozy blog post. *waves*
3. Sit by a Window and Soak Up Natural Light
Ten minutes does so much good for winter moods.
This is especially powerful when your eyes get natural light first thing after waking up.
4. Take a Hot Shower and Do Absolutely Nothing Else
No rushing, no multitasking, no mental lists.
Although some of my best business ideas come from shower ideas, sometimes I like to try to quiet my mind and just really be present for the shower.
It does feel more relaxing and luxurious that way.
5. Write Out a “Winter Gratitude List”
A grounding way to shift your mindset during darker months.
When I notice my mind drifting to more negative thoughts, or just a mild level of grouchy that I don’t like, I write a gratitude list.
It really really helps. Sometimes I grouch when I start the list (!), but by the end, I’m feeling tons more cheerful.
6. Declutter One Tiny Space
A drawer, a corner, a surface…
Small wins give big dopamine.
7. Go for a Cold Weather Walk
Bundle up and let the crisp air clear your brain.
I like doing this not first thing in the morning, but when I’m about to reach for sugar in the afternoon.
Going for a quick walk really cures the afternoon slump.
When I come back I feel more energized, I have warmed up on the walk, and I enjoy a hot cup of tea after.
With sugar.
8. Have a Cozy Indoor Picnic
Set up blankets and snacks you already have…instant winter magic.
I do this almost weekly with Miss O, and sometimes she gets the cats involved too, lol. (They love that.)
9. Winter Self-Care Ideas for Vibes: Make a Winter Playlist
Curate a mix of slow, soft, cozy songs you love.
I made a morning mix that’s a bit more energizing, and an evening mix with very mellow songs.
Sometimes if Miss O is procrastinating getting out of bed for school on colder mornings, I’ll play the winter morning mix to get us going.
10. Turn Off All Overhead Lights for One Evening
Use lamps, twinkle lights, or candles for a calm winter vibe.
A couple times a month I will have a “Yes, Queen” shower, where I will have candles going (I use these flameless ones), music, and extra hot water with a shower steamer.
Bliss.
11. Call Someone Who Makes You Laugh
For me it’s my sister or my best guy friend.
They can both get me laughing to the point where my stomach hurts (yay, building abs too!)
Connection is important for self-care, especially in the darker winter months when some of us want to hermit. 🦀
12. Do a Free At-Home Stretching Routine
Gentle yoga or just slow stretching to warm up your body.
My two favorite at-home fitness sites are Fitness Blender and Do Yoga With Me.
13. Take a Break From Screens for an Hour
An hour going screen-free sounds like nothing, but will feel like a lot.
Your eyes and your brain will thank you.
And if you have kids, it’s a good example to show them you can (and therefore, they can).
14. Winter Self-Care Ideas for Mental Health: Do a Winter Journaling Prompt
“What feels peaceful to me right now?”
Here is a cozy winter journal with more self-reflection prompts to get you started.
15. Rearrange a Room Using Only What You Have
Instant refresh, zero dollars.
Check out these 10 cozy ideas for a home bedroom refresh this winter for inspiration.
And here are creative coffee bar styling ideas for any space.
16. Watch a Comfort Show or Movie
Put on your coziest, fluffiest socks and get out your favorite blanket.
Here are 50 family movies you can cuddle up to.
17. Make a Cup of Whatever Warm Drink You Already Have
Tea bag? Hot water with lemon? Instant coffee?
Cozy is cozy, even if it’s frugal.
18. Create a Winter Bucket List
Put together a bucket list of small, fun things to look forward to this winter.
Focusing on the things you’re looking forward to this winter especially helps if you’re not as winter enthusiastic as I am. 🙂
You could use whatever journal you have, a simple piece of paper you keep on the fridge, or this pretty winter journal.
Related post: 11 Best Winter Side Hustles to Make Extra Money.
19. Do Nothing for Five Minutes
Lie down, close your eyes, breathe.
Sometimes mid-afternoon I’ll put on an Insight Timer guided meditation and take a few minutes to myself.
Even 5 or 10 minutes helps a lot to refresh my energy.
20. Winter Self Care Ideas for Evenings: Have an Early Bedtime Night
Winter is the perfect excuse.
Not that you ever need an excuse to go to bed early.
If someone asks you to do something after 8pm, just tell them you have plans. 😴
For lounge-at-home days, or days when you have to leave your house, here are 7 budget-friendly winter outfits that will be wardrobe staples every winter season.
And here are 15 cool sunglasses for winter weather.
