Hi Mimis, I hope you're doing well.
By the time February rolls around, winter has been with us for a while. Spring is coming, but the reality is that the cold, the gray, and the short days are still here for now. Being tired of it is completely normal. We can't speed up the season, but we can choose our attitude and the small daily habits that make it feel softer. That's what these winter self-care tips are about: looking for the beauty and the good in the season, and maybe even finding a little pleasure and comfort in the middle of it.
If you're looking to bring more sweetness into your everyday, this one's for you. Here are my eight favourite ways to make the end of winter feel warm and good to the heart.
Winter Self-Care Tips to Get You Through the Season
1. Create a relaxing evening routine
My first tip would be to build yourself a cozy evening routine, one that lets you truly unwind at the end of the day. It's no secret that winter is hard: it's often gray, the days are shorter, and we spend more evenings at home. So why not take advantage of this icy stretch to warm your heart inside your home, slow down a little, and take time for yourself, whatever that looks like for you.
Winter is the perfect excuse to romanticize everything. A candlelit bath, a good book with a comforting cup of tea, or your favourite show wrapped in a big blanket. Comfort guaranteed.
2. Discover the concept of hygge
My next tip is to borrow from the famous Danish concept of hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah"). If you've never heard of it, hygge refers to a feeling of well-being, a cheerful mood, and a warm, intimate atmosphere. It's the state of mind that comes from a moment that feels comforting, pleasant, and friendly. We could all use more of that in the middle of winter.
One easy way to practice hygge is to introduce soft lighting into your daily life. Skip the big overhead lights in the evening and reach for candles and small lamps instead. A soy candle or two on the table, a lamp in the corner, and you have the perfect recipe for a comforting atmosphere.
3. Find inspiration in small things
One of the keys to lifting a low spirit is inspiration. It helps us find motivation day to day and step out of the winter blues. Inspiration is everywhere once we take the time to notice what's around us. There's no "right" way to find it, but here are a few that work for me:
- Create a winter playlist with the songs that make you feel good.
- Start a Pinterest board for winter outfit ideas or cozy living room inspiration.
- Start dreaming about spring already, with lighter playlists and brighter boards. There's no rule against it.
4. Practice gratitude
Practicing gratitude is another lovely way to get through winter more gently. Being aware of what you have rather than focusing on what's missing helps you appreciate the present moment and see the beauty in each season. Keeping a gratitude journal is a simple way to make it a daily habit: three things you're grateful for, every evening, in a notebook you love opening.
5. Take care of your health
We can never say it enough: taking care of your mental and physical health is essential, especially in winter, when both are more likely to take a hit. It can look like many things: sleeping well, eating well, moving your body, and above all, getting some sun and fresh air whenever you can. It's amazing what a walk outside in the daylight can do for your mood.
6. Enjoy comforting drinks and meals
Another winter self-care tip: take the time to cook yourself homemade seasonal meals. Cold weather is the perfect excuse for comfort food. Put on your apron, play your favourite music, and make something warm.
Hot drinks count too, whether you're a coffee, tea, or matcha person. A nice little café is always a treat, but it can be just as lovely at home. If coffee is your thing, our Cafecito candle smells like your favourite café, and once the wax is done, the ceramic cup becomes your new espresso mug.
7. Surround yourself with people who make you feel good
It sounds simple, but it matters so much. Life and relationships aren't always easy, but the beautiful thing is that we can always choose to surround ourselves with people who genuinely do us good. Even more so in winter, invest in small quality moments with your favourite people: a walk in the snow, a board game night, or an intimate dinner at home with friends.
8. Treat yourself
Finally, at Mimi's we believe in self-love, because there's nothing more beautiful than learning to simply love yourself. That can mean many things, but it can also just be doing something small and pleasant for yourself, with no reason or occasion needed.
A few ways to treat yourself this winter:
- Buy pretty flowers on a Tuesday afternoon, just because.
- Get your favourite tea or coffee.
- Use your good moisturizer, or light your favourite candle because it simply smells too good to save.
- Find winter clothes that make you feel good.
- Make your home a place you love spending time in, since you'll be indoors more these months.
Shop reusable soy candles
I hope these winter self-care tips inspire you to bring a few more sweet moments into your days, and help you get through the hollow of winter while waiting for spring to show up.
See you soon Mimis!
Winter Self-Care Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
What is hygge and how do I practice it at home?
Hygge is a Danish concept of cozy well-being: a warm, intimate atmosphere and a feeling of comfort. The easiest way to practice it at home is through soft lighting (candles and small lamps instead of overhead lights), warm drinks, blankets, and slow evenings with people you love.
Why do I feel more tired and low in winter?
Shorter days and less sunlight affect sleep, energy, and mood for a lot of people. Getting outside in daylight, keeping a regular sleep routine, and staying active all help. If low mood lasts for weeks or affects your daily life, it's worth talking to a doctor or mental health professional.
What are the best candle scents for winter?
Warm and grounding scents work beautifully in winter: coffee and cacao (our Cafecito), forest notes of fir and cedar, or soft black tea and bergamot (our Botanica). Browse the full soy candle collection to find yours.
How do I start a gratitude journal?
Keep it simple. Each evening, write down three things you're grateful for from that day, big or small. Consistency matters more than length. A notebook you enjoy opening makes it easier to stick with.
Is it safe to leave a candle burning during a bath or while reading?
Yes, as long as it's on a flat, stable surface away from towels, curtains, and drafts, and you never leave it unattended. Keep burns to a maximum of four hours and trim the wick to about 5 mm before lighting. Our candle care guide has all the details.