Embracing Winter Wellness
The winter season may feel stark and empty, but deep in the frozen ground, life thrives. Plant roots and living creatures are undergoing change and renewal to re-emerge full of life come spring.
We’re invited to take lessons from nature’s solemn hush and slower pace, to examine the seeds of life within ourselves and to find ways to nourish our soul and spirit through the big chill. We have three months of cold nights and dark days to get through.
All the darkness can take its toll on our mental health, so we set out to thrive by accepting the season’s quieter rhythm and practicing winter wellness. When the first thaw arrives, you too will seek the sun’s healing warmth, refreshed and recharged for fresh growth and experiences.
Take care of yourself by connecting with people, not your phone. Gather family and friends together, make it a potluck and provide a hearty homemade stew, or a big pot of vegetable soup to not only feed appetites but also hearts and souls. Connect often: Join a book club, meet a friend for coffee, or reignite career passions with a networking group.
Cozy up in a cheery and bright home. Adding a splash of yellow and orange can be invigorating and lift moods. Colourful curtains and vibrant artwork can brighten the drabbest of days. Open the curtains to let the natural light shine in and be sure the windows are squeaky clean. Light-scented candles or diffuse essential oils such as a bliss of citrus, lavender, pine or peppermint make homes feel happy.
Take a class with a friend: We’re social animals and winter months can bring on isolation and hibernation. How about a yoga or cooking class? Pick up indoor pickleball or sign up for art classes. Engaging in a vibrant, learning atmosphere with your bestie keeps you emotionally, mentally and physically healthy and helps winter whizz by.
Recharge with outdoor exercise. There are bonus benefits of exercising outside in the wintertime, including increased calorie burn, improved focus and higher vitamin D levels. Dress for outdoor success – no cotton. Insulated clothing uses the heat your body produces to keep you warm. Merino wool is a great base- and mid-layer. A lightweight, water- and wind-resistant outer layer protects from winter’s bite.
Protect your skin. Sunscreen is just as important in the winter, so find a moisturizer that contains broad-spectrum SPF 15 protection. While ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are less intense in the winter months, UVA light is strong all year round and even passes through window glass. This ultraviolet light damages the skin, causing premature aging and even leading to skin cancer.
Plant goals and water over the winter. Self-care is about having something to look forward to in the future. Ask yourself what you want in the next two to five years. If it’s a promotion, then work towards upskilling with online courses or in-person classes. Maybe it’s a condo? Seek financial advice or even a financial coach to work out a tactical approach to make your goal a reality.
What we focus on, we get more of. Make a list of how you want to feel both emotionally and physically over the winter, and every time you are about to brush your teeth, choose one of the items from your list (hang it in the bathroom). Remember to put out what you want, not what you don’t want.
