Dawn Arseneau

The middle of winter can be a tough haul. The excitement of the holidays has faded, routines have settled back in, and the days still feel short and dim. February can pull us into a quiet, low-energy space – which can at times be cozy and soothing, but at other times feel a bit stagnant.

This why it’s the time when self-care matters most. And we’re not talking bubble baths and expensive skincare; we’re talking about intentional slowing down and finding the light in this sometimes dark season.

Here are some gentle reminders and practices to help you take care of yourself in the heart of winter:

1. Let yourself slow down

The world might push productivity, but winter invites softness. It’s a season designed for rest. Animals hibernate. Trees conserve energy. Even the sun works shorter hours.

You’re allowed to move slower too. Sip your mornings. Take longer exhales. Leave space between your tasks.

I’ve mentioned this in an earlier blog post, but here’s what I do: Even when it’s a struggle to get out from under the blankets in the morning, I get up extra early before work so I can have slow mornings. Totally worth it.

Rest is not a retreat; it’s a rhythm.

2. Choose warmth in every form

Warm drinks, warm socks, warm lighting, warm conversations.
In winter, warmth becomes its own kind of medicine.

And add small pockets of warmth wherever you can:

• Light a candle in the evening
• Wrap yourself in a blanket before bed (Or, why even wait for bed? Nothing like a cozy throw while you curl up with Netflix)
• Pull on a favourite sweater (bonus points if it’s old and raggedy!)
• Make a bowl of something hearty and simple

Warmth grounds the nervous system.

3. Get outside, even for a moment

Winter can make us forget how much we need fresh air and sunlight. Even five minutes outside can shift your whole mood.

Feel the crisp air on your cheeks. Gaze at the winter sky. Let your lungs expand.

You don’t have to “enjoy winter” to benefit from stepping into it.

There is a quote I read once that really stuck with me: “If you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy in your life but still the same amount of snow.” As a self-professed hater of winter and all things cold, this really helped changed my perspective. Now, I bundle up and get out there instead of complaining about something I can’t change.

4. Move your body gently

Self-care doesn’t have to mean intense workouts. In winter, gentle movement often feels more aligned:

• A short yoga flow
• A slow walk
• Stretching before bed
• A few minutes of breathing while standing at the window

I try to get to hot yoga at least once a week (movement and heat – two birds!), out for a walk on a Sunday afternoon, and start each day with some sun salutations.

5. Nourish yourself with foods that feel grounding

Winter naturally calls for nourishment: soups, stews, roasted vegetables, warm grains, protein-rich meals. Listen to what your body is asking for.

This is the kind of comfort that also supports your energy and mood.

Or, better yet, follow an ayurvedic diet that matches your dosha and the season.

While I still like my smoothies in the winter, I try to pair them with a hot meal with plenty of protein.

6. Protect your energy

Winter can make emotions feel heavier. Be mindful of where your energy goes. It’s okay to:

• Cancel plans
• Say no
• Choose quiet over hustle
• Unplug earlier
• Step back when you feel overloaded

Protecting your energy is not only an act of self-respect, it can be essential for your well-being. Something that has worked well for me is designating a couple of evenings at home without a schedule. On those nights, I love being able to choose what to do: binge-watch Gilmore Girls, read a good book while snuggled up with my puppy, or do a bit of coursework on my advanced yoga teacher training (for me, this is relaxation :)).

7. Create small pockets of joy

Winter can feel long, so sprinkle in the things that lift your spirit:

• A book you’ve been meaning to read
• A favourite show
• A creative project
• A cozy café visit
• A bath with Epsom salts
• A midday cup of tea

Small joys soften the edges.

8. Let yourself feel how you feel

Winter can bring heaviness, tenderness, restlessness, exhaustion, or peace. Reflect without judgment. Self-care starts with honesty.

There’s nothing wrong with you for feeling different in winter.
You’re living in a season that is naturally slow, quiet, and introspective.

Let yourself be human in the midst of it. I keep a daily journal to help sort through these emotions, and it often leads me to answers I might not otherwise have discovered.

Winter Self-Care Is About Support, Not Perfection

You don’t need to overhaul your life or start a whole new routine. You don’t need to add anything else to your plate.

You just need small, steady acts of care that remind your body and mind they’re not alone in this season.

Winter won’t last forever.

But while we’re here, we can take care of ourselves gently.

Thanks for reading.

🩷Dawn