Self-care through the seasons

Sharing some of the ways you can make self-care work through all the different seasons in the year

One of the best things about self-care is how versatile it can be. You can switch up your routine as often as you like, and there is an infinite number of activities you can choose from to keep it fresh. For this reason, self-care is something you can continue to practice every single day, no matter where you live - or what season you’re in. Even as the seasons change, you can make self-care a priority every single day.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can make self-care work through all the different seasons of the year.

:: Summer

The days are longer, the weather is warmer – summertime fun is here! This is a great time to enjoy the season.

Start a garden: gardening can be one of the most satisfying and soothing activities you can do, even if you only have an indoor window-ledge to have a couple of little plant pots on. If you are fortunate to have an outdoor space (no matter how small), you can enjoy the beautiful sunshine, play in the dirt, and reap the rewards with beautiful flowers or healthy fruits and vegetables. It’s also a great way to have some bonding time with your family, as a bonus.

Plan a holiday (or a staycation): create a list of all the activities you’d like to do … and get busy planning! Explore the sights in your own hometown, and/or stay overnight somewhere local. Plan a weekend getaway … or a weekend of staying at home, turning off all your digital devices, and enjoying the home comforts in your garden space or local park.

:: Autumn

There is so much to love about the Autumn season – crisp air, bonfires, football and cozy jumpers are to hand, waiting to make an appearance when needed. It’s a great time to unwind and relax from the crazy summer chaos, and listen to what your mind and body truly needs to be nourished.

Visit the woods: nothing beats dancing around in the fallen leaves on a crisp autumn day. The leaves crackling underfoot, enjoying the glorious colours on the trees, and soaking up the last bits of warm afternoon sunshine.

Plan nourishing foods: when the weather gets cooler, it’s the perfect time to break out the slowcooker and indulge in some of your favourite comfort foods. Bake some bread, or batch-cook a load of apple pies for the freezer with the autumn fall booty.

When it comes to practicing self-care all year long, the options really are limitless. Find out what works for you and change up your routine as often as you need to. Tune in to what your mind and body need throughout the changing seasons.

:: Winter

With wintry grey days offering limited sunshine and below-freezing temperatures, the winter months can adversely affect your mental and physical health. For this reason, making self-care a priority during the cold months is super-important. Here are some ways to keep the winter blahs away and take care of yourself in the process:

Create a cozy, nurturing nook for yourself: light some candles, put up a string of fairy lights along a wall and pile your chair or sofa high with fluffy blankets and a pile of books or magazines for you to plough through at your leisure. Make yourself a soothing space that you can relax into at any time of the day that you need a bit of coziness and comfort.

Have a spa night: in the middle of winter, there is nothing like pampering yourself with a face mask, body wrap, a deliciously aromatic foot scrub, etc. Turn off your phone, and allow yourself to relax. Soak up the warmth of a bubble bath while reading a good book, and liberally apply your favourite scented body lotion to keep your skin in tip-top condition while it braves the elements. Yes, I know this one is a real cliche about self-care, but there is something so gorgeous about stepping out of a hot bath, wrapping yourself up in a warm towel and enjoying being snuggled up with a face mask on in the winter-time!

:: Spring

When grey skies and gloomy days bloom into sunshine and flowers, Spring has finally arrived. It’s a fabulous time to get outside, breathe in some fresh air, and allow yourself to step into a self-care routine that keeps you happy and healthy. Here are some ways to get yourself refreshed and ready to make the most of this beautiful time of year.

Get outdoors: this one is pretty obvious - after spending a fair amount of time being cocooned indoors during the winter months, the very best gift you can give yourself is to get outside. Soak up the sunshine and fresh air, immerse yourself in nature and explore somewhere you have never been before. If you are physically able, take a short walk outside at least once a day, getting your body moving again and allowing any winter kinks and creaks to dissolve in the fresh Spring air.

Declutter your space, refresh your home: it’s THE perfect time for a good old-fashioned "Spring Clean". Time to get rid of anything you no longer have use for – clothing, books, toys, household items, all kinds of things. Either donate them to a local charity, or pop them on Vinted or eBay (or brave a car boot sale, if the weather is holding). When you let go of unnecessary items, you make room for the more important things in life. And somehow you feel magically lighter!

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There are also lots of ways in which we, here at CreaTEAvity Studio, can help you to create and cultivate a self-care routine:

If you are feeling curious and would like to think more about upping your self-care routine, you are most welcome to download our self-care self assessment quiz - PDF, nothing fancy or high-tech! - for you to see for yourself areas in which a little more self-care might be welcome.

And you are also most welcome to download the accompanying ebook '25 simple ways to being putting yourself first' … (with space for you to journal your thoughts as you read through each way). I hope you find them useful, as well as illuminating for your self-care journey.