Winter Wellness: Nourishing Your Body and Mind
- Bridie
- Nov 20, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 4, 2023
As winter unfolds its frosty embrace, it’s essential to pay extra attention to our well-being. The colder months bring unique challenges that can impact both our physical and mental health. In this blog post, we’ll explore the concept of winter wellness and share practical tips to nourish your body and mind, ensuring you navigate this season with vitality and resilience.
This blog post contains affiliate links which I hope will help you when choosing your winter essentials.
Photo by Tim Douglas on Pexels.com
Fuel Your Body with Nutrient-Rich Foods: Winter Nutrition Essentials
Winter is an excellent time to embrace a diet rich in immune-boosting nutrients. Incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your meals to provide your body with the fuel it needs to stay healthy. Now I absolutely love “winter food”. All the meals I would never make in the summer. We start to have a Sunday roast again every week, make stews and casseroles in the slow cooker, add a little spice to warm us up. YUM. We have a fairly basic Morphy Richards slow cooker and I love this slow cooker recipe book by Sarah Rossi.
Stay Hydrated: Beat the Winter Dehydration
While it may be cold outside, it’s still crucial to stay hydrated. Combat the drying effects of indoor heating by drinking plenty of water, herbal teas, and warm soups. Hydration is key to maintaining energy levels and supporting overall well-being. Plus your skin will be GLOWING. Personally, I have one of those insane 2 litre water bottles. Yes, it looks ridiculous to some people but if it works, it works. I also keep a glass next to my kettle, so whilst I wait for the kettle to boil for my next cup of coffee, I grab a small glass of water to top me up. That little hack was a game changer.
Winter Exercise: Embrace Indoor and Outdoor Activities
Don’t let the colder weather be an excuse to hibernate. Find ways to stay active, whether it’s through winter sports like skiing (if you live somewhere that is possible), walking/ hiking, or indoor activities like yoga or dancing. Exercise not only keeps your body fit but also releases endorphins that boost your mood. Getting a budget smart watch REALLY helped me to start exercising more, even if sometimes I was topping up my steps pacing my living room whilst watching TV. This Csasan smart watch has amazing reviews and is much more affordable than other brands.
Prioritize Sleep: The Foundation of Winter Well-Being
Quality sleep is paramount for winter wellness. Establish a consistent sleep routine, create a comfortable sleep environment, and limit screen time before bedtime. Adequate rest supports both physical and mental health. I will be doing a more in depth post about this in a couple of weeks. I have TERRIBLE sleep hygiene and finally caved in and asked my therapist for help. And I am so glad I did. But to get you started, do what you know you need to do and put that phone down 30/ 60 minutes before bed. Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and instead try a relaxing Pukka Herbs tea. I also use a body and/ or pillow mist like this Calm Mist by Tisserand.
Sunshine Vitamin: Boost Your Vitamin D Intake
With shorter days and less sunlight, it’s common to experience a drop in vitamin D levels during winter. Consider taking a vitamin D supplement and incorporate vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and eggs into your diet. And don’t worry, you can’t overdose on a daily vitamin D supplement, your body will simply absorb what it needs. Vitamin supplements don’t need to be expensive – your local supermarket will stock them or you can order them online like this one from Vitabiotics.
Winter Skincare: Protect Your Skin Barrier
Cold and dry air can take a toll on your skin. Invest in a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated, and don’t forget sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Taking care of your skin contributes to your overall sense of well-being. Again, you don’t have to spend or fortune on these products (although you definitely can). Now I have sensitive skin so I love the Aveeno daily moisturiser and when my skin is particularly dry I reach for the Vaseline Intensive Care. For SPF, I always reach for Nivea and this Protect and Moisturise 50+ SPF is perfect for winter months.
Mindful Indoor Activities: Cultivate Mental Well-Being
Engage in activities that stimulate your mind and bring you joy. Whether it’s reading, learning a new skill, or practicing mindfulness meditation, find indoor pursuits that contribute to your mental well-being during the winter months. I recommend the Insight Timer app for anyone who would like to give meditation a try as a beginner. It has so much free content for you to listen to and is my favourite thing to fall asleep to. You have the option of making a donation to the track creators after you listen!
Connect with Nature: Outdoor Winter Retreats
Despite the chill, spending time in nature has numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Bundle up and take a walk in a winter wonderland, appreciating the beauty of the season. Connecting with nature is a powerful way to rejuvenate your mind and body. This perfectly fits in with some of our previous tips! Connecting with nature will increase the vitamin D you’re absorbing, increase your step count, and it can also be a form of active meditation. If you’d like to make it a social activity take a look on your local community pages for walking groups.
Practice Gratitude: Cultivate a Positive Mindset
Cultivate a habit of gratitude to shift your focus towards the positive aspects of winter. Keep a gratitude journal, noting down things you’re thankful for, to foster a positive mindset and enhance your overall sense of well-being. Every November I buy a new journal for the following year and this year I chose a chunky 400 page journal for 2024 which will include a regular gratitude practice. I chose the EMSHOI lined A5 notebook but you could also try a focused Gratitude Journal from Gossip Fox.
Seek Professional Support: Your Mental Health Matters
If you find yourself struggling with winter blues or heightened stress, consider seeking professional support. A mental health professional can provide guidance and tools to help you navigate the challenges of the season. There are some helpful resources available from Mind.
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Winter wellness is about nurturing your body and mind, recognizing the unique needs of the season, and making intentional choices to support your overall well-being. By incorporating these tips into your winter routine, you can embrace the season with resilience, vitality, and a holistic approach to health. Remember, your well-being is a priority, and with mindful practices, you can thrive during the winter months.
Thank you for reading, and please share your winter wellness tips in the comments!
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