5 Ways To Relax During the Winter

Winter can be a stressful time. Shorter days often bring about irritability and the seemingly never-ending stream of holidays and parties can sap your energy. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed this winter, try one of these five strategies to relax and recharge. 

1. Soak in a Warm Bath

There is something wonderfully therapeutic in the simplicity of soaking in a warm bath. You can make a few adjustments to take your soak to the next level. Many people find great results with cannabis products, and Los Angeles weed delivery makes it simple to get them delivered right to your home. You could also try adding a few drops of essential oils into the water. Lavender or a citrus blend can bring great stress-fighting results. 

2. Embrace a New Hobby

Take up an outdoor activity that harnesses the relaxing and therapeutic qualities of nature. If you can make it a physical activity, such as hiking or rock climbing, you can also get some of the benefits of exercising outdoors in cold weather. 

Adult coloring is very therapeutic. A simple box of colored pencils and paper are all you really need. There are tons of coloring pages you can download and print out, or you can invest in a book to have a supply on hand no matter where you go.

3. Schedule a Massage

If you have never experienced a professional massage, now is a great time to take the plunge. You'll quickly realize why so many people rave about massage as a self-care technique. It is an excellent way to release tension knots, reduce pain, and improve overall health. Many massage centers offer discounts for first-time customers or those who commit to multiple sessions upfront. 

It is perfectly normal to feel a little apprehensive about your first massage. Be sure to ask questions to ensure you find the right therapist for your needs. Some specialize in relaxation, while others work more with deep tissue massage or injury rehabilitation. Consider your comfort with someone of the same or opposite gender, too. The more you can relax during your treatment, the more you will get out of it.  

4. Get a Jump on Spring Cleaning

Instead of letting your space fill up with stuff this winter, get a jump on spring cleaning. There are lots of reasons why cleaning your home will help improve your mental state and boost relaxation. For starters, clutter and messiness contribute to increased stress. They also sap productivity, which creates a vicious cycle of rushing and anxiety. 

Start by going through your closets and storage rooms. This includes any rented storage spaces you may be paying for. Separate everything into three piles: keep, donate/sell, and trash. Try to keep them pretty even as you go through the items. Be realistic about the last time you used something and when it might come out again. Ask questions like these can help you with sorting:

• When was the last time I used this?
• When will I use it again?
• Will this still be in style the next time I want to wear it?
• Could someone else get more use/joy out of this?
• What are things like this selling for secondhand?
• Can I rent something similar in the future if I ever need to?

5. Find New Surroundings

If the hustle and bustle of everyday life are getting to you, now might be the perfect time to escape to new surroundings for a bit. That doesn't necessarily mean an exotic vacation, but rather getting into new surroundings. Try a new restaurant to meet friends for lunch, do some of your work outside instead of at your desk, or exercise at the local park instead of your usual gym for a quick change.

Sometimes, just changing your perspective is enough, even if you can't go to new surroundings. Give it a try by choosing to look at things in a new way. It may put you out of your comfort zone for a bit, but you might be surprised at how a fresh perspective can help cut stress levels.

There are lots of ways to relax naturally during the hectic winter season. From reading in a warm bath to exercising outdoors, you can conquer winter stress and find a few moments of peace.