50 Quick & Easy Winter Self Care Ideas

Beat the winter blues with these 50 simple winter self-care ideas that you can do in just 30 minutes or less! They’re perfect for cold winter nights or after a busy day at work when you want to rest, relax, and rejuvenate.

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Winter is my favorite time for self-care. Mostly because everything is cozy, warm, and the new year brings a fresh start.

I grew up in the Northeast where it’s cold, snowy, and dreary during the winter so I like to snuggle up and just stay warm indoors all day, everyday from November through March. IYKYK!

If you ask me to describe my perfect cozy self-care winter day, it would be wrapped up in a chunky blanket next to the fireplace with a candle on, drinking a hot cup of cocoa and rewatching the Harry Potter series 😍

My energy is also pretty low after that boost of New Year’s motivation ends by the first week of January 😅 But my goal for 2026 is to fit at least 10 or 20 minutes of self care after work everyday, even after a busy day when I have a bajillion things to do!

In this post, I’ve compiled a list of 50 quick & easy winter self-care ideas that you can fit into a busy schedule, even if you only have 30 minutes (or less) to spare. I’ve tried to include a mix of things including physical activity, personal care, social stuff, and just some simple cozy rituals to help you beat the winter blues!

💖 For even more self-care ideas, check out this list of 101 Easy Self-Care Ideas! Or sign up below to get the free printable PDF emailed to you!

Download a FREE PDF of 101 Self Care Ideas!

Get this post in a printable, mobile-friendly PDF! Includes 2 sheets of self-care ideas that you can use on your phone or print out & stick on your fridge!

1. Make a hot cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate

Pick out a cozy or festive mug and treat yourself to a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. You can even go all out and make your own latte at home, try a new winter coffee recipe, or just add some extra marshmallows on top!

2. Take a bubble bath

Relax your muscles after a long day by taking a bubble bath or dropping a bath bomb. You can even go the extra mile and create a cozy vibe by lighting some candles or putting on some music.

3. Take a hot shower

If you’re short on time or don’t have a bathtub, try taking a hot shower instead. You can even jazz it up with a shower steamer for the ultimate relaxation!

4. Moisturize your skin

The cold weather and hot showers can dry out your skin, so it’s important to keep your skin moisturized in the winter. I love using the Bath & Body Works moisturizing cream because it smells amazing and makes my skin super soft. If you have sensitive skin, then use a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free lotion or cream from trusted brands like Cerave or Cetaphil. Not only will your skin look better, it’s going to feel a lot better too!

5. Make a pot of soup

Winter is the perfect time to finally make all the soup recipes on your Pinterest board. If you’re looking for some easy soup recipes, here are 15 soup recipes made with 5 ingredients or less!

6. Do a painting project

Don’t worry, you don’t have to be artistic at all for this one! I love paint-by-numbers kits which are perfect for beginners and usually come with paints and brushes too. You can find budget-friendly kits at Amazon, and I’ve also seen a few at the Dollar Tree!

7. Light a candle

I don’t know what it is about lighting a candle, but it instantly calms me down and helps me relax! I personally love lighting a WoodWick candle, since the soft crackling sound is the best ASMR in the world.

8. Do a 10-minute breathing or meditation

Slowly inhale for 3-5 seconds followed by a gentle exhale over 3-5 seconds. Repeat this for a period of 5-10 minutes. You can also do a guided meditation video – there’s many great ones on Youtube or you can download the Headspace or Calm app!

9. Try a slow cooker recipe

Although I love making slow cooker recipes all year round, they’re by far my favorite during the holiday and post-holiday seasons! If you’re looking for easy, high protein crockpot recipes, check out my list of 5-ingredient high protein crockpot dinners!

10. Plan a slow morning routine

Block off some time – even just 30 minutes – to slow down and savor each moment of your morning routine. Drink your morning coffee outside without your phone, paying attention to the sights and sounds around you. Eat your breakfast slowly, really savoring each bite.

11. Read a winter-themed book

If you’re looking for inspiration, check out the “Winter Reads” list from Goodreads!

12. Watch one episode of your favorite comfort show

Whatever show gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling! For me, it’s Gossip Girl which I’ve watched way too many times than I care to admit!

13. Do a 10-minute stretch or yoga video

Relax your achy muscles with a 10-minute stretch video or gentle yoga routine on Youtube. This is especially great for those who have a desk or stationary job.

14. Make your favorite comfort food

Sure you can order Doordash, but there’s something fulfilling about making your favorite comfort food at home. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper too! Mine is this cheesy taco pasta, but feel free to check out my 5-ingredient recipe box if you’re looking for more inspiration!

15. Get in the habit of taking daily vitamins

Winter is the best time to start getting in the habit of taking vitamins! I take a daily multivitamin, B vitamin complex, and Vitamin D. I’m not the best at remember to take it everyday, but I’m trying to get better! Make sure to ask your doctor about which vitamins are best for you and your health goals.

16. Write in your gratitude journal

Gratitude journaling can help increase positivity and help you find the tiny joys in even the not-so-great days. You can use a plain notebook or a guided journal for this. Just start by writing down 1 thing you were grateful for each day, or 1 little thing that made you smile. It’s really cool to look back at the end of each month or year and remember all the little things that brought you happiness!

17. Have screen-free time for 30 minutes

This includes your phone, tablet, computers, social media, and anything else that involves you looking at a screen. Use this time to read, work on a hobby, read, declutter, or meditate!

18. Light the fireplace (or watch a fireplace video)

Lighting the fireplace instantly warms up your space and provides a relaxing glow that can help you unwind after a long day. If you don’t have a fireplace in your home, consider getting an electric fireplace or pop on a crackling fireplace video on Youtube!

19. Bundle up in a chunky blanket

The winter is the best time to bust out your thick, chunky, knitted blankets! I like to put one on my sofa for movie nights. You can also drape a chunky blanket at the edge of your bed to create a cozy vibe and to have on hand for cold winter nights when you need extra layers.

20. Get into a skincare routine

This may involve developing a routine to put on a face mask or use your body scrub once a week. Or you may need to swap out your usual products for something that is more hydrating for the winter.

21. Listen to positive affirmations

I know many people struggle with seasonal depression during the winter. Listening to positive affirmations in the morning or after a really stressful day at work can help lift your spirits. It’s also a great reminder that you are enough and doing your best everyday 💕

22. Try a light therapy lamp

Speaking of seasonal depression, a light therapy lamp has shown to be helpful in reducing symptoms. These limps mimic sunlight and boost serotonin levels (aka one of the “happiness hormones”) in your brain, leading to a decrease in winter-associated mood symptoms and fatigue.

23. Declutter your digital space

The end of the year is a perfect time to declutter your phone, tablet, and computer. I like to go through my camera roll and delete any unwanted photos, delete any apps I don’t use anymore, clear out my inbox, and organize my computer files.

24. Hand massage

Giving yourself a quick hand massage with lotion not only helps to moisturize your hands, but it can also help improve blood circulation, reduce joint pain & stiffness, and reduce stress! This is a great little form of self-care especially if your job requires you to be on the computer all day.

25. Put on a simmer pot

It’s a natural form of aromatherapy that makes your house smell amazing! There are so many different types of simmer pots you can try, but here’s a simple winter simmer pot recipe.

26. Try flannel bedding

Swap out your bedding for something warm and cozy for the cold weather! Soft, flannel bedding is perfect for this time of year, and you can find some budget-friendly sets at Amazon.

27. Take a quick power nap

Sometimes you just a good power nap to help you re-energize! Aim for a nap no longer than 30-60 minutes so that it won’t get in the way of your overnight sleep.

28. Go on a 10-minute walk for fresh air

Even a brisk 5-10 minute walk in the winter can boost your mood, improve circulation, and help you relax. Just make sure to bundle up and stay warm!

29. Drink lemon or cucumber infused water

Switch up your regular bottle of water for an infused water! There are so many different infused water recipes out there, but a simple lemon water or cucumber water will help you feel energized without a lot of prep or cleanup!

30. Buy yourself a bright bouquet of flowers

Buy a bouquet or bunch of flowers with a bright color to brighten up your space and instantly lift your mood! I especially love buying yellow tulips since it’s my favorite flower and the pop of yellow gives me a nice serotonin boost!

31. Bake a warm dessert

It doesn’t have to be fancy! Even a batch of frozen Pillsbury sugar cookies after dinner do the trick. Check out my list of 22 Valentine’s Day dessert ideas – sure, they’re great for V-Day but it’s also great for any other time too! Plus, pink desserts area form of self care on their own 😉

32. Use a heated blanket or heating pad

I just got a heated blanket for the holidays and it’s been such a game changer, especially on super cold winter nights!

33. Make a winter-themed mocktail

Try making a festive homemade mocktail with ingredients like cranberry, apple cider, or blood oranges! Here’s a great selection of easy winter mocktails to get you inspired.

34. Put on a face mask

Complete your self-care night with a face mask to help rejuvenate your skin.

35. Do a quick foot soak

Whether you’re in the mood for an all-out pedicure, a quick foot soak, or a foot massage, it’s all a great form of self-care especially after you’ve been on your feet all day! It also helps improve blood flow, relaxes your muscles, and can help with pain and stiffness too.

36. Try a weighted blanket

Wrapping yourself in a weighted blanket is like getting a nice, comforting hug! It’s shown to help reduce anxiety and can even help improve sleep.

37. Have a cozy movie night

Make a bowl of popcorn, wrap yourself in a blanket, and have a cozy up with a feel-good movie. I love rewatching Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings during the winter, but even putting on your favorite rom-com can be fun!

38. Book a winter getaway

Winter is my favorite time to travel! Hotel and airfare tickets are at an all-time low and crowds are usually pretty thin. Book a cozy winter lodge getaway, visit a ski resort, escape to somewhere warm, or just take a mini winter weekend road trip!

39. Plan a self-care staycation

If you’re not in the mood for a vacation, how about a self-care staycation to help you relax and reset?! If you’re tight on PTO, do it over the weekend, winter break, or the long MLK weekend.

40. Make yourself a girl dinner

This is a TikTok trend that’s become one of my favorites! It’s a quick, low-effort meal made up of snacks and sides without any kind of formal recipe. So for example caesar salad + fries (my personal fave), bread and cheese, a little charcuterie plate, etc. It’s perfect for lazy nights when you don’t feel like cooking!

41. Put on a lip mask

Pop on a lip mask to help hydrate chapped lips! Even with all the chapstick in the world, your lips can get super dry in the winter. Putting on a lip mask can help moisturize your lips and combat dryness.

42. Light incense or use essential oils

Perfect for cozy vibes and it also makes your house smell amazing!

43. Call a loved one

Your social battery may be at an all-time low after the holidays, but it’s important to make time to check in with your loved ones to help reduce feelings of isolation that can creep up during the winter.

44. Put on a pair of fuzzy socks

Even sock slippers are a great way to keep your feet warm and feel extra cozy during the winter!

45. Make a pot of herbal tea

Even if you’re not a big caffeine person, drinking a hot mug of herbal tea can be relaxing and refreshing. I personally love cinnamon, peppermint, or ginger tea during the winter!

46. Pick up a new hobby

Since you’re stuck indoors for most of the winter season, why not try out a new hobby?! The world is literally your oyster when it comes to finding a new hobby – painting, drawing, crocheting, knitting, pottery making, skiing, snowboarding, cooking, baking…the options are endless!

47. Create a vision board

The new year is the perfect time to create a vision board and plan out your goals for the year. You can create a digital vision board on Pinterest, or go old school and make a physical vision board with magazine cut-outs!

48. Go to sleep early

Winter brings shorter days, and it can even get dark as early as 4pm sometimes! It’s the perfect time to try going to bed a little earlier than normal or to reset your sleep routine, especially after the holidays.

49. Make a winter playlist

This can be composed of holiday favorites, an indie acoustic blend, instrumental music, winter-themed songs – whatever helps you relax and unwind!

50. Start planning for spring!

Even if all else fails, sometimes starting to plan out your spring is what you need to bear the winter blues! I like to plan spring recipes, travel plans, gardening goals for the season, and even start shopping for new spring home decor.

Download a FREE PDF of 101 Self Care Ideas!

Get this post in a printable, mobile-friendly PDF! Includes 2 sheets of self-care ideas that you can use on your phone, print out, or stick on your fridge!

I hope you found some new ideas on this roundup of 101 self-care ideas! If you liked this post, you’re also going to love my easy beginner-friendly meal prep guide to help you get started on meal prepping!