Here’s How to Stay Warm & Practice Healthy Self-Care Through Winter

There is plenty to love about the cold weather months, from holiday gatherings to winter sports and walks. However, fewer daylight hours and freezing temperatures can also bring about colds, flu, and even lowered moods. Thankfully, a little bit of self-care can help you stay healthy and happy until spring comes back around.

Keep Yourself Cozy

One of the best ways to keep your spirits up during a cold winter is to stay cozy when inside your home. Few things are worse than feeling chilled or drafty in your own house, so it’s a good idea to have some blankets and other essentials handy.

Throw Blankets

Throw blankets are smaller than the comforters you keep on your bed, so you can easily keep them throughout your house. Fleece throws are one of the warmest and softest options, and they’re lightweight enough to keep you from overheating as well.

Electric Blankets

For those really cold nights, having an electric blanket on hand can offer many benefits in the coziness department: 

• You’ll save money on energy bills because they keep you toasty warm at night 

• Current models are completely safe as they use low voltage wires 

• They can help reduce inflammation as heat will soothe sore muscles

Indoor Heaters

If you need a little more heat space heaters are a great choice. They’re small and can move from location to location as needed. Space heaters are also designed to heat smaller areas, so they’re ideal for keeping specific rooms, such as the bedroom, toasty warm. There are many types to choose from including: 

• Baseboard heaters 

• Infrared heaters 

• Convection heaters 

• Oil burning heaters 

• Natural gas heaters

Electric Fireplace or Wood Stove

If you need a higher-powered option for heating your home, then a fireplace might be your best bet. They can warm larger rooms or an entire home depending on the system and the size of your space. Electric fireplaces and wood stoves are two of the most common options, each with its own benefits. Wood stoves can be less expensive to operate, especially if you have your own firewood ready to go. Electric fireplaces may cost more to operate, but newer models have realistic flickering fire displays while also being convenient to run.

Stay Warm on the Patio

Although the weather might be cooler, it’s still good to get outdoors and enjoy fresh air as much as possible. Sunlight is also important as it helps your body create vitamin D which helps to boost your immune system. Here’s how to enjoy the outdoors while staying warm.

Outdoor Heaters

Outdoor patio heaters are a great way to continue enjoying your porch or patio during the winter. They can keep your patio area pleasantly warm, so you can sit and read, enjoy a meal, or just soak up the sun. They’re generally small in size and can easily be moved from one outdoor space to another.

Outdoor Fireplaces & Fire Pits

Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are another option for staying warmer outside. These are often larger and installed in a particular area, but they can create some serious heat. Gas burning fire pits and fire tables can be used on patios and similar areas, while fire pits that burn wood are great for use out in the yard.

Winter Aches & Pains

Cold weather can often bring aches and pains, especially for those with certain joint conditions or health issues. You can help keep yourself comfortable with home therapy options. Use hot and cool compresses, heating pads and joint wraps to help soothe aches in joints or muscles. Back massagers and foot massagers are also a great option for working out sore muscles.

Look & Feel Your Best

Even if you aren’t leaving home as often as during spring and summer, you should still take the time to make yourself look and feel your best. This can do wonders for your mindset while also keeping your body healthier.

Healing, Relaxing Scents

Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to help with things like mood and relaxation. You can use these techniques at home with the right tools. Use an aromatherapy diffuser designed for use with essential oils. Lavender, for example, is well-known to promote relaxation and to help with sleep.

As you can see, maintaining a personal care routine that will have you feeling and looking your best doesn’t have to be difficult, even during the winter months!