Winter Self-Care
The deeper we get into November, the deeper we get into winter! The official first day of winter isn’t until the solstice on December 21st, but in this part of Canada, we’re used to being in the thick of the cold season much earlier than that. For today’s blog, let’s take a look at some winter self-care ideas and tips!
- Keep moisturized
Seriously, Edmonton’s winters are so dry. Keep some hand lotion handy (hehe) and make sure you prevent your skin from getting dry and cracked. I try to make sure I always put lotion on after I wash my hands, and it goes a long way! Lip balm is another must!
Your skin is your biggest organ, so make sure you take good care of it! - Indulge a little
We’re gearing up for the holiday season, so don’t be afraid to enjoy it! Have some seasonal drinks and treats, watch an uplifting movie, start a new sit-com, and spend time with friends! You physical health is important, but these indulgences will help keep your mental health up and that’s equally important, especially during essay and exam season. - Get enough sleep
This is always essential, but especially when you’re stressed from school. You’ll do better on that exam if you get a good night’s sleep beforehand than if you stay up late studying. Try to get into bed before 11pm or midnight, and don’t be afraid to have a nap if you need it! Just make sure you set a timer for 20 or 40 minutes so you don’t nap for too long. On average, you should be getting 8 or 9 hours of sleep every night! - Get your flu shot
This one maybe isn’t a fun self-care idea, but it’s an important one! Not only does getting your flu shot take care of your own health, but it contributes to the community’s health too, because of herd immunity. You can pop into a pharmacy and get it for free! And maybe you can reward yourself with a tasty snack afterwards.
The biggest tip I can offer for your self-care, no matter what the season is, is that you listen to your own needs. When you need a break, take a break! When you’re hungry, eat! When you’re tired, sleep! Figure out how you relax and feel fulfilled and then make sure you set aside a little time for that every day. Self-care is rooted in the self, so it’s going to look a little different for everyone.
Take care of yourself out there!
Emily