Taking care of yourself during the winter

Winter always calls for a little more gentleness. The days get shorter, we go out less, we sometimes sleep poorly, and our energy levels fluctuate wildly. To get through this season without succumbing to fatigue, Emmanuelle Rigeade, a pediatric nurse at MAY , shares simple and realistic tips —tips we can implement without adding mental burden.

First, let's get back to basics: getting enough sleep . It's not a luxury, it's essential. The body strengthens itself during the night, the immune system repairs itself, and many of those little signs of winter fatigue subside simply with slightly longer, more restful nights. Next, eat a variety of foods , without overcomplicating things: fruits, vegetables, protein, starches, vitamins… Winter isn't about deprivation. Every food provides something that helps the body cope, so let's mix it up, add color, and nourish our diets .

To avoid minor seasonal illnesses, there's nothing revolutionary, but simple steps that work: wash your hands when you get home, before caring for the baby, and even more often when there's a lot of activity. Air out your home morning and evening, just for ten minutes, even when it's cold, because that's what really gets rid of germs. Regularly clean toys and pacifiers, and if you have a cold, wear a mask when caring for a young child. And if the baby catches a cold, clean their nose regularly to prevent it from getting worse.

Our skin suffers in winter too. The cold outside, the heating inside—everything dries it out. So we switch to soap-free cleansers , slow down our baths, lower the water temperature a little, and moisturize generously with a gentle or soothing cream if needed. These small habits make all the difference.

The air in our homes can become too dry in winter without us even realizing it. Humidity can be measured with a small, readily available device, and the target should be between 40 and 60%. If it's too dry, a simple bowl of water placed on the radiator or laundry drying in the bedroom is often enough; if it's too humid, ventilate a little more. It's a simple balance, but one that has a significant impact on the comfort of the whole family.

And then, we go outside. Even for ten minutes. Even just to walk around the block. Seeing the daylight, getting our bodies moving , breathing the fresh air: it's a real winter treatment in itself.

Winter is also a perfect time to reconnect with loved ones, creating cozy moments, little rituals, simple moments that fill us with joy. A game, a hug, a snack under a blanket , on your rug with a book, a puzzle… Our emotional reserves empty more quickly in winter, so we nurture ourselves with things that make us feel good.

And above all, we listen to ourselves . We stop striving for performance, setting overly ambitious goals, or tackling endless to-do lists. If we manage to get out a little, cook a nice meal, move around for a few minutes, or take a nap when we need it, that's already fantastic. Winter isn't a marathon; it's a season for slowing down, respecting our own pace, and accepting that everything can move at a slightly slower pace.

Ultimately, taking care of yourself during winter isn't about changing everything : it's simply about embracing simplicity, gentleness, and what's possible. Sleeping, eating well, breathing, going outside, pampering yourself, and listening to your body. Small things done regularly, but they make a big difference.