Prioritizing Your Mental Wellbeing: A Winter Self-Care Reminder

Autumn into winter season always makes me feel the need for extra self care with the colder weather, rains, reminders of flu season, falling leaves, risks of slipping on rotten leaves, and minimal sunlight. That’s when many of us bring out winter clothes, find the gloves and reach for the soup recipes and soup maker that was unused for most of the year.

I am all about helping you become the best version of yourself whilst having a great time doing it so today, we’re diving headfirst into the wonderfully essential world of self-care and the art of prioritizing your mental wellbeing especially in winter months.

In the fast-paced hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of responsibilities and forget to take a breather. Keeping up with the pace of our lives somehow always appears easier in the spring and summer months but in the winter months, it takes a bit more effort to even want to get out of bed and brace the cold weather and demands of the day.

Let’s explore the magic of self-care and how to weave it into your daily life in a fun and joyful way.

The Beauty of ‘Me’ Time

One of the keys to prioritizing mental wellbeing is carving out some quality ‘Me’ time. This is the time when you get to be utterly, unabashedly, and unapologetically you. Whether it’s dancing in the kitchen, listening to music, reading a book, knitting, learning a new hobby, taking a bubble bath, creating a new recipe or simply savouring a cup of tea in solitude, find what makes your heart sing and do it. Make this your daily date with yourself.

The Morning Ritual and yes that can be a ‘Dance’

How do you end and start your day? I end my day with gratitude for everything that happened and I recall what went well that day to remind myself that I am blessed; and I start my day by declaring that it is going to be a great day just because… That I am alive and well already makes the day a great one and I move on from there.

Start your day on the right foot with a morning ritual that’s a ‘dance’ of positivity and energy. Wake up a bit earlier to give yourself some extra time to breathe and centre yourself around your identity and the fact that you are loved and worthy. Whether it’s prayers, a quick meditation, or some uplifting music, this precious moment can set the tone for the day ahead.

The ‘No’ That Sets You Free

Let’s learn to use our favourite two-letter word: ‘No.’ You can’t be all things to all people, and that’s perfectly okay. You can’t always do everything that’s on your to-do-list and keep up with demands on your time.  

Setting boundaries and saying ‘no’ when necessary is an act of self-love. It liberates your mental space, giving you room to breathe and time to focus on what truly matters.

Connect with Nature

Nature has a remarkable way of soothing the soul. Go for a walk in the park, have a picnic by the beach, or simply find a cosy spot under a tree. Notice the wonderful colours around you, the movement of the clouds, the sounds of a gentle stream or raging river. The symphony of nature’s sounds and the gentle rustling of leaves can be a balm for your mind and spirit. It’s like a free warm hug. Paying attention to nature gives you more reasons to be in awe, inspired, energised and increase your awareness that you are special enough to be a part of it. I love seeing how nature puts colours together.

Gratitude Journaling

The simple act of jotting down things you’re grateful for can have a profound impact on your mental wellbeing. Keep a gratitude journal and write a few things you’re thankful for each day. If you don’t feel like keeping a journal, start with thinking about it and naming your blessings one by one. Counting on your fingers will bring a smile to your face.

This practice can shift your focus to the positive aspects of life and remind you of the abundance that surrounds you.

Unplug for Playtime

Switch off those digital screens for a while and indulge in off-line playtime. It could be painting, reading a book, making chocolates, looking at recipes, building with Lego, knitting, learning to sketch, mind mapping an idea or even solving a jigsaw puzzle.

This break from technology can stimulate your creativity and help you unwind. Plus, it’s just plain fun to do something different.

Mindful Breathing

Inhale the good vibes, exhale the stress. Mindful breathing is a simple but powerful tool to keep your mental wellbeing in check.

Take a few moments each day to focus on your breath, and let go of tension. It’s a portable stress-reliever that you can carry with you everywhere. My apple watch reminds me to breath and quite often I realise I was holding my breathe for too long without even knowing. I try to use my hourly reminder to move for a minute as a time to also take in some deep breathes.

The Gift of Kindness

Don’t forget to be kind to yourself. It’s easy to be our own harshest critics, but remember, you’re doing your best. If you know you are not doing your best, work on your motivation and get moving.

Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you would offer to a friend in need. You deserve it and you are worth it. Give yourself a pat on the back for giving your best possible at every possible opportunity.

Seek Professional Help When Needed

There’s no shame in seeking professional help when your mental wellbeing needs extra support. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist or counsellor.

It’s a brave and essential step toward self-care. It is said that the hardest three words when it comes to mental health are, ‘I need help’ but we must normalise saying these words and acknowledge when people do instead of judging them. There is no shame to needing help and it is not a sign of weakness to acknowledge that one is struggling.

Self-Care is an Ongoing Journey

Self-care isn’t a one-time thing; it’s a lifelong commitment to your own happiness and wellbeing. It’s like tending to a beautiful garden, nurturing it regularly, so it flourishes. Embrace self-care as a journey, and enjoy every step of it.

Remember, you’re a treasure that needs to be cared for. Just like a precious gemstone, you need to be polished and nurtured, so your brilliance can shine through.

In conclusion, the art of self-care is all about cherishing and prioritizing your mental wellbeing. Don’t confuse self-care with selfishness or self-centredness.

It’s not selfish; it’s necessary for you to be your best self for those around you. Your wellbeing and avoiding burn out matter. See you next week and please share this post to help others.