Self care in the winter months

Dec 1, 2025
3 min read

Hey lovelies

With Christmas just around the corner and our cosy little town of Matlock, turning into that twinkly, frost-kissed wonderland, I thought I’d share a gentle reminder about something we often forget amid mince pies and fairy lights: self-care.

Because letting ourselves rest, recharge and glow feels extra important during the dark winter months.

So read on for some simple seasonal self care tips!

Embracing the winter rhythm

The nights are drawing in, the air’s crisp after a walk along the Derwent, and the temptation to hibernate is very real.

But when winter rolls in we’re more vulnerable to colds, flu and low mood.

Also, there’s something called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which some people experience in the darker months which can cause low mood, less energy and even changes to our sleep patterns.

So, adding in some layers of extra self care this winter isn’t indulgent or selfish - it’s sensible and kind to ourselves.

Skin-care: Your winter glow toolkit

With the cold breezes outside, and the indoor heating on full tilt, our skin often takes a battering. Here are some simple tips to help keep your skin in top condition throughout the winter months:

Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser and richer moisturiser at night
Don’t skip SPF. Even on grey days in the dales we get UV and our skin still benefits from protection
Treat yourself to a mask or gentle exfoliant once a week - a little ritual that says “you matter”
And most importantly: when you’ve got five minutes, light a candle, brew your favourite tea, and just sit quietly with your favourite scent. That downtime helps your skin and your mood.

Massages, muscle-melt and wellbeing

Now more than ever, we're bundled up against the cold, perhaps going outdoors less, or working harder in the office.

A massage (or simple self-massage), can do wonders.

It’s not just luxury: it helps relieve tension, improves circulation, and invites relaxation. If you’re planning a massage then choose a therapist who uses warming oils or a hot stone option - perfect when the wind’s whistling outside.

Wellbeing for the darker days

The days are shorter and we might feel a dip in our wellbeing. Here’s how to bolster your mood:

Get outside when you can: Even a short daylight walk can help. The NHS recommends making the most of natural light.
Keep moving: Gentle stretching, yoga, or even dancing around your kitchen (to Christmas tunes!) supports your mood and body.
Stay connected: Invite a friend for a coffee in town, or a cosy evening in. Social connection helps ward off winter blues.
Create comforting rituals: A warm bath, soft lighting, your favourite cushions - little things that slow down the pace and let you breathe.
Be aware of your feelings: If you find yourself feeling persistently low, tired or uninterested in things you used to enjoy, it’s okay to seek help. SAD and winter-low moods are real - and you don’t have to tough it out alone.