Snowstorm Self-Care: Activities to Boost Your Mental Health Indoors and Outdoors

Most of Indiana is covered in snow today

When a snowstorm sweeps in and blankets the world in white, it’s easy to feel confined or even restless. But snow days don’t have to derail your mental wellness. In fact, they can offer unique opportunities for self-care and mindfulness. Whether you’re snowed in or braving the crisp winter air, here are some intentional activities to nurture your mental health.

Indoor Self-Care Activities

1. Journaling or Writing

Writing down your thoughts and feelings during a snowstorm can help you process emotions and gain clarity. Studies show that expressive writing reduces stress, improves mood, and even strengthens immune function. Journaling also fosters a sense of control by helping you organize your thoughts, which can be especially comforting during uncertain or challenging times.

2. Creative Projects

Engaging in creativity—whether through painting, drawing, knitting, or crafting—can significantly reduce cortisol, the stress hormone. Creative activities stimulate the brain’s reward system, fostering feelings of accomplishment and relaxation. They also allow you to express emotions in ways that words cannot, offering a therapeutic outlet for your thoughts and feelings.

3. Mindfulness or Meditation

A snowstorm creates the perfect backdrop for mindfulness. The stillness outside mirrors the calm you can cultivate within. Research shows that mindfulness reduces anxiety and depression, while meditation improves focus and emotional resilience. Take a few moments to sit near a window, observe the snow, and practice grounding techniques to bring yourself into the present moment.

4. Cooking or Baking

Cooking activates multiple senses, grounding you in the present moment. Preparing a hearty soup or baking something warm and fragrant can release dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Cooking also promotes a sense of mastery and self-sufficiency, which can boost confidence and provide a comforting routine during the storm.

5. Reading or Listening to Audiobooks

Getting lost in a good story is a form of escapism that reduces stress and builds empathy. Audiobooks are a great option if you want to relax without straining your eyes. Reading engages your imagination and helps you focus on something enjoyable, offering a mental break from daily worries or cabin fever.

6. Board Games or Puzzles

Engaging in games or puzzles activates the prefrontal cortex, improving problem-solving skills and enhancing focus. Doing these activities with loved ones also boosts oxytocin, the “bonding hormone.” Even solo puzzles or strategy games can provide a sense of achievement, which is uplifting on quieter days.

Outdoor Self-Care Activities (If Safe)

1. Building a Snowman or Snow Fort

Channeling your inner child by building a snowman or fort can boost endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators. Physical activity, combined with creativity and play, helps lower stress and foster joy. This light exercise also stimulates circulation and increases your body’s production of feel-good chemicals like serotonin.

2. Photography

Winter landscapes are uniquely beautiful, offering a chance to slow down and observe nature. Photography encourages mindfulness by helping you focus on details like the sparkle of snow or the symmetry of icicles. Capturing these moments can enhance your sense of gratitude and provide a lasting reminder of the beauty in your surroundings.

3. Birdwatching or Feeding Birds

Watching birds at a feeder is a simple, soothing activity that promotes mindfulness and connection with nature. Studies show that spending time with nature reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. Providing food for birds also fosters a sense of purpose and connection to the natural world, which can be especially grounding during a storm.

4. Snow Art

Using colored water in spray bottles to create art in the snow is a fun and creative way to engage with the outdoors. The act of creating art is therapeutic, helping to lower stress and improve mood by engaging the brain’s reward pathways. It also adds a splash of color and creativity to the monochrome landscape, lifting your spirits as you work.

Why Snowstorm Self-Care Matters

Snowstorms, while beautiful, can disrupt routines and lead to feelings of isolation or restlessness. However, with intention, they can also provide a chance to slow down and reconnect with what matters most: your well-being. These activities, grounded in science, can help you find balance, foster joy, and embrace the season’s unique offerings.

Take this time to nurture yourself, and remember that even a simple activity, done with care, can make a big difference for your mental health. Need more personalized tips for mental wellness? Whether you’re in North Carolina or Shelbyville, Indiana, we’re here to support you. Schedule an appointment with us—virtual or in-person—to take the next step in your self-care journey.