5 Winter Wellness Habits I Rely on to Get Through the Colder Months

The winter season has a way of slowing everything down — our bodies, our motivation, even our mood. Cold weather, shorter days, and a lack of sunlight can leave us feeling drained. I personally deal with seasonal affective disorder, and by the end of February I’m usually half-jokingly (half seriously) browsing real estate listings in California. Instead of trying to power through the winter months, I’ve learned to approach this season as one that requires a different kind of care. These winter wellness habits aren’t about doing more; they’re about choosing small, intentional rituals that make winter feel warmer, easier, and even a little more stylish (trust me, it helps).

So what are my secrets to getting through the coldest months? My go-to winter wellness habits include heated workouts, a winter-focused skincare routine, daily tea rituals, cozy outerwear, and planning a warm weather getaway to look forward to. Here are the five winter wellness tips that help me get through the season feeling well instead of worn down.

1. Take a Heated Workout Class

One of the most effective ways I get through winter is by taking heated workout classes. They help me beat the winter blues and noticeably boost my energy levels, which makes a huge difference during the colder, darker months. While the physical benefits are obvious, mental wellness is just as important for me. One reason I tend to feel seasonal depression is that I’m used to consistent movement and regular physical activity—especially walking outside—which slows down considerably this time of year.

Hot classes almost trick my body into feeling like it’s summer, if only for an hour. And when I step back outside into the fresh air, it genuinely feels warmer (although it definitely isn’t!). I’ll often spend a little extra time in the sauna afterward – one of those simple ways just to stay warm a little longer and extend that post-workout feeling.

Currently my favorite class is Warrior Sculpt at Lifetime (with Christine!) which combines yoga and weights in a hot studio. And I recently bought a few new workout pieces to wear to class, which makes me even more excited to go! (linked above)

2. Focus on Your Skincare Routine

Winter is tough on your skin, and for me it’s the season when I need to work harder to combat dry skin. The cold air outside, dry heat indoors, and extra hot showers can leave skin feeling tight and depleted, which is why I treat winter as the time to give my skincare routine a little extra attention. Deeply moisturizing products become non-negotiable.

I recently had an incredible facial at Rescue Spa that felt like the ultimate winter reset — it combined rich, nourishing products with light therapy and nano current technology to lift, sculpt and help everything penetrate deeper into the skin. It was a good reminder that winter self-care doesn’t have to be complicated, just consistent. I’ve been especially loving their Danucera skincare products for both face and body, leaning into formulas that support hydration and barrier repair so my skin feels healthy, comfortable, and glowing all season long. Even if you already have a solid skincare routine, upgrading your products in the winter is a great way to make a noticeable difference.

3. Drink Tea Like It’s a Daily Ritual

Comfort foods can feel helpful in winter, but for me they’re more of a short-term fix. A daily tea ritual, on the other hand, is something that actually supports how I feel throughout the season. I recently read this article in The New York Times that confirmed what I’ve felt for years — that these small, consistent rituals really do matter (it’s always nice to feel validated, isn’t it?).

I drink caffeinated black tea in the morning for a little energy boost, then switch to herbal tea at night to wind down and ensure I get enough sleep. It’s simple, grounding, and one of the easiest winter wellness habits to slip into your daily routine to warm you up from the inside out.

4. Wear Cozy Outerwear That Looks and Feels Good

In winter, what you wear and how you care for yourself are deeply connected. Having stylish outerwear that truly keeps you warm makes it easier to head outside, and sometimes even look forward to, despite the colder temperatures. It’s one of the simplest ways to look good and feel good, which is always my goal!

My favorite jacket this season is one I literally stumbled upon during a styling session with my friend Brooke (I shared more about this in my Substack newsletter), and it’s been on constant rotation ever since. I get compliments every time I wear it, and more importantly, I feel warm, comfortable, and super stylish. You can dress it up or down easily, which also makes it a great travel piece — one jacket and done.

5. Plan a Getaway Somewhere Warm

Winter is the perfect time to plan a much-needed getaway, especially during the colder months when social plans can feel fewer and farther between. Simply having something to look forward to — researching, planning, counting down — does wonders for my mental well-being, not to mention the trip itself.

I’m currently planning a girls’ trip to Miami, and just thinking about sunshine, warm air, and outdoor activities already feels like a mood boost. Spending time with friends, walking along the beach, sitting poolside, and lingering over lunch outdoors feels like the ultimate reset. Being in the sunshine and getting natural light helps lift a low mood and supports those vitamin D levels too, which feels like a win-win. Even a short escape makes winter feel more manageable — like the distance to warmer months suddenly gets a little shorter.

Try These Five Winter Wellness Habits

These five winter wellness habits have helped me get through this season better than any year before. While it still feels like a long way to go until spring, each of these routines has played a role in feeling happier, healthier, and more grounded during the colder months (not to mention more fit and more stylish!). If you’re looking to support both your physical health and mental wellbeing this winter, try incorporating a few of these habits into your own routine — even small changes can make this cold season feel a little lighter and go by a little faster.

We only feature items we think you will love and may earn a small affiliate commission through the links on this website.