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Getting Through Winter

Feeling stuck in a late-winter rut? If your relationship with winter is stormy and has more downs than ups, take a deep breath. Inhale peace. Exhale the tension and worries. No relationship is perfect and some discord is part of life. 

We’re halfway through February – the toughest month to love – and although spring is not far behind, the freezing temps and dull days can lower moods and energy, and increase fatigue and irritability. Taking a break can be empowering – a dreamy month away in the sun would definitely melt away the emotional frost and frustrations, but long, lazy vacations aren’t necessarily on everyone’s can-do list. What we can do is make small moves to break the cold spell. No more silently seething or outright complaining about the icy air, the bleakness, the disengagement. With the right attitude and activities, you can learn to love the one you’re with – aka winter!

Stave off the blahs and stay chill for the next six weeks. Then say hello to spring! Practice some tough love. You may feel it’s simply awful out, but fresh air is good for you. There are big benefits to even a short walk, including increased focus and less stress. One study shows that people who spent 15 minutes outdoors report 60% more positive emotions than those who stayed inside.

Practice self-love: Demands can beat us down so making yourself a priority is good for your health. You need a spa day! Chase away the blahs with a relaxing massage or facial. Indulge in a range of transformative treatments to renew and release built-up stress and tension. 

Boost your brain: Reading every day – just 20 pages of a paper book – will boost brain activity and increase our capacity for compassion, empathy and understanding. Screens don’t count. Studies show cutting back on screen time makes for happier people. Spend time with someone who loves winter. Research shows that the people who we surround ourselves with affect us in good and bad ways. If your friends are upbeat and optimistic, then this is likely to rub off on you. And positivity is good for our health – positive people tend to get sick less and they even live longer. 

Flower power: Symbolic of new beginnings and hope, seeing spring flowers like daffodils, tulips and hyacinths are salve for the soul and have been linked to elevated moods immediately, and for days afterward. They’re readily available - it may be snowing outside but invite spring into your home. 

Good mood foods: A high fish diet is associated with reduced depression risk, and getting your fruits and veggies can also help lower your risk of getting the blues. Stock up on antioxidant-rich cruciferous vegetables, like cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and brussels sprouts – they support energy production and help maintain steady blood sugar levels.

Buy experiences: Lasting happiness is linked to doing things with family and friends, not buying material things. Things like trips or outings build bonds and deeper feelings of joy – and if it’s shared, even better! An amazing pampering experience at Ste. Anne’s is good for your health and well-being and creates cherished memories, the very glue of healthy relationships.

Cook up some comforting food. Delicious, healthy soup will warm the heart and soul, and nourish your body while leaving the kitchen smelling amazing. A tasty homemade soup is always on the menu at Ste. Anne’s – you’ll love our Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, and our Cream of Asparagus Soup is sure to delight the entire family.

Meanwhile, take heart that this rough patch will pass and spring’s delightful sunny days will soon be adding a spark to our spirits, revitalizing and energizing us. Come in from the cold. Ste. Anne’s Spa is a combination of harmony, healing and nourishment for total body, mind and soul wellness. Slow down, unwind and recharge with us any time of year, no matter the weather, for a happy ever after experience.