Winter in the office is its own kind of challenge. The days are shorter, the coffee gets cold faster, and somehow, the heater is never working on your side of the building.
Winter brings a heavy mix of feeling tired, craving comfort, and trying to stay motivated when all you really want to do is cozy up with a warm blanket and take a nap. However, it’s not all bad.
Tis the season, and here are a few winter hacks to help survive office life without sacrificing.
1. Hand Lotion For Your Desk
Winter is tough on your skin. Between freezing temps outside and dry heat inside, your skin takes a beating. So, keep a good hand lotion at your desk.
Choose a lotion that’s non-greasy and smells amazing. I love peppermint in the winter. It’s energizing and refreshing. It gives me a small moment of self-care during a hectic workday while avoiding dry, cracked hands and hangnails.
2. A Soothing Sound App
Offices can be loud in all the wrong ways. Chattering coworkers, ringing phones, and a printer that never stops are enough to drive anyone crazy.
Try a soothing sound app that can help you tune out the noise and find your focus. Think gentle rain, ocean waves, or soft white noise. This calm background will help you improve your concentration and stay in the zone.
3. A Coffee Mug Warmer
Lukewarm coffee is the enemy of winter mornings. A coffee mug warmer is a must. This underrated office survival tool keeps your drink at the perfect temperature, so you no longer have to chug your coffee before it turns cold.
This little gadget keeps your beverage of choice warm and makes your desk look cozy. Whether you’re sipping on coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, the steady warmth beside you will make the day feel a little less harsh.
4. Start the Day with an Intention
Winter mornings can feel like a battle just to get out of bed. Instead of diving into your inbox first thing, try taking a minute to set an intention for the day.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. You’ll find that something as simple as “I’m going to stay focused today” works wonders. You’ll feel more grounded and ready to take on anything that comes your way.
5. Stay Positive
Winter can feel heavy – dark mornings, endless gray skies, and collective meh mood around the office make staying positive a survival skill.
Start by noticing small wins, like completing a task early or sharing a laugh with a coworker. Then, begin to reach out to others. Positive energy is contagious. When you focus on the good, you’ll naturally find it easier to navigate the not-so-good.
6. Practice Self-care
Self-care doesn’t have to be bubble baths and face masks (though I enjoy those, too). Self-care in the office could be stepping outside for a short walk, taking a real lunch break, or saying no to extra tasks when you’re swamped.
When you prioritize you, you’re better equipped to handle stress and stay productive. Self-care is your best tool to prevent burnout and take care of your mind and body. Don’t skip this one.
7. Go to Bed Early
It’s tempting to binge one more episode of your favorite show, but winter mornings hit hard when the sun doesn’t come up until 8 am. Going to bed early is key to giving your body the sleep it needs to recover from the day and be ready to wake up early.
Sleep affects everything in your life, from your mood to your mind and immune system. Prioritizing it sets you up for success and makes morning commutes slightly less painful.
Try setting sleep-wake times and being consistent to keep your circadian rhythm on track during the long winter.
8. Talk to Your Coworkers
Winter can feel isolating, even in a busy office. Even if you don’t feel like it, take a moment to connect with your coworkers. What you might not realize is these small interactions can boost your mood and create a sense of belonging.
We’re wired for connection; even a quick conversation can make the day brighter for you or a coworker.
9. Bring Warm Food For Lunch
There’s nothing more comforting than a hot meal on a cold day. Swap out your usual salad or sandwich for soups, stews, or warm grain bowls. The warmth is truly energizing.
Get creative with meal prep. Try seasonal ingredients like squash or sweet potatoes. Your lunch might spark a little inspiration for the office smelling so good.
10. Stay Home if You’re Sick
This one sounds simple – stay home if you’re sick – but people fail to do it all the time. So many people push through illness to show up at work, yet this isn’t helping anyone. Resting up will help you recover faster and avoid spreading germs.
Working while sick doesn’t make you a hero. No one is that important. Your body needs time to heal, and your coworkers will appreciate your consideration.
11. Try Herbal Tea
Even if coffee is your thing, try an afternoon pick-me-up with a warm glass of herbal tea. Peppermint, chamomile, or ginger tea can soothe frazzled nerves and warm you from the inside out.
These teas can help with focus or relaxation while giving your hands a mini-hug from holding the warm mug. It’s a lovely sensation that’s sure to make you feel warm and cozy.
12. Add a Plant to Your Desk
A touch of green can do wonders for your mood and energy. Indoor plants improve air quality and add life to an otherwise dull office.
Even something low-maintenance like a succulent can brighten your space and remind you of growth and resilience – two things we could all use a little more during the winter.
13. Practice Mindfulness
Winter can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. Try mindfulness. This tool helps you focus on your breath or notice your surroundings. It’s a simple practice that makes a big difference.
Mindfulness reduces stress and helps you respond to challenges calmly. It’s something you can do anytime, anywhere – even in the middle of a chaotic meeting. Give it a try and just be present… mindful.
14. Try a Winter Hobby
Outside of work, pick up a winter-friendly hobby like knitting, baking, or even writing. Having something to look forward to makes the season feel less monotonous.
Hobbies are a great way to fight off winter blues. The sense of accomplishment you feel is likely to carry over into your workday, too.
15. Choose a Positive Mindset
It’s easy to complain about the long, cold, and dark days. However, that does not help anything. Choosing a positive mindset doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges. Instead, it’s about focusing on what’s within your control.
Find the little things that make winter special. I’m thinking of good books, cute boots, and holiday lights. Gratitude can shift your perspective and make the season feel a bit brighter.
16. Get Natural Light Throughout the Day
Short days can mess with your mood and energy levels. Make an effort to step outside during daylight hours, even if it’s just for a few minutes. The natural light boosts your vitamin D levels and helps you regulate your sleep cycle.
If you can’t make it outside, sit near a window or invest in a light therapy lamp. Your body craves sunlight; any exposure can make a big difference.
17. Eat a Balanced Diet
Comfort foods are tempting, and those winter cravings are no joke. However, balance is key to preventing weight gain in winter.
A healthy lunch can be the difference between powering through the afternoon and hitting a 3 pm slump. Incorporate whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and veggies into your diet to keep your energy steady throughout the day.
18. Stay Active
It’s hard to stay motivated to exercise when it’s cold outside, but movement is non-negotiable to beat winter sluggishness. You have to stay active.
Check out a new morning yoga routine on YouTube or start an evening stretching routine to help you prepare your body for bed. You don’t have to do much to stay active. Just get moving.
Physical activity in winter boosts endorphins, improves focus and mood, and keeps your energy levels up. Think of it as a reset button for your body and mind – one that’ll help you survive the workday, no matter what the weather.
