Winter can be one of the most wonderful times of the year. The air feels crisp, twinkling lights brighten dark evenings, and there’s a familiar scent of orange and cinnamon in the air. It’s the season of family get-togethers, cosy nights in, and festive nights out. In December, winter is pigs in blankets, mulled wine, and the sound of Mariah Carey on repeat – maybe even a little treat waiting under the tree come the 25th. It’s a time filled with warmth, nostalgia, and the simple joy of togetherness.
But once the novelty fades, winter can start to feel overwhelming. The dark nights are long, our social calendars fill up fast, and there’s pressure to fit in every “catch-up”, Christmas market, and festive night out. Add in the financial pressure of January, the endless stream of indulgent meals, and the rush for self-improvement come the New Year, and it’s easy to feel burnt out and sluggish.
That’s why winter self-care is so important. Among the fairy lights and festive cheer, it’s essential to slow down and look after yourself. There’s no joy – festive or otherwise – if you’re running on empty. Taking time to rest, reflect, and recharge helps you truly enjoy the season and keeps both your mind and body balanced.
To help you out, we’ve spoken with our team to share some of our favourite self-care tips for winter. Think small rituals and mindful moments to help you find calm, comfort, and a sense of wellbeing all season long.
Why is self-care important in winter?
We all know the feeling of winter; after all, it comes around every year. After the solstice, it’s dark before you leave for work, and dark again by the time you get home. The air is cold, the weather unpredictable, and the lack of daylight can leave even the most positive of us feeling flat. However, the long, dark evenings and chilly mornings don’t just affect our mood, they can impact our overall wellbeing too.
This is when we need to remember that there’s beauty in this slower season. After the rush of summer, winter offers us a natural pause. The world moves at a gentler pace, inviting us to rest, reflect, and take things slower. It’s the perfect time to prioritise self-care.
Self-care is simply the act of doing something that nourishes your mind, body, or soul. Anything that helps you feel balanced and cared for can contribute to how you look after yourself; it can be as simple as getting enough sleep, taking a quiet moment to enjoy your morning coffee, or creating a cosy space at home with soft lighting and your favourite candle. For others, it might mean longer routines, a digital detox, or a weekend retreat.
Whatever self-care looks like for you, winter is the season to embrace it. Slowing down, staying warm, and creating small rituals that make you feel good within yourself can help you move through the colder months feeling calm, grounded, and recharged.
Our top winter self-care tips
Now that we know why self-care is important in winter, let’s talk about how to actually make it happen. Our team have shared their favourite winter self-care tips for you to try this winter, from creating a cosy sanctuary at home to taking mindful moments throughout the day.
Create a cosy home environment
In the darker months, our surroundings have a big impact on how we feel. That’s why you should try to make your home feel like a retreat from the cold: a place where you can unwind and feel restored after a long day.
So our first tip? Take the time to make your space feel warm and inviting.
Light your favourite Essence of Harris Candle and let the soft, flickering glow fill the room with gentle fragrance. Wrap yourself in a soft blanket, curl up on the sofa, and watch a film that makes you smile. This simple act of lighting a candle, or turning on a lamp instead of the overhead light if you need something a little brighter, can transform the mood of a room.
Scent also plays a powerful role in creating a cosy, calming atmosphere. Choose fragrances with warm, grounding notes – think amber, cedarwood, or vanilla – to create a sense of comfort. Little touches like these turn ordinary evenings into mindful moments of winter self-care.
Take mindful breaks
During the festive season, life can get busy fast. Whether it’s social events, family plans, or just the general rush of the season, it’s easy to forget to pause. Even ten quiet minutes can help you reset.
Mindful breaks don’t need to be complicated; they’re simply moments to reconnect with yourself. For some, that might mean journaling or practising a few deep breaths before bed. For others, it’s a peaceful morning coffee enjoyed without distractions.
Even something as simple as stepping away from your desk, stretching, or taking a short walk can make a difference. The goal is to slow your thoughts and give your mind a chance to rest.
Stay active
It can be tempting to hibernate in winter, but moving your body is one of the best ways to support your mental and physical health. Regular movement boosts your mood, supports your immune system, and can even help you sleep better.
You don’t need to commit to long workouts, gentle exercise counts too. Try a yoga class, a quick morning stretch, or a dance class you’ve always wanted to try. Or, get your friends together for a Sunday morning walk and enjoy the crisp winter air together.
Even on cold or gloomy days, remember that movement is a form of self-care. It’s not about discipline, it’s about doing something that makes you feel energised.
Get outdoors when you can
Fresh air does wonders for the soul, especially when we are spending more time indoors during winter. Getting outside helps regulate your mood, lowers stress, and increases your exposure to natural light, which can help combat the winter blues.
Why not wrap up warm in your Harris Sands Scarf, pop on your favourite coat, and head out for a brisk walk? Even just ten minutes outside on your lunch break can lift your spirits.
It’s especially important if you work from home, as days can pass you by before you realise you haven’t stepped outside. Make it a habit to get some daylight every day, even when the weather feels wild. You will feel more balanced and refreshed for it.
Try new things
Winter can sometimes feel repetitive, so keeping your mind active is just as important as caring for your body.
Try a pottery or painting class, join a local book club, or start a new hobby you’ve always been curious about. Or, lean into the season and make your own festive decorations or homemade gifts. You could even swing by on a visit to us and take part in a Candle Making Class!
These small acts of curiosity can help you stay inspired and engaged, even when the days are short and the weather’s cold.
Rejuvenate your skin
Cold weather and central heating can take a toll on your skin, making hydration and skin care essential parts of your winter self-care routine. Use this as an opportunity to create small, luxurious rituals that help you relax and feel renewed.
Turn your bath into a moment of calm. Run the water, pour in your favourite Essence of Harris Hand & Body Wash, and light a candle to fill the room with soft fragrance. Afterwards, nourish your skin with our nourishing body lotion.
This simple ritual helps you reconnect with your body and brings the comforting scents of home into your daily routine, or the perfect Self-Care Sunday moment.
Stay hydrated
We tend to think more about hydration in summer, but it’s just as important in the colder months. The combination of cold air outside and central heating inside can leave us dehydrated without even realising it.
If plain water doesn’t appeal, try making hydration part of your comfort ritual. Herbal teas are a perfect winter alternative that are often packed with extra health benefits. Chamomile and peppermint can calm the mind before bed, while ginger or lemon can help support your immune system.
Keeping a favourite mug on your desk or beside the sofa is a small reminder to sip and stay nourished throughout the day.
Sharing the joy of wellbeing
Self-care isn’t just about time alone, it’s also about connection. Winter brings so many opportunities to spend time with friends and family, but it’s important to protect your energy too. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to say no to plans if you need rest. Setting boundaries is a form of self-care in itself.
When you do feel up for company, embrace those moments. Cook a meal together, go for a winter walk, or have a cosy night in with candles and music. Human connection boosts happiness and helps us feel supported, something we all need during the darker months.
Gift-giving can also be an act of self-care. Choosing thoughtful presents that nurture wellbeing, like a candle, a soft blanket, or bath products, shows care both for others and yourself. It’s a beautiful reminder that self-care and kindness often go hand in hand.
Finding calm and comfort this winter
Winter self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about creating small, meaningful rituals that help you feel grounded and content: whether that’s lighting a candle at the end of the day, taking a mindful walk, or carving out quiet moments just for you. Take the season as an invitation to slow down, listen to your body, and fill your days with warmth, light, and comfort.
Want to find the perfect fragrance to make your home a soothing, relaxing space? Explore our full Home Fragrance and Bath & Body collections to help you create your own sanctuary this winter.
And, don’t forget, you can discover more wellbeing inspiration on the Essence of Harris Blog.
We think you’ll like… The Ultimate Guide to Buying Wax Melts | Understanding Our Scent Collection: A Home Fragrance Guide | How To Care for Your Candles So They Last Longer and Burn Brighter
