I am a certified sun worshiper.

There was even a time that I lived in my bikini which caused all my curly hair to fall because of too much of either chlorine or salt water. I am highly convinced that I was a Latina mermaid in my past life..

For nearly 30 years, I enjoyed too much sun that my grandmother always scolds me for staying so much under its harmful rays.

Fast forward to 2019, I am fighting the urge of going permanently back home or flying somewhere the sun smiles the whole day so I don’t have to experience being high on Vitamin D just to trick my body that I have enough dose of sun. I need that kind of high to not lose my sanity to the darkness and coldness because I used to be chirpy and chatty and was told that the weather might have an effect on how I feel. I searched non-stop for ways on how to make the winter a magical experience.

Here are my winter self-care rituals:

Vitamin D

I never realized how important Vitamin D in our bodies. I took this for granted knowing that we have so much where I am from.

Living in Malaysia also didn’t help.

Philippines and Malaysia’s weathers are just the same. Instead of soaking ourselves up on natural Vitamin D, we used whitening products. We stayed away from the heat of the sun. Whereas every German will stay out the whole day when the sun is out. If my grandmother gets mad when I play out under the sun, A German will question my sanity if I refuse to go out when the weather is good. I would even see my fellow Filipinos using their umbrellas to cover themselves up during the summer.

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Hibernation Nook

I normally prepare a small corner where I can just sit and enjoy the feeling of warmth. I keep it clean to keep its readiness for my daily hibernation needs.

Flowers

Flowers are just one of my winter staples. They never fail to make a place lovelier.

Candles

This is one of the things that I hoard when winter comes. If it’s cold and dark outside, I will light some candles inside make it a very cozy place for staying in. I normally turn the lights down and create a very relaxed atmosphere.

Wool Socks

The feel of the soft soles and the nice colors just makes staying in nicer.

Books

If there is a best time to bring out all the books I have planned on reading, it is during winter. I wear some nice wool socks and light some vanilla scented candles and I will be in heaven. I can stay the whole day inside.

Soup and Slow cooked meals

If summer made me want to eat fruits, salads and ice cream, winter is the best time to have soup and slow cooked meals.

Movie Marathon

This is the best time to watch all the favorite films and series.

Hot chocolate, marshmallows and teapots.

I have a thing for ceramics and cute little things. I bring them out during winter to amp up the coziness factor.

Notebooks, Papers and Pen

There is no better time to update journal entries and return letters but this cold weather.

Blankets and cushions

The thicker the better. The more comfortable the better.

Scrapbooks, Photo Albums and DIY Projects

I normally go back and look at the old photos or start scrap-booking during this time of the year. I noticed that I am more creative when it’s colder outside.

Music

I play slow music for days that I want to just chill and Latin music for days that I want to get moving. Whichever type of music it is, it is still Win-Win.

Nature

I still go out for a walk even if it’s winter. Though I am shivering, I love having that cold and tingling feeling in my face. Nothing beats fresh air and being close to nature.

Most importantly, I have learned to have a positive mindset. I count my blessings and enjoy the power of being present in everything I do. I believe, this is the secret on how to beat any blues that are yet to come.

How about you? Which is your favorite or how do you beat winter blues? I’d love to see in the comments below.

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