It’s no secret that winters can be a couple of brutal months, especially if you’re like me and live in the midwest! And I would would argue, It’s important to practice self care during these months more than any other time of year. Your skin gets dry, you feel the stress of the holidays, the days are shorter and you’re stuck inside when it’s -15 with windchill.

Because it can be hard to remember to take care of yourself when you’re running back a forth from work, nights with friends and holiday parties, I have made a simple list of things you can do to help combat the winter blues. 

Use Face & Hand Masks Weekly

My skin is normally dry, so the winter months can be rough. Chapped lips and hands, icky legs, dry face, the list goes on! (TMI?… Sorry!) I have always loved using face masks to hydrate my skin, but I have recently started to fall in love with hand masks as well. Here is a list of some of my favorite masks…

• Summer Friday Jet Lag Mask
• Sephora Aloe Vera Hand Mask
• BeautyCounter No.3 Balancing Facial Mask
• BeautyCounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel followed by Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion

Don’t Forget Body Lotion

Keeping body lotion by your nightstand can help you remember to keep your skin hydrated during the dry winter months. I try to put some on my legs every night before going to bed. (And my full body when I’m feeling really ambitious!)

Read a Good Book

Limit screen time and snuggle up with a good book and some hot cocoa. I am determined to read the stack of books and afar magazines that have accumulated in our living room this winter! It’s always nice to get some peace and quiet, and sitting down to enjoy a good book is a great way to do it. You can even spend quality time with your loved ones and read a book together!

Stay Healthy with Vitamins

This is the time of year to make sure your body has all the vitamins it needs. With germs and the flu virus everywhere these days, its better to keep your body in tip top shape! Pick up some daily vitamins and make sure they have vitamin D in them. Vitamin D is great for the winter months since you’re not seeing as much sun, and the other vitamins will keep your immune system in check!

Head to the Gym

This might not seem like the most fun of my tips, but it might the most important. I have never been the biggest fan of working out, but heading to the gym just twice a week really helps keep me healthy and relieve some stress. Working out also kicks your immune system into gear, so you can not get sick as often 😉

Since I lack motivation getting there, I like to sign up for gym memberships where you have to schedule your class ahead of time. This keeps me accountable, and I just schedule my gym time at the beginning of every month so it is just like an appointment that I have to keep.

Don’t Be Afraid to Say No

During the holiday season, it’s hard to keep your schedule straight. Between work parties, family gatherings and friends trying to get together, you can get a little overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid to say no to plans if it is going to compromise your mental health! Having a night in to yourself is sometimes the completely right call, and you can always schedule time with family and friends for another day.

What are some of your favorite ways to care for yourself during the winter months?