Your Simple Winter Care List

February has always been a difficult month for me.

There’s the magic and busyness of planning for Christmas, the lull of January… and then by mid-February it can feel as though winter will never end. The light is still low, the days still long, and I often notice myself feeling more tired, more introspective, and more vulnerable. In the past, I’ve had many Februaries where my mental health suffered. Less so these days, but the remnants are still there, and I’ve learned that this time of year can quietly catch me out if I’m not paying attention.

So now, I meet February with care.

These are some of the ways I look after myself.

Early nights (even when it’s hard).
I’m not a natural night owl, but I’m still guilty of staying up later than my body wants, ignoring the signals and slipping into “just one more episode” or scrolling on my laptop. It’s not easy, but I try to turn the TV off earlier, put on my evening playlist, and begin winding down.

A gentle evening reset.
I spend 15 minutes doing a small house refresh: putting things away, loading the dishwasher, clearing surfaces. It’s not about perfection. It’s simply about not waking up to mess and chaos. Fifteen minutes is enough.

Reading instead of scrolling.
I recently bought a Kindle (I know it divides readers), but I’ve loved curling up under my heavy winter duvet and reading in a dark room. I choose calmer, less stimulating books at this time of year and have especially loved Wintering by Katherine May. It feels like permission to honour the season I’m actually in.

Warm drinks and small rituals.
Raw cacao with hot water and a splash of milk. A herbal tea I’ve been drinking daily all winter. These tiny rituals have become anchors in my day.

Lowering expectations.
January is a month where I reliably feel exhausted, so each year I now write in large letters across my diary: Do nothing.
It’s a reminder not to overbook myself. No big trips, no ambitious new projects, no unrealistic plans. Teaching, running the membership, and family life are enough. So I consciously lower my expectations and stop trying to push against the season.

Leaning into small comforts.
Warm joggers. A cashmere jumper. A blanket. An open fire. Morning walks. Gentle chats with friends. None of it dramatic. All of it deeply supportive.

Over time, I’ve realised that keeping a kind of internal seasonal calendar and noticing how I feel each month, paying attention to my energy is one of the most powerful ways I manage my time and wellbeing. It allows me to plan around my rhythms, rather than trying to force myself into someone else’s schedule.

It really is the small things that make the biggest difference.

And perhaps the most important thing I’ve learned is this: there is nothing wrong with you if winter feels heavy. Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is rest, soften, and meet ourselves with compassion.

Your Simple Winter Care List

Less doing. More listening. Small, supportive actions.

Five Gentle Actions

Choose one or two. That is enough.

1. Go to bed earlier than you think you need
   Protect your sleep. Turn off screens sooner. Let rest be the priority.

2. Create an evening reset
   Spend 15 minutes putting a few things away, clearing one surface, or loading the dishwasher. Gentle decluttering supports a calmer nervous system.

3. Step outside into daylight
   Even five minutes of fresh air and natural light helps regulate mood and energy.

4. Eat and drink something warm regularly
   A simple hot meal. A mug of tea. Warmth signals safety to the body.

5. Lower your expectations
   Do less on purpose. Leave space in your diary. Let this season be quieter.

A Minimalist Reminder

You do not need a long list of habits.
You do not need to optimise winter.
You only need a few small anchors that support your body, your home, and your energy.