The Winter Self-Care Survival Guide
We're on a mission this winter: to embrace the season and pull our all the stops to keep our Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) at bay. We’re lighting candles, stirring soup, and buying our first pair of snowpants since elementary school.
Here are some ways we're planning on unleashing our inner snow angel. Join us!
Layer up and go outside
Ever heard, “There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”? This little gem sticks for a reason. Nature is magic for our mental health, so don’t let a bit of chill stop you! Grab your puffiest coat, a warm hat, and your coziest scarf. Go overboard on the layers (we’re talking seven pairs of pants if you need ‘em!). You may look and feel like a marshmallow, but your brain will thank you!
If you're a fellow Clevelander, use our Cleveland Metroparks Mini-Guide and Cuyahoga Valley National Park Mini-Guide to explore our amazing parks!
Cozy-ify your home
Around here, candles and fuzzy blankets are as important as the coffee maker. Imagine you’re in some 18th-century winter hideaway and just go for it with the soft lighting, cozy blankets, and maybe a record player for the ultimate vibe. Need some inspo? Grab our Vision Board Book and design your dream hygge haven!
Do something for someone else
Nothing warms you up inside like doing something kind. Drop off cookies to a friend, shovel your neighbor’s walkway, or send a surprise care package. And if you’re shopping for gifts, remember to shop small—it’s a double win: you’re supporting a local business and giving your loved ones something unique and thoughtful.
Connect with your people
It’s easy to go full hermit-mode in winter, but staying connected is clutch for your keeping our spirits up. Try starting a romance novel book club (bonus points for dramatic readings), hosting a karaoke party, or scheduling a recurring baking night with friends. Craft night, movie night, a board game showdown—the options are endless!
Revisit a hobby
Remember those craft supplies you impulse-bought last spring? They’re calling! Whether it’s quilting, painting, or even getting back into a little baking, now’s the time to pick it up again. And if it's coloring or collaging that's speaking to you, we've got you covered.
Do a Little Clearing Out
If you’ve been staring at the same four walls, there’s a good chance something’s bugging you. Maybe it’s your cluttered desk, that shelf in the kitchen with cobwebs, or a closet you’ve been meaning to organize. Tackling one small project a week can make your space feel fresh again!
Don't complain about the weather
This winter, let’s drop the “bad weather” labels. The rain, the snow, the clouds—it all just is. Like Paul Rudd says in Forgetting Sarah Marshall: “The weather outside is weather.” So, try seeing winter for the cozy, dreamy season it can be. Warm drink in hand, you’re basically unstoppable.
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Winter city photo by Hilary Bovay.
