Winter Self-Care Ideas That Actually Make a Difference
Continue reading for the best winter self-care tips!
Winter self-care isn’t about lighting a candle and calling it a day.
It’s about building rituals that keep you glowing inside and out, even when everything outside feels gray and lifeless. The lack of natural sunlight makes it harder to stay energized, so we have to put more effort into creating an environment that works in our favor.
Living in the Pacific Northwest, I know all about the struggle. The endless drizzle, short days, and the “Is it 3 p.m. or 9 p.m.?” vibe… it’s a mood, and not always a good one. Over the years, I’ve found small habits that make winter manageable and enjoyable.
Here are my favorite tips for staying healthy, happy, and looking good during the cold months.
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Winter Self-Care Tips
Invest in a Humidifier For Your Skin
Your skin is begging for moisture. Winter air dries out everything, and a humidifier is more than a nice-to-have; it is a must.
Look for one with a cool mist and a built-in hygrometer to keep the humidity in that perfect 40 to 60 percent range.
Your skin will feel softer, your sinuses will stop complaining, and your home will feel instantly cozier. It is a small upgrade with big results.
Use a Morning Light to Reset Your Energy
Winter mornings can feel brutal, but a light therapy lamp (often called a “happy light”) can make a huge difference. These mimic natural sunlight, helping regulate your circadian rhythm, improve mood, and boost energy levels.
Place it on your desk or bedside table and use it for 20-30 minutes first thing in the morning. Look for one with at least 10,000 lux of brightness for the best results. It’s like giving your body a mini sunrise, no matter how dark it is outside.
I purchased this Happy Light back in 2022 and haven’t looked back since – it’s part of my morning routine year-round.
Get a Cute Workout Set and Lay It Out the Night Before
Look, working out in winter is the actual worst, but you know what helps? A cute workout set that makes you feel amazing.
Treat yourself to something soft and flattering—leggings that hug just right and a cute top you won’t hate putting on. Then, lay it out the night before where you can’t miss it. Trust me, when you see it first thing, it’s way easier to talk yourself into moving. Plus, if you feel cute, you’re already halfway there.
Embrace Slow Mornings with Coffee and a Moment for Yourself
Girl, let me tell you—starting the day on your terms is everything. Set your alarm 30-45 minutes earlier than usual, and enjoy your coffee in bed (yes, bed!). Throw on your workout clothes, flip on your happy light, and sip while you scroll Instagram for workout inspo or jot down your to-dos for the day.
It’s not just a morning routine; it’s a whole vibe.
Those extra quiet minutes before the world wakes up are pure magic. No interruptions, no rush—just you, your coffee, and a peaceful start to the day.
Take a Good Collagen Supplement
Winter is the perfect time to level up your self-care by adding a high-quality collagen powder to your daily routine.
Collagen supports skin elasticity and hydration, giving you that lit-from-within glow even when the weather outside is against you. It also strengthens your nails and hair, which can take a beating during the colder months.
My favorite way to sneak it in on colder days? A collagen hot chocolate. See my go-to recipe here: Easy Collagen Hot Chocolate.
I have always used the Vital Protein Collagen Powder and recently started using the MicroIngredients Collagen Powder and really like it. Either brand is great.
Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Rather than taking away from your diet, focus on stocking up on fresh produce and immune-boosting foods like citrus fruits, spinach, and oats.
Adding nutrient-dense foods is a simple way to keep your immune system in check and feel your best this season. For my favorite list, see The 12 Most Powerful Anti-Aging Superfoods for Women Over 40.
Add Vitamin D to Your Routine
Short days and the lack of sunlight can leave you feeling sluggish and blah. Stepping outside for a short walk in the fresh air, even on gloomy days, can boost your vitamin D levels and help with symptoms of seasonal depression.
If you can’t get outside (or live in the PNW like me), adding a good Vitamin D supplement to your routine makes it easy to keep your mood, energy, and hormones in check.
Vitamin D also plays a key role in maintaining healthy, glowing skin, so it’s not just about feeling good—it’s about looking good too.
Experiment with Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is hands down my favorite beauty hack for glowing skin. I have red light all over my house—an Amazon panel for full-body treatments, my trusty red light masks, and even a portable option for on-the-go self-care.
These devices boost collagen, improve skin tone, and help lift your mood during those dreary winter months. It’s like having a spa at home, and it works.
Use it consistently for 10-20 minutes a day, pair it with your skincare routine, and watch your skin (and mood) transform.
Add a Sauna Blanket to Your Routine
A sauna blanket is the ultimate winter self-care upgrade. I swear by my HigherDose Sauna Blanket and use it 2-3 times a week to sweat out toxins, boost circulation, and give my skin that radiant post-sauna glow.
Here’s how to make the most of it: hydrate before and after (try electrolytes, not just plain water) and dry brush beforehand to open up your pores and maximize detox. Once you’re in the blanket, relax with a good book, listen to a podcast, or just zone out and enjoy the warmth.
It’s like having a spa day in your own living room.
Post-session, jump straight into a warm (not hot) shower to rinse off sweat, then slather on a body serum or rich lotion to lock in hydration.
Be sure to hydrate some more with plenty of water. It really is like a spa day without leaving your house, and you’ll sleep like a baby afterward.
If you don’t have a sauna blanket, get a similar effect by taking a nice, long, warm bath before bed.
Don’t Forget to Take Care of Your Mental Health
Lasting, checking in with your mental health during the winter can make such a big difference, especially when the darker days start to feel never-ending.
If you’re feeling stuck in a rut with seasonal depression, don’t hesitate to get some professional help. Sometimes, the best self-care move is reaching out for support.
Winter does not have to feel like a season you just survive.
With a little intention and a few small changes, you can thrive and feel your best while doing it. Cozy collagen hot chocolate, red light therapy sessions, and those peaceful morning moments all add up to something bigger. These rituals are about caring for yourself in a way that feels good and fits seamlessly into your life.
Pick one, try a few, or lean into the whole list. Whatever you choose, remember that self-care is all about giving yourself what you need to stay healthy, happy, and glowing, even when the sun decides to hide.
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