Wellness Rituals You Can Do At Home During The Winter Solstice

If it feels particularly cold and dark on Sunday, that’s because it’s the winter solstice – aka, the shortest day of the year (and the official start of winter). But while it might look pretty gloomy outside, don’t be fooled: this is the perfect time of year to take a breather, reflect on the past year and set some fresh intentions for the one ahead. Need a little help getting started? We asked astrology experts to share their top wellness rituals for the winter solstice (all of which you can do from the comfort of your home).

What Is The Winter Solstice?

‘The winter solstice is an astronomical moment when the Earth tilts toward the Sun at the sharpest angle, causing the daylight hours to shrink,’ explains Karyna Diadiura, a spiritual advisor at Nebula. ‘This occurs every year around 21 or 22 December, marking the point of deepest darkness. On this day, the Sun rises at its lowest point above the horizon and seems to pause, which is where the word “solstitium” – meaning “sun standing still” – originates.’

But it’s not just a natural phenomenon; for as long as we’ve marked the winter solstice we’ve tied traditions and sentimental attachments to it. ‘In many traditions, it carries deep symbolism,’ agrees Karyna. ‘Since ancient times, this day has been viewed as a moment of transition, when the old fades into darkness and the new is born with the returning light. In Slavic, Celtic, Scandinavian and many other cultures, the winter solstice was marked with rituals of renewal, cleansing, ancestor honouring and celebrations of the rebirth of the Sun – a new cycle of life. It is a time of silence and inner calm when nature seems to hold its breath.’

This year’s winter solstice falls on Sunday 21 December (at exactly 3.03pm in the UK), and Karyna urges us to take the time to ‘reflect on the past year, make sense of experiences, and set intentions for the new cycle of light. The winter solstice is a threshold marking the end of darkness and the beginning of light, reminding us that even the shortest and darkest day ends with rebirth.’

How Does The Winter Solstice Impact Us?

Feeling a little lethargic this December? Winter has a way of making us slow down and seek out rest – and this feeling often comes to its peak during the winter solstice. ‘As daylight hours shorten and darkness lasts longer, our bodies naturally respond with changes in circadian rhythms and energy levels,’ observes Karyna. ‘Some people experience seasonal fatigue or a desire for a slower pace of life.’

And it’s not just our bodies that respond to seasonal changes – the winter solstice has a way of disrupting our sense of wellbeing, too. ‘It’s a natural emotional threshold,’ highlights Karyna. ‘Less light and seasonal fluctuations make us more sensitive to exhaustion, anxiety, inner tension or a melancholic mood. During this period, the body often asks for quiet, warmth and gentle self-care.’ Think of it as a space for reflection, restoration and setting intentions, as well as a time to wind down before starting a new chapter.

The Signs In Focus

Not everyone will feel the effects of the winter solstice in the same way, however. ‘From an astrological perspective, each sign experiences the winter solstice differently,’ emphasises Karyna. ‘This is the period when the Sun enters Capricorn, an earth sign that is structured and goal-oriented. But, depending on your elemental sign, you might be drawn to different paths, goals or intentions.’

To get some perspective on what you can expect from your sign, Karyna says:

• Earth signs (Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo) may particularly feel the need to slow down and plan future steps.
• Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) usually experience heightened emotions and stronger intuition.
• Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) may face a temporary drop in energy, encouraging them to take better care of their bodies; slowing down is especially beneficial for their active lifestyle.
• Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) often focus on reviewing social connections and need more mental space.

Wellness-Boosting Activities To Do During The Winter Solstice

So, how best to spend the winter solstice? While there are plenty of community rituals to take part in, Karyna emphasises the importance of protecting your own peace – and instead suggests bringing any celebrations home with a personalised wellness activity. ‘The winter solstice reminds us of the power of cycles: after the darkest night, light always returns. It’s a moment to slow down, feel your inner rhythm, and give yourself space to rest,’ she says. ‘Paying attention to your mental state creates a soft space of support: noticing signs of fatigue, restoring energy, and establishing healthy habits that help you navigate the cold season in balance. This is a way to prepare for the return of light calmly, consciously and with care.

‘Small rituals – like candles, tea, meditation, or writing intentions – help clear the mind and heart, release the old, and make space for the new,’ she adds. ‘The most important thing now is to listen to yourself and trust the process.’

Below, Karyna shares her top wellness activities you can do at home during the winter solstice – guaranteed to boost your mood and leave you feeling ready for the winter ahead:

Try Aroma Bathing

The spiritual advisor also suggests taking a bath or showering with richly scented essential oils. ‘Opt for lavender, rosemary, juniper or eucalyptus fragrances,’ she says. ‘Warmth relaxes the body, and the aromas help soothe the nervous system. This ritual is perfect for ending the day and relieving seasonal stress.’

Start A Candle Ritual

‘In the evening, turn off all artificial lights in your home and light as many candles as possible, allowing the flames to create a soft, living space,’ recommends Karyna. ‘In many traditions, fire symbolises cleansing: it gently burns away accumulated negativity, fatigue, and stagnant emotions, making space for the return of light.

‘Sit opposite one candle and speak out everything that has weighed on or worried you, silently or aloud. When you feel relief, extinguish the candle with gratitude, symbolically releasing all that is no longer needed. Additionally, do a thorough cleaning of your home with the candles lit – this purifies both the space and your inner state, helping you close the old cycle in clarity and light.’

Set Intentions

This is also the time to state clear intentions for the new cycle, says Karyna. ‘After a short meditation, write down three to five intentions you want to “grow” in the new cycle of light,’ she instructs. ‘These can be emotional, professional or spiritual goals. The winter solstice is an excellent moment for creating an inner map for moving forward.’

Sip Warming Tea

If it’s a moment of calm you’re craving, then try to carve out a small pocket of time during the day to sit with a hot drink. ‘Prepare a warm drink – ginger tea, cocoa or a herbal blend,’ Karyna suggests. ‘Sip slowly, focusing on the aroma and warmth. This helps ground yourself, feel calm, and bring your body into the here and now.’

Do Some Yoga

Can’t sit still? Get into the flow of the winter solstice with an at-home yoga session. ‘Even 10 to 15 minutes of light movement stimulates circulation, improves mood and helps release tension from the cold season,’ says Karyna. ‘Poses that open the chest are especially beneficial as they symbolically and physically let light in.’

Practice Gratitude In The Dark

Switch off (and switch off the lights), and focus on the positives. ‘With this practice, you can turn off the lights, sit with a notebook, or simply close your eyes and recall three things you are grateful for,’ says Karyna. ‘Darkness helps focus inward, and gratitude is one of the most effective tools for improving mental wellbeing.’