I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the biggest fan of winter. But now that I’m living in a warmer climate, I miss watching the snow fall outside my window, the coziness of a candle and hot tea, and that specific kind of silence that only appears on the coldest days.
Ok so maybe it’s not the cold, specifically, that I miss, but rather the peaceful pace and calm nature of the season.
Winter is made for practicing mindfulness and self care. There’s a natural grounding energy that lends toward tuning in, connecting with those closest to us and practicing moments of presence throughout the day…that is, if we allow them.
As simple as they may seem, when put into practice, these winter mindfulness rituals will help you create calm, connection, presence, and harmony with the season.
What are your favorite winter self care and mindfulness rituals?
Winter Mindfulness Activities
These mindful winter activities will help you embrace the season and find peace, harmony, and joy in the cold, dark days.
Practice Mindful Conversations
Use the indoor time to practice active listening and have more meaningful conversations with your loved ones.
Create deeper connections by:
- Being present without distractions
- Listening and empathizing before responding
- Staying open-minded and curious without fixing
- Using eye-contact and open body language
Sip with all Five Senses
A hot drink can do more than warm you up. It’s an opportunity to slow down, be present, and fully savor the moment—even for just five minutes.
Grab a hot coffee or tea and notice:
- What it smells like
- What sounds you hear when stirring or pouring
- How the warmth feels against your skin
- What shape the steam makes
- What flavors you notice
Explore Mindfully
Enjoy the beauty of the winter, even in its bareness. Take time to notice nature, get lost in flickering flames, and enjoy childlike play.
Find wonder in the winter by:
- Noticing the smells, sounds, and textures of nature
- Playing in the snow
- Taking a winter walk in silence
- Sitting by a crackling fire
Use Your Hands
Get off your screens and into the real world by making something with your own hands. A tangible, low-stakes activity can help calm you down through slowing down and focused attention.
Find flow, creativity and mindfulness by:
- Writing by hand in a physical journal
- Making a craft without judging the outcome
- Documenting memories through collages, journaling, or scrapbooks
- Coloring, drawing, or painting without expectation
Find Deep Rest
Winter is a season of hibernation. Use the dark and quiet of winter to help you rest and sleep better.
Cultivate rest and rejuvenation by:
- Adding in restorative yoga and gentle movement
- Meditating before bed instead of in the morning
- Dimming the lights in the evening and turning off screens
- Calming anxiety through breathwork
- Taking a warm bath with calming scents
Create a Cozy Nook
Perhaps the best thing about winter is the hygge. Getting cozy sparks feelings of comfort, wellbeing, and joy.
Create a calm and peaceful space to:
- Watch a candle flicker
- Listen to a peaceful soundtrack
- Gaze at the weather outside
- Cuddle with pets or a fluffy blanket
- Get lost in a good book
I practice some of these rituals and need to do more, and more often. As the new year rolled around, I made a list of all the things I wanted to try or further explore, and had to remind myself, “If not now, when?” Thanks for the reset.