Well, here we are again. Winter in Pittsburgh. If you’ve experienced the season in western Pennsylvania before, you know it’s not the easiest few months. Bad weather, cold temperatures, cold and flu season and less sunlight can all drain our mental health. That’s why it’s so important to take care of yourself during winter. Take a look at some of these easy winter self-care tips to help you make it to spring.
The holidays are over—a relief to many of us. With all the stress of shopping, cooking, holiday parties and hosting relatives, you might be feeling a little worn down. Now that things are getting back to normal, it’s a great idea to find ways to take time for yourself. Whether it’s daily or weekly, try to carve out a little slice of time that’s just about you, even if it’s only for half an hour.
Adding a little me time to your schedule can help break up a dreary winter day and give you something to look forward to. Your me time doesn’t have to involve anything too extravagant, but it should focus on something that makes you happy, whether that’s going for a walk or to a movie, catching up on a TV show or reading that book you got for Christmas, or just soaking in the tub. Set expectations with your family and friends. Let them know your me time is exactly that—just for you. They’ll be fine on their own for a little while.
Being cooped up indoors all day can make it difficult to feel and stay healthy, and while it’s probably not realistic to quarantine yourself, there are a number of things you can do to help you stay healthier throughout winter. Try to eat well and limit your alcohol intake. Your immune system can be weaker in the winter, and junk food and wine won’t help much. Speaking of your immune system, make sure to get a flu shot to protect yourself and others.
If you do wind up getting sick, make sure you use your sick days! No one needs you to be a hero and try to come into the office anyway. Not only will you feel crummy all day, but you also run the risk of getting your coworkers sick. If you feel well enough to work and you’re able to, try working from home until you’re not contagious anymore.
Get up. Go to work. Pick up the kids. Make dinner. Go to bed. Repeat. It’s definitely important to have a routine, but like we said earlier, it’s also important to take care of your mental health. If you’re experiencing the winter doldrums, try adjusting your routine to include something new. Exercise or meditation are great additions, as are making sure to expose yourself to as much sunlight as possible. Making time for things like these can really help your mood and making the part of your daily routine allows you to make time for them.
A big part of a good wintertime routine? Your eating habits. We all tend to overindulge around the holidays. Hey, we’re only human. But now’s the time to get back on a good eating routine. You don’t have to go on a full-scale diet (unless you want to), but eating the right foods on a regular schedule can go a long way for both your physical and mental health.
Adjusting your lifestyle is a great way to help you make it through another winter in Pittsburgh, but doesn’t mean we all don’t need a little pick-me-up from time to time. Book an appointment at Sewickley Spa when you need a little extra pampering. Our services are ready to help you feel great, inside and out, all winter long.
