Embrace the Chill: 5 Winter Wellness Tips to Thrive This Season
Colder temperatures and fewer hours of daylight can bring on seasonal blues. As we approach the depths of winter it can be hard to stick to our usual routines and before you know it, you're feeling sluggish, unmotivated and in a total funk. It's really common and you are certainly not alone. Nurturing your mind, body and spirit during the colder months can be very simple, especially if you plan ahead.
Movement.
Just 30 minutes of movement a day will benefit the body and increase your brain's production of serotonin and it also delivers an immune boost.
If you can’t get outside, think yoga or pilates. Low intensity activities like yoga or walking can boost your body’s metabolism, which is helpful this time of year when you're in hibernation mode filling up on comfort food and snuggling on the couch with a blanket.
Think shorter stints of movement, park a little bit further away when going out, turning two minutes into 10. The little incidental bouts of activity add up at the end of the day.
Sunshine.
When the sun is out, get into nature for a half hour walk. If you're at home, open your curtains and find a sunny spot to sit. Those little rays of sunshine will help to lift your mood and also promote healthy sleep at the end of the day.
Hydration.
Increased heating inside can dry out the air that we are exposed to increasing dehydration and also allergies. If you're not a fan of water then try out a variety of herbal teas, many teas can also help to reduce inflammation and give your immunity a boost. To help keep the allergies minimal during the cooler months, you could try using a humidifier. Vacuuming dust regularly can also help to keep allergies at bay.
Nutrition.
Cheer yourself up through nutrition by increasing your Omega 3, Vitamin D, Vitamin C and Zinc. Omega 3 is not only important for our brain and skin but will also help with the absorption of your vitamins and minerals. We always recommend that you take your supplements with a meal and healthy fat such as avocado.
Ramp up your intake of vitamin C with seasonal fruits and veggies, including citrus fruits, kiwis, broccoli, pumpkin, sweet potato, and spinach. Combine with food sources of zinc, such as meat, shellfish, dairy, legumes or nuts. It’s the perfect time for slow cooked stews and soups.
When it comes to starting your day on the right foot, why not treat yourself to a nourishing, mood-boosting breakfast? By incorporating wholesome ingredients like oatmeal, whole grains, nuts, and adequate protein, you can not only feel fuller for longer but also experience the benefits of stabilised mood and enhanced focus throughout your day.
Planning your meals ahead and cooking in bulk can have a huge impact on your day. It’s one less thing to think about and your mind and body will thank you for this simple, yet impactful, act of self-care.
Self Care.
Our favourite as this is how we get to nurture you. Winter is the perfect season to treat yourself to a beautiful nourishing facial or massage. Think warm beds, lustrous skin and a serene nervous system. Let your body surrender into a state of relaxation where stress and tension melt away. These treatments are not only relaxing but will help to activate clear thinking and emotional balance.
