Winter has a way of making us want to slow down. Shorter days, colder temperatures, and extra time indoors invite us to take better care of ourselves instead of simply waiting for spring to arrive. This winter self-care challenge offers 30 simple ideas to help you enjoy the season, make a little more time for yourself, and bring cozy moments into your everyday routine.
Some of these winter self-care activities take just a few minutes. Others are meant to help you step away from your usual routine and do something you genuinely enjoy.
Think of this as a month of small invitations, not another list of things you have to accomplish. At this stage of life, I think we have enough things telling us what we should be doing.
Sometimes we just need a reason to slow down and enjoy where we are.
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What Is a Winter Self-Care Challenge?
A winter self-care challenge is simply a collection of small activities you can use throughout the winter to take better care of yourself and make the season feel a little more enjoyable.
Winter self-care can include getting outside, spending time with people you love, taking a quiet morning for yourself, making a favorite recipe, journaling, getting organized, or simply doing something that makes an ordinary winter day feel a little more special.
The idea behind this 30-day winter self-care challenge is simple:
Try one thing each day that helps you feel more rested, connected, comfortable, or refreshed.
How to Start a Winter Self-Care Challenge
Before you jump into the 30 days, allow yourself to make this winter self-care challenge your own.
Choose a realistic time of day
Maybe mornings work best for you. Maybe you have more time after dinner. Or perhaps weekends give you more breathing room. Choose a time that fits your actual life.
Keep your winter self-care simple
Winter self-care doesn’t have to mean spending money, making an appointment, or blocking off an entire afternoon.
A cup of coffee enjoyed without your phone can count. So can a walk around the neighborhood, an early bedtime, or ten quiet minutes with a journal.
Don’t turn winter self-care into another obligation
This is especially important.
If your calendar is already full, adding 30 more things to your list isn’t going to make you feel cared for.
Choose what sounds good, and leave the rest.
Let the season work in your favor
Winter naturally gives us more opportunities to stay home, cook something comforting, read, organize, reflect, and spend quieter evenings with the people we love.
Why Winter Self-Care Matters for Women in Midlife
Winter can feel different as we move through midlife.
Our schedules may have changed. The kids may be grown and living on their own. We may have more freedom in some areas of life and more responsibilities in others.
Sometimes we’re caring for aging parents, keeping up with work, helping our families, or simply trying to figure out what this next chapter looks like.
As winter arrives, with shorter days and more time spent indoors, it’s a good opportunity to pause and check in with ourselves.
What do you need more of right now?
More rest?
More time outside?
More connection?
More movement?
More time doing something you enjoy simply because you enjoy it?
Winter self-care doesn’t have to mean adding more to your plate. Sometimes it means noticing what you can take off your plate.
What Winter Self-Care Looks Like for Me
For me, winter self-care can be as simple as grabbing a cozy blanket and cuddling with my pups. It also means being intentional about my skincare routine, paying attention to changes in my skin, and giving it the extra care it needs during the colder months.
And then there are the little things I don’t want to rush, like enjoying my hot coffee for a few extra minutes each morning.
Each day looks a little different, but I try to make time for at least one small form of self-care. Sometimes it’s something that helps me start the day on the right foot, and other times it’s something that helps me slow down and end the day with gratitude.
Simple Winter Self-Care Ideas for Cold Days
Before we get to the 30-day winter self-care challenge, here are a few simple ways to make the colder months a little more enjoyable.
Get outside for some winter self-care
Even on a cold day, a short walk outside can give you a change of scenery.
Bundle up, head outside for 15 or 20 minutes, and notice what’s around you.
If you already enjoy walking, this can be one of the easiest winter self-care activities to keep in your routine.
Make your home feel cozy
Winter gives us plenty of reasons to spend more time at home.
Pull out a soft blanket, turn on your favorite music, or make your favorite warm drink.
Adding a few cozy touches around the room can make an ordinary evening feel a little more special.
Stay connected during winter
It’s easy to become more of a homebody during winter.
Make a phone call. Meet a friend for coffee. Invite someone over for dinner. Send a handwritten note.
Connection doesn’t always require a big plan.
Give yourself some quiet time
Not every free moment needs to be filled.
Sit by a window. Read a few pages of a book. Enjoy your coffee before everyone else is awake.
Quiet time can be hard to find, but it can also be one of the nicest parts of winter.
Take care of the basics
Get enough sleep. Eat nourishing meals. Move your body in ways you enjoy. Stay hydrated. Give yourself time to rest.
Those simple things aren’t particularly exciting, but they matter.
If winter tends to affect your mood, talk with your healthcare provider. A seasonal change in mood can happen for many reasons, and Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that deserves appropriate professional care. This winter self-care challenge is intended as everyday self-care, not as treatment for depression or SAD.
30-Day Winter Self-Care Challenge
Ready to get started?
Here are 30 winter self-care ideas to try throughout the month.
Some are cozy, some some will get you out of the house, some involve other people, and some are simply an invitation to spend time with yourself.
You can follow them in order or pick the winter self-care activity that sounds best to you each day.
Days 1–10: Cozy Winter Self-Care Ideas
Day 1: Create a Cozy Winter Reading Corner
Find a spot in your home where you can sit and relax.
Add a blanket, pillow, book, journal, or whatever makes the space feel comfortable.
It doesn’t need to look like something from a magazine. It just needs to make you want to sit down and feel cozy.
Day 2: Take a Long, Warm Bath
Put away your phone, turn down the lights, and enjoy a warm bath.
Add your favorite bath soak or just enjoy the quiet.
If you’d like more ideas to make bath time feel special, check out these self-care bath ideas.
Allow yourself to stay a little longer than usual.
Day 3: Take a Winter Walk
Bundle up and head outside for a walk.
Notice the crisp air, bare trees, winter sunshine, or whatever your corner of the world looks like this time of year.
Day 4: Enjoy Your Favorite Warm Drink
Make a cup of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or another favorite winter drink. This simple vanilla coffee recipe is one of my favorites!
Then actually sit down and enjoy it.
No scrolling.
No folding laundry.
No answering emails.
Just your drink and a few quiet minutes.
Day 5: Give Your Winter Skincare Routine Some Attention
Cold weather can leave skin feeling dry and uncomfortable.
Take a little extra time with your skincare routine today.
Cleanse gently, moisturize, and give your skin the attention it deserves.
You don’t need a ten-step routine.
Consistency usually matters more than having a bathroom counter full of products. If you’re looking for ways to keep your skin looking healthy this winter, check out this blog post: Healthy Appearing Winter Skin Is Achievable With These Tips.
Day 6: Take Ten Quiet Minutes
Find ten minutes today when you don’t have to accomplish anything.
Sit with your coffee.
Look out the window.
Listen to music.
Simply be still.
Ten minutes can feel surprisingly long when we’re used to filling every quiet moment.
Day 7: Start a Winter Gratitude List
Write down three things you’re grateful for today.
They don’t need to be big.
Maybe it’s a phone call with someone you love, a sunny afternoon, your favorite meal, or a warm house on a cold day.
If you enjoy journaling, you can also explore my Mindfulness Journal Prompts for inspiration.
Day 8: Make Something Comforting
Bake cookies, make soup, try a new winter recipe, or prepare a favorite family recipe.
Then share it with someone you love if possible.
Food has a funny way of making a regular day feel special.
You might also enjoy one of my favorite cozy recipes when you need a little inspiration.
Day 9: Have a Screen-Free Evening
Choose one evening to put the phone away for a while.
Read.
Take a bath.
Work on a puzzle.
Talk with your partner/spouse.
Listen to music.
Go to bed early.
Whatever sounds better than scrolling.
Day 10: Read Something Just for Fun
Pick up a book you’ve been meaning to read.
You don’t need to finish it.
Read ten pages, or two pages.
The point is to spend some time doing something you enjoy without feeling like it needs to be productive.
Days 11–20: Winter Self-Care for Your Body, Mind & Relationships
Day 11: Try a New Winter Recipe
Find a recipe you’ve never made before.
A new soup, casserole, baked treat, or breakfast recipe can be enough to break up the usual routine.
Day 12: Declutter One Small Area
Don’t tackle the entire house.
Choose one drawer, shelf, cabinet, or corner.
Set a timer for 15 minutes and see what you can accomplish.
Then stop.
You don’t have to turn winter self-care into an all-day organizing project.
If you need a little motivation, you can read more about How to Declutter Your House in One Day: 10 Simple Steps to Get Started.
Day 13: Meet Someone for Coffee
Call a friend and make a plan.
A cup of coffee and an hour of conversation can be exactly what you need.
Day 14: Send Someone a Handwritten Note
Think of someone you haven’t talked to recently.
Write them a short note and send it off in the mail.
There’s something special about finding a real piece of mail in the mailbox.
Day 15: Try a Different Way to Move Your Body
Take a walk.
Stretch.
Try a yoga class.
Dance around the kitchen.
Go swimming at an indoor pool.
Choose something that feels good rather than something you think you should be doing.
Day 16: Call Someone You Care About
Call instead of texting.
Ask how they’re doing.
Tell them something you’ve been thinking about.
Sometimes a ten-minute conversation can completely change the feel of a day.
If you’d like more ideas for nurturing the relationships that matter, take a look at how to nurture relationships.
Day 17: Do Something Creative
You don’t have to consider yourself creative to make something.
Try a simple craft, arrange flowers, make a seasonal centerpiece, take photographs, bake something, or work on a project you’ve been putting off.
Day 18: Have an At-Home Spa Evening
Take a warm shower or bath, moisturize your skin, put on comfortable pajamas, and settle in for a relaxing evening.
You don’t need an expensive spa treatment.
Sometimes the best part is simply slowing down.
Day 19: Do Something Kind for Someone Else
Drop off a meal.
Send a card.
Donate something you no longer need.
Buy a friend coffee.
Volunteer.
Look for a small way to make someone else’s day a little easier.
Day 20: Make a Cozy Winter Drink
Try something you’ve never made before.
Make a chai latte, a new tea blend, hot cider, or a fun mocktail.
Pour it into your favorite mug or glass and make an occasion out of it.
Days 21–30: Rest, Reflection & Winter Self-Care
Day 21: Have a Slow Winter Morning
If your schedule allows, don’t rush through your morning.
Make breakfast.
Drink your coffee slowly.
Open the curtains.
Sit for a few minutes before getting started.
A slow morning can be a lovely way to begin the day.
Day 22: Have a Winter Reading Night
Turn down the lights, grab your favorite blanket, and read somewhere comfortable.
If you have a fireplace, turn it on.
If you don’t, that’s okay.
You can still create the feeling.
Day 23: Plan a Simple Winter Outing
Get out of the house and do something you’ve been meaning to do.
Visit a local shop.
Go to a museum.
Meet a friend for lunch.
Take a scenic drive.
Choose something that gives you a reason to look forward to the day.
Day 24: Have a Cozy Night In
Make dinner, put on comfortable clothes, choose a movie, and settle in.
No need to make plans.
No need to feel guilty about staying home.
Day 25: Learn Something New
Try a new recipe, learn a craft, start a short online class, or explore a subject you’ve always been curious about.
You don’t need to become an expert.
There’s something refreshing about trying something new without needing to be good at it right away.
Day 26: Spend Some Time Journaling
Set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes and write whatever comes to mind.
You could write about:
- What is taking up space in my mind right now?
- What do I want more of in this season of my life?
- What could I let go of?
- What am I looking forward to?
- What has been making me happy lately?
Don’t worry about making it sound good.
This is for you.
If you enjoy using prompts to get your thoughts flowing, you might also like my 50 Fall Journaling Prompts for Women in Midlife. The prompts can easily inspire your own winter journaling practice.
Day 27: Make a Winter Playlist
Choose songs that make you feel good.
Include old favorites, new discoveries, songs that remind you of a particular time in your life, or anything that makes you want to sing along.
Then play it while you’re making dinner or doing something around the house.
Day 28: Give Yourself an Early Bedtime
There is something wonderfully underrated about deciding that you are simply going to bed early.
Finish what needs to be done.
Wash your face.
Put on your pajamas.
Get into bed.
Read for a few minutes if you want.
Then turn out the light.
Day 29: Do Something You Used to Enjoy
Think back to something you loved doing before life became so busy.
Did you enjoy painting?
Taking photographs?
Reading?
Baking?
Gardening?
Writing?
Playing cards?
Listening to music?
Choose one and bring a little of it back into your life.
Day 30: Reflect on Your Winter Self-Care Challenge
You’ve reached the end of the challenge.
Take a few minutes to think about the past 30 days.
Which activities did you actually enjoy?
Which ones made you feel more relaxed?
Which ones helped you connect with someone?
Which ones would you like to continue?
And which ones weren’t really your thing?
That’s useful information, too.
You Don’t Have to Complete Every Winter Self-Care Challenge
Here’s something I want you to remember as you work through these winter self-care ideas:
You don’t have to complete every single day.
If you miss Day 6, you haven’t failed.
If you skip three days because life got busy, you don’t need to start over.
If you try something and realize you don’t enjoy it, choose something else.
This isn’t a 30-day test.
It’s simply a collection of winter self-care activities to help you notice what makes you feel good during the winter months.
Some days, you may have plenty of time.
Other days, you may only have ten minutes, and that’s ok.
Winter self-care needs to fit your life. Your life shouldn’t have to be rearranged around winter self-care.
Take Your Winter Self-Care a Little Further
If you enjoy having a little structure when you’re working on your self-care routines, you might also enjoy my Printable Self-Care Workbook.
It’s designed to give you a place to think about the things that matter to you, keep track of your routines, and reflect on what is working.
You don’t need to use it every day.
Use the helpful pages and leave the rest.
How to Continue Your Winter Self-Care Beyond 30 Days
Hopefully, somewhere during these 30 days, you’ll find a few winter self-care activities you want to keep doing.
Maybe it’s the morning coffee without your phone, taking a winter walk, reading before bed, making time for a friend, or allowing yourself to have a slower morning once in a while.
You don’t need to continue all 30.
Choose two or three that genuinely made you feel good.
Those are the habits worth keeping.
And as winter continues, you can always come back to this list when you need a little inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Self-Care
What is winter self-care?
Winter self-care is simply taking intentional time to care for yourself during the colder, darker months of the year. It can include rest, movement, connection, hobbies, time outdoors, relaxing activities, healthy routines, and small things that make winter more enjoyable.
What are some simple winter self-care ideas?
Some simple winter self-care ideas include taking a winter walk, enjoying a favorite warm drink, reading, journaling, getting together with a friend, cooking a comforting meal, taking a warm bath, getting to bed earlier, or spending a few quiet minutes without your phone.
How do I start a 30-day winter self-care challenge?
Start by choosing a time of day that works for you and then pick one manageable winter self-care activity each day. Keep your expectations realistic and don’t worry about starting over if you miss a day.
What if I don’t have much time for winter self-care?
Start small. Ten quiet minutes, a short walk, a phone call with a friend, or sitting down with your coffee can all be worthwhile. You don’t need an entire afternoon for something to count.
How can I make winter feel more enjoyable?
Look for small things you genuinely enjoy about the season. Make your home comfortable, spend time with people you love, get outside when you can, cook foods you enjoy, and give yourself permission to slow down.
Can winter self-care help with the winter blues?
Simple winter self-care activities can be part of a healthy routine and may help you make room for things such as movement, connection, rest, and enjoyable activities. However, ongoing or significant changes in mood should be discussed with a healthcare professional, particularly if you are concerned about Seasonal Affective Disorder or depression.
Final Thoughts on This 30-Day Winter Self-Care Challenge
Winter doesn’t have to be a season you simply endure until the first signs of spring.
There can be a lot to enjoy about this time of year.
The quiet mornings.
A warm drink in your favorite mug.
A house that feels cozy when it’s cold outside.
Dinner with people you love.
A good book.
A walk on a sunny winter afternoon.
A little extra time to think about what you want this next season of your life to look like.
And sometimes, the things that make us feel good aren’t big or complicated.
They’re the small things we tend to overlook when we’re busy taking care of everyone and everything else.
So choose a few ideas from this 30-day winter self-care challenge and give them a try.
Keep the ones you enjoy. Forget the ones that don’t fit.
If one day all you manage is a quiet cup of coffee while looking out the window, I’d say that counts, too.
Which winter self-care activity are you looking forward to trying first?
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Save These Winter Self-Care Challenge Ideas for Later!
I am in love with this post , you won me over when you mentioned -Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and how important it is to prioritise Mental Health.
Lovely post 😀
Thank you Linda! We are no good to anyone if we don’t take care of our mental health. Winter can be a particularly challenging time of year for so many. I can not emphasize enough how important it is to prioritize your mental health all year round, but especially during the winter months when our mental health can really take a hit.
This is a great idea. Have you considered doing come kind of group challenge? It would be interesting to see how it would work with women from different parts of the country.
Hi Ronda! I have not, but it really is a great idea!!
These are all great self care tips to practice as the season changes. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Sheenia! So glad you enjoyed these winter self-care challenge ideas! I’d love to hear if you give some of them a try.
Yes! I love these advices so much ☺️ we don’t need to go big to take care of ourselves and still feel amazing with our actions
Exactly Selene! Often times people think of self-care as spending lost of $$$. Keeping it simple will allow more options to choose from.
Great tips! Self-care is so important!!
Thank you, Winky Pink!
This is a great winter self care challenge. I struggle with the season change and this is the perfect way to jump start winter.
So true Debbie…Get a head start on winter self-care to help avoid the winter scaries.
These are good self-care suggestions, I enjoyed that you provided daily ideas. A virtual game night with friends sounds fun, I may plan that soon. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Tee! So glad you enjoyed this 30 day winter self-care challenge! I hope you enjoy your virtual game night very soon! Thanks for commenting!
This is such a great challenge thank you for sharing it with us at the Senior Salon Pit Stop! I’m excited to be featuring you at Monday’s party. Congrats! Pinned
Hugs,
Maria @ kraftyplanner.com
Oh my goodness, thank you Maria!! I can’t tell you how much that means to me 🙂
I always dread this season as I hate being cold or wear many layers. It sometimes makes me struggle too but I know how important it is to take care of our mental health especially during those times.
So thanks for this post and your 30-day Challenge full of great ideas!
I totally understand, Ginger. Winter can be a dreadful time of year for many. I do hope you will find some of the suggestions in my 30-day winter self-care challenge helpful. Thanks for stopping in to comment.
I love so many ideas on your post.
Thank you, bunfuns for your kind words!
As a self-care coach I love talking to people about making list! So I am so glad you mentioned it. To be more specific I love making music playlist. This is such a great way to get the good energy flowing and getting people smiling. Love it!
Ah yes, a music playlist is a great idea! Thank you for sharing that!!
I love switching up my skin care/self care routines based on the seasons! I feel like it keeps my products refreshed. Winter self care is huge for me because the air is so dang dry and I miss the sun 🙁
Hi Shelby! Switching up your skincare routine based on the season is exactly what we all need to do to keep our skin looking it’s best. We need to adapt to the weather changes some of which can be pretty significant. Thanks for stopping by to comment on my Winter self-care challenge post.
I love your site, you always the BEST ideas for self-care. Thank you once again for sharing.
Awe, thank you Ronda! That is so kind of you to say. I’m so glad you are enjoying my content.
I love winters and thank you! It is the perfect season for me to adapt and reflect. I will also consider having activities like yoga. Great content!
Hi Leslie! Winter is a great time to reflect on the past year. Thanks for stopping in to comment 🙂
Part of. Y self care for the winter is to simplify my daily routines and have an easy winter to promote healing.
Simplifying daily routines is a beautiful act of self-care. Many of us tend to overcommit and overcomplicate things especially during the holidays. Wishing you a winter filled with self-care and a speedy recovery.
This is such a great winter self care challenge. I’m all for wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket and enjoying a great book!
Hi Debbie! That does sound like the perfect self-care activity on a chilly winter day!
Great list and read! I loved the mention about being flexible. So important in life.
Hi Tracy! Learning to be flexible is something I’ve struggled with for many years. Now, I just go with the flow and I’m much more content. Thanks for stopping by to comment.
I’ll be having a baby the beginning of December self care is my main goal after I have him. This post really had great points on self care and keeping it slow after my son is born
Congratulations Sarah, that is so exciting! Yes, be sure to make time for yourself once your little one arrives. You deserve it :
Great post! I love all the tips you shared.
Thank you!
I’ve been in a real funk the last several days – just reading this article has energized me and lifted my spirits. Planning a few of these activities over the next few days. First, a long, brisk walk!
Sorry to hear you have been in a funk Stephanie. I know it happens to me as well during the cold and dreary months. I hope you find the self-care challenge ideas helpful in getting you feeling 100% again. Think Spring!