7 Tips for Your Cozy Winter Morning Routine

Some of us love winter, and others wish this time of the year would just pass us by.

If you happen to be the latter, here’s a winter morning routine to help you get through  this winter with ease.

Why You Need a Winter Morning Routine

The winter weather can be harsh and unpredictable. It is snowing, ice-cold, and sometimes rainy. This can make the winter days feel dark and gloomy for a lot of people. Sometimes even leading to winter blues. 

The only thing I dislike about this dark season is the cold weather. I can’t stand being cold.

But I love its beauty – the snow, the gray sky, and the bare trees. It’s almost as if time stands still. The calmness and slowness of everything. And just the opportunity to spend more time by yourself. (Any introverts here?)

If you tend to lose a lot of motivation during this season, hopefully establishing a solid morning routine can give you that extra push to get back on track.

7 Tips for the Perfect Winter Morning Routine

1. Wake Up Early (Don’t Hit the Snooze Button)

Rise and shine, sunshine!

But when you rise, the sun may not actually be out. Most likely it’s dark and cold and that makes it a struggle to pull yourself from your cozy, warm bed.

Despite that, I want you to set an alarm and challenge yourself to wake up early. And even though you may want to, don’t hit snooze on your alarm clock!

It just makes it harder to start your day. 

If you struggle to get up in the morning, try improving your sleep quality. 

Here are a few things I try to do to make sure I get a good sleep every night:

• Ensure I get at least 7.5 hours of sleep
• Go to bed at the same time every night
• Turn on my favorite meditations (Michael Sealey on YouTube) 

2. Prioritize Your Warmth and Turn Up the Heat

Once you get out of bed, it’s time to warm up.

Crank Up the Heat

To deal with the iciness of winter mornings, you’re going to want to turn up the heat. You don’t need the heater at full blast, but just high enough so that you can walk around your home comfortably. 

I find it a lot easier to do things once I’m warm. If I’m too cold, I’m not moving around. Sorry.

Indulge in a Warm Shower

Not that you need one, but isn’t the cold winter weather a perfect excuse for a long, warm luxurious shower? Morning showers are everything. It’s a great way to rejuvenate and it always makes me feel a little better.

3. Treat Yourself to a Nourishing Breakfast and Toasty Drink

Don’t skip breakfast! Some say it is the most important meal of the day.

All I know is that being cold and hungry is no fun. I’ve made my way into the office too many times in the cold on an empty stomach. 

And don’t forget to sip on a warm drink. Of course coffee is a morning staple, but there are other beverages you could try like tea, hot chocolate, or apple cider.

My Personal Drink Recommendations: 

• Vanilla chai or Earl Grey tea with a splash of vanilla flavored syrup or coffee creamer
• Hazelnut or french vanilla coffee with a matching flavored creamer

4. Make Time for Yourself with Simple Habits

Set aside some me-time. This is the time where you can be alone and do things to reconnect with yourself. Focus on things that make you feel good.

• Take up journaling to discover more about who you are and where you’re going.
• Get lost in a book you’ve been wanting to read or just reread your favorite.
• Listen to a motivational podcast. 
• Spend a few minutes meditating to clear your mind.

5. Remember to Moisturize Dry Skin

Unfortunately for me, I suffer from severely dry and itchy skin when it gets cold outside.

So while we may skimp on the moisturizer during other times of the year, now is not the time. Make an effort to lather yourself in your favorite moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

6. Dress Warm, Layer Up in Winter Clothing

The way you dress in this season can make or break you.

When I’m inside or working from home, I like to keep my clothing light.I usually wear robes, socks, sweat pants, sweatshirts, or long-sleeved shirts.

If I have to go outside, I usually wear jeans, sweaters, coats, hoodies, boots, gloves, scarf, and a hat.

7.  Create a To-Do List and Focus on Productivity

Look at your schedule! What do you have to get done today?

If you have no idea, try planning out your day or creating a to-do list. Also set daily goals that you can check off at the end of the day. It can boost your mood to see all that you have accomplished.

I love reflecting at the end of the day to see what I was able to achieve.

Additional Tips for a Good Winter

Here are some more tips to help you feel your best:

• Get outside. Yes, it’s the coldest time of the year. But taking a walk outside or even going for a jog could be beneficial.
• Take care of both your physical and mental health. If you think you could be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), seek medical advice.
• Don’t stay in bed all day! 

What’s Your Ideal Winter Morning Routine

Winters are made of steaming coffee, warm showers, foggy scenery, and alone time. It’s a great time to focus on healthy habits and to set the tone for the day.

What does your ideal winter morning routine look like? 

With the right winter morning tips, your mornings will be more productive and warmer. And that sounds like the recipe to making every winter day a great day.