5 Ways to Practice Self-Care This Winter [Slideshow]

Take Some Vitamin D 

During the wintertime, we experience a shortage of sunshine. Sunshine contributes more than lighting up our days. It can actually have a significant impact on our overall mood and mental health. 

The winter months have shorter days and longer nights. Besides the physical warmth that feels good, vitamin D from the sun works to stabilize chemicals in our brains. So much so, that some suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder from a lack of vitamin D.

Consider taking supplements, eating foods that contain it, or soaking up the sun when available this winter. 

Go to the Park 

Going to the park and experiencing nature is a GR8 way to connect to the inner self as part of the world around you. This might create a sense of ease and grounding. Take a walk to reduce stress, and spend tranquil time outdoors. Experiencing the season and connecting with nature can also provide you a chance for some outdoor meditation. 

Watch the Feel-Good Films

Take a break and fill your senses with a positive, feel-good film that you enjoy and that you can also benefit from health-wise. This isn't an exaggeration. Some studies show that watching holiday movies all year long can actually have psychological benefits. Yes, it is proven. 

If you're not into the holiday movies, there are always other feel-good and motivational films to consider. Whatever you watch, make sure it's uplifting in some way to you, that's the key here. 

Cook Up Some Healthy Holiday Recipes 

Most people associate holiday food with eating poorly nutrition-wise and going over the top. What if you could have fun putting together healthy recipes that look good, taste good, and make you feel good? It's an entirely new experience with benefits. 

Have you ever heard of a vegan or healthy Thanksgiving? Especially if you've already indulged in your Thanksgiving dinner that's business as usual, recreating healthy versions of your favorites might be fun to try. Need more inspiration for healthy holiday recipes, check these out. 

Treat Your Skin

Many things come alive in the fall despite the leaves that, well, leave. Lights are bright, smiles are electric, and holiday cheer inserts itself into social media timelines, office spaces, and decorated corners in the home. One thing that doesn't come alive in the winter? Your skin.

Skin takes a beating in the winter months, but don't worry, here is your playbook for caring for dry or irritated skin in the winter. Think you could use some extra measures? Try treating your skin from the inside out by eating for its benefit.