Oh, the weather outside is frightful…but self-care is so delightful! To help you out with that self-care, I’ve compiled a list of 25+ Winter Self-Care Ideas that are just perfect for your winter survival.

Also, they’re simple and easy and won’t require tons of effort or planning on your part.

That’s a win for busy moms!

Winter Self-Care Is Difficult

I find this to be a difficult time of year, and I know I’m not the only one. When it starts getting dark at 5pm (groan), and I have to throw on boots, coat, gloves, and maybe a hat, just to go outside for longer than 5 minutes, it can make me pretty grumpy.

Did I also mention that everything looks so gray and dreary?  

It’s true I don’t mind a good snow. It really is beautiful, and I love my kids’ excitement when they see the snow piling up.

There is beauty in being trapped inside for a day or so because of the weather. It’s like an excuse to be able to put everything on hold, hunker down, have some soup, and watch a movie. 

It’s also just a little bit harder to keep that exercise routine in place. Or commit to meeting up with a friend (It’s dark! It’s cold!), or whatever activities are life-giving and nourishing for you.

My Winter Self-Care

I have to be more thoughtful and intentional about my self-care in winter. If you’ve read any of my previous posts about self-care, you’ll know I’m very passionate about it.

Additionally, I believe it’s crucial for moms to value their own self-care and make it a priority; for their own well-being, and the well-being of those around them.

With the extra challenges winter can bring, I highly recommend you use a self-care planner.

More intentionality=better success.

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish. You are worth taking care of and if you don’t do it, no one else will!

25+ Self-Care Ideas for Winter

1-Start Planning a Vegetable or Flower Garden

I haven’t had a large garden for the past 5 years. This spring, however, I have big plans to expand my garden. You could plant a garden along with me this spring, or expand what you did last year. You could even plant a little extra so you have abundance to gift to others. Gardening is also a fantastic activity you can include in your homeschool and it’s really not too difficult to get the kids involved.

2-Take a Bubble Bath

Adding Epsom salts and essential oils offers relaxation benefits for tired muscles and frayed nerves. Light some candles and start a good book like this one I’ve been reading.

3-Watch Your Favorite Movie…Again

You get extra points for sitting in front of a fireplace. Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, The Parent Trap (Hayley Mills version) or Pride and Prejudice (Keira Knightley version) are always at the top of my list!

4-Learn To Crochet, Knit Or Cross-Stitch

This winter, I plan to learn candlewicking. These handicrafts can allow you to be creative, while watching one of the above movies. Once you learn the handicraft for yourself, you’ll be able to pass along the hobby to your children. Handicrafts are an excellent addition to a Charlotte Mason homeschool.

5-Buy a New Houseplant

Bringing greenery inside is pretty and colorful. While I’ve always thought they help clean the air, this article debunks that myth. Oh well. I’ll still keep my plants. Doesn’t a prayer plant sound fun?

6-Find 20 Things To Donate

Don’t we all have too much stuff anyways? Have less clutter and feel good about donating. 

Many organizations nationwide, such as The Salvation Army, Goodwill and Volunteers of America have store locations that accept donations.

7-Decorate a Gingerbread House

Let your artistic talent loose! Buy one for yourself and another for the kids and have a gingerbread house decorating party.

Be sure to let your expectations remain low. These things never quite turn out like they do in the picture on the box.

8-Get a New Bed Pillow

It’s recommended you replace yours every 1-2 years. A proper pillow makes a real difference in how you sleep. Since sleep is an important part of self-care, keep shopping around for the right style for you.

9-Start a New Online Bible Study

Try YouVersion. There’s a lot of options as far as topics and even length of study. You’re sure to find something that will suit your life season.

10-Message a Friend On Social Media Just To Say “Hi”

You might just make her day, especially since we’ve all been isolated during the pandemic.

11-Start a Read the Bible In a Year Plan.

YouVersion has some options, including a reading plan using the One-Year Chronological Bible, which I enjoyed.

12-Try Five Minutes Of Relaxation Breathing Daily

Breathing exercises are great to do in the evening to relax, or mid-day if you’re getting tired, anxious, or stressed. Here’s some beginner basics. 

13-Make Chicken Soup And Freeze Some

Here’s my go to recipe. With extras frozen in individual servings, you have something nourishing handy if you or a family member takes ill. Chicken broth is quite good for you.

14-Read a Book Outside Your Comfort Zone

Modern Mrs. Darcy has a reading challenge every year with 10 categories. She has some great reading lists available along with reviews and ratings to help you decide if this might be the right book for you. Sarah MacKenzie also has some great book lists for mamas.

15-Write a Kind Letter To Yourself

Writing a self-care letter to yourself is one example. The key here is to write something that will be encouraging when you do decide to read it.

After writing your letter, seal it, tuck it away, and mark your calendar to read it in the future. This could be in just a few months or a few years, depending on your goals.

16-Mail a Friend Homemade Cookies

Who doesn’t like getting packages? Planning a surprise is always fun. Toss in an encouraging little note why you’re at it.

17-Start Learning a New Language

Duolingo has options for more than 40 languages. I’ve been brushing up on my Spanish and loving the Duolingo podcast while I’m running.

18-Give Yourself a DIY Pedicure

I suggest doing your pedicure while watching the above mentioned favorite movie. Save yourself the money and make your pedicure just as professional as the one at the salon.

19-Start a Thankfulness Journal

I started keeping a gratitude journal years ago, and its an important, life-giving habit. While the journal I use is a simple steno pad notebook, there are many pretty gratitude journals available. I keep mine by the bed as part of my nightly routine.

20-Take a 20 Minute Power Nap

I set an alarm for 25 minutes (giving myself 5 extra minutes to fall asleep). Napping too long can disrupt your bedtime or make you feel sluggish.

A power nap can be just the energy boost you need to help you make it through all your evening activities, like cooking dinner and baths and bedtimes for the kids.

21-Go To Bed Earlier

Aim for just 10-15 minutes earlier at first, and avoid screens at least an hour before bed. This is harder than it seems, but consistently getting adequate sleep is life-changing.

22-Take a Walk Outside

Fresh, crisp air is invigorating and the Vitamin D has numerous benefits. Just 10-15 minutes can boost your energy. 

23-Buy New Socks

I love new socks. You deserve decent socks at this point in life. Throw out the old, threadbare and holey ones.

24-Get Your Vitamin D

Most people are deficient, and levels can drop in the winter due to less sun exposure. Some studies suggest it can even help your mood.

25-Drink An Extra Bottle Of Water Daily

Staying hydrated has lots of health benefits. Lately, I’ve been drinking 16 oz of electrolyte water as soon as I get up in the morning. It helps get my digestion going, and helps me hydrate after sleeping.

26-Play Upbeat Music

I don’t do this enough. Music that gets me moving is like an automatic pep talk. It’s energizing, especially if my mood is feeling low. 

27-Start Planning a Mom Retreat

Moms-you need to get one on your schedule! I think these are crucial for moms, and I have everything you need in one Ultimate Planning Guide to help you plan an amazing mom retreat. 

Ready to Get Started?

Okay! You’ve got 25+ Winter Self-Care Ideas to help keep self-care on the radar this winter.

No excuses.

I’ve compiled all these ideas on a free printable for you (yay!) so you can hang it on the fridge!

Here’s the easiest way to make self-care intentional:

• Pick an activity
• Put it on your calendar
• Stay accountable to at least one self-care act a day

If that’s too much to contemplate, aim for something a couple times a week.

Conclusion

Whatever you choose, when you prioritize activities that are enjoyable and life-giving, you are investing in yourself. Don’t let the challenge of alone time as a homeschool mom stop you! This investment is positive, important, and crucial for your own self-care. Don’t let winter be an obstacle.

You’re worth it friend! 

Disclaimer: The information and resources mentioned here are intended for informational purposes only and to share my own personal experiences. It shouldn’t be seen as any kind of advice, or used to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. I am not a medical professional. Always consult with a medical professional for specific medical advice.