Winter Self-Care for Entrepreneurs Working From Home (with Chronic Illnesses)

Winter can be a really tough season, especially for entrepreneurs who work from home and deal with chronic illnesses. The colder weather, shorter days, and increased fatigue can make it harder to stay productive and maintain a sense of well-being. However, self-care during the winter months isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for staying balanced and focused. In this post, we’ll explore simple yet effective self-care tips and strategies to help you thrive through the season.

Winter brings unique hurdles, especially if you live in Canada or another cold climate, such as:

• Limited sunlight, which can affect energy levels and mood. Don't even get me started about seasonal depression a.k.a "S.A.D" (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
• Physical discomfort, like joint pain or flare-ups exacerbated by the cold. I have a really hard time with this one and staying warm is particularly essential for me.
• Mental strain, as working from home can feel isolating and stagnant.

Acknowledging these challenges is the first step to creating a supportive environment and routine that works for you.

Winter is certainly not my favourite season but I'm trying to make the best of it this year. Since I happen to be a winter baby, I've been looking to improve the comfort of my home office and up my self-care game as a little birthday gift to myself. Here are some of the ideas I thought might help you as well!

Creating a cozy, warm environment can ease discomfort and make your workspace inviting.

Here are some ideas:

• Wrap up with a heated blanket or invest in a small space heater to stay warm.

• Keep your feet cozy with plush slippers or thermal socks. My go-to this season are these cozy slipper socks.

• Use an ergonomic chair and cushions for support during long work sessions. With circulatory issues and restless legs I personally like to be able to sit with my legs up or crossed. This armless wide office chair is perfect for cross-legged sitting!

Staying energized and positive during the darker months can be tough, but these small adjustments can help:

• Try a light therapy lamp to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder and improve focus. With over 8,000 reviews this one is worth a look: Light therapy lamp.

• Keep a thermos of herbal tea or an energy-boosting drink at your desk. My personal favorite is this chai tea blend. As an alternative for those following an autoimmune protocol, check out this AIP-friendly homemade chai latte recipe I found!

• Incorporate gentle movement like yoga stretches, a quick dance break, or a short outdoor walk to refresh your body and mind. Even five minutes of movement can work wonders for both energy and mood. I recently discovered this YouTube channel with some really lovely guided yoga videos for warriors that I found quite restorative!

A balanced routine is vital to avoid burnout. Here’s how to manage it:

• Use time-blocking to schedule shorter, focused work sessions with planned breaks.
• Listen to your body and rest when needed, using techniques like spoon theory to prioritize tasks. This method can help you budget your energy for what's most important.
• Set clear boundaries with family or housemates to minimize disruptions during work hours. Communication is key to ensuring everyone respects your needs.

Winter is the perfect time to indulge in restorative practices:

• Enjoy hearty, nutritious meals like soups and stews that warm you from the inside out. Check out these soup recipes from my favorite food blogger & fellow chronic illness warrior: The Stay at Home Chef.
• Dive into creative hobbies, such as journaling, painting, or crafting, to soothe your mind and spark joy.
• Practice mindfulness with a simple meditation routine or a daily gratitude list to keep your mindset positive. Small acts of mindfulness can make a big difference in how you experience each day. The YouTube channel I mentioned earlier also has some lovely guided meditation videos you might like.

Your workspace should be a sanctuary that supports both productivity and comfort:

• Declutter your desk and add cozy touches, like a scented candle or soft lighting, to make it feel more inviting.

• Use organizers to keep essentials within easy reach, reducing unnecessary movement and strain.

• Consider practical tools like noise-canceling headphones, an adjustable laptop stand, or this Logitech ergonomic wireless mouse to enhance comfort and focus.

• Protect your eyes from screen strain with these super cute blue light blocking glasses. This simple adjustment can help reduce headaches and improve sleep quality.

Here’s a quick recap of the recipes and resources mentioned in this post:

• For a warm treat, try making an AIP-friendly homemade chai latte: Recipe Here.

• Nourishing soup & stew recipes from my favourite food blogger & fellow chronic illness warrior The Stay at Home Chef: Find them Here.

• Guided Yoga and Meditation videos by Santosha Spirit: Watch them Here.

Winter doesn’t have to feel like a season of survival. By incorporating these self-care strategies and creating a cozy, supportive environment, you can you can navigate the colder months with greater ease and productivity. Find what works best for you and your unique needs, we all experience the seasons differently. Sometimes all we really need is this little reminder, self-care isn't selfish—it’s a vital part of your success.

What are your favorite ways to practice self-care in the winter? Share your tips in the comments below! And if you’d like more resources for entrepreneurs managing chronic illnesses, sign up for my email list to stay connected.